The Gateway to Isan and Thailand’s Largest Province by Area
Nakhon Ratchasima Province, commonly known as Korat, is the largest province in Thailand by area and the principal gateway between Central Thailand and Northeastern Thailand (Isan). With its deep historical roots, strong regional identity, strategic location, and economic significance, Nakhon Ratchasima plays a vital role in Thailand’s national development.
🏛️ Formation & Historical Background
Nakhon Ratchasima has long been a frontier city linking different civilizations.
Key Historical Timeline
| Year/Period | Major Event |
|---|---|
| Ancient era | Dvaravati and Khmer influence |
| 11th–13th century | Important Khmer outpost (Phimai) |
| Ayutthaya period | Established as a fortified border city |
| 1826 | Heroic defense led by Thao Suranari (Ya Mo) |
| 1899 | Administrative reforms under Siam |
| 1933 | Established as a modern Thai province |
Korat is deeply associated with Thao Suranari, a national heroine of Thailand.
🧭 Basic Provincial Information
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Official Name | Nakhon Ratchasima Province |
| Capital City | Nakhon Ratchasima (Korat) |
| Region | Northeastern Thailand (Isan) |
| Governor (2025) | Appointed by Ministry of Interior |
| Area | ~20,494 sq km (largest in Thailand) |
| Population (2025 est.) | ~2.6 million |
| Time Zone | UTC +7 |
| Main Languages | Thai, Isan (Lao dialect) |
| ISO Code | TH-30 |
⚖️ Government & Administration
Nakhon Ratchasima follows Thailand’s provincial administrative system.
| Level | Authority |
|---|---|
| Province | Governor |
| District | District Chiefs (Amphoe) |
| Local | Municipalities & Subdistrict Administrative Organizations |
The Nakhon Ratchasima Provincial Hall oversees governance.
🗺️ Administrative Districts of Nakhon Ratchasima
Nakhon Ratchasima Province consists of 32 districts (Amphoe):
Mueang Nakhon Ratchasima
Khon Buri
Soeng Sang
Khong
Ban Lueam
Chakkarat
Chok Chai
Dan Khun Thot
Non Thai
Non Sung
Kham Sakaesaeng
Bua Yai
Prathai
Pak Thong Chai
Phimai
Huai Thalaeng
Chum Phuang
Sung Noen
Kham Thale So
Sikhio
Pak Chong
Nong Bunmak
Kaeng Sanam Nang
Non Daeng
Wang Nam Khiao
Thepharak
Mueang Yang
Phra Thong Kham
Lam Thamenchai
Bua Lai
Sida
Chaloem Phra Kiat
🌐 Geography & Environment
Topography: Plateaus, plains, forested mountains
Major Features: Khorat Plateau, Dong Phaya Yen Range
Borders: Saraburi, Chaiyaphum, Buriram, Surin, Prachin Buri
Natural Highlights:
Khao Yai National Park (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
Wang Nam Khiao highlands
Lam Takhong Reservoir
Nakhon Ratchasima links Central Thailand with Isan’s geography.
🏘️ Local Government Structure
Local administration includes:
Nakhon Ratchasima City Municipality
Pak Chong Municipality
Phimai Municipality
Subdistrict Administrative Organizations (TAO/SAO)
Korat City acts as the economic and administrative capital of Isan’s western zone.
🧩 Provincial Development & Priorities
Key development focuses include:
Logistics & transport hub (rail + highways)
Industrial estates & manufacturing
Agriculture & food processing
Tourism (heritage & eco-tourism)
Smart city & regional urban development
Nakhon Ratchasima is a core growth engine of Northeastern Thailand.
🛡️ Law Enforcement & Safety
| Agency | Function |
|---|---|
| Nakhon Ratchasima Provincial Police | Law enforcement |
| Highway Police | Transport corridor safety |
| Disaster Response Units | Drought & flood management |
The province has enhanced public safety infrastructure due to its size.
🕊️ Religion, Language & Culture
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Major Religion | Buddhism (Theravada) |
| Cultural Identity | Isan culture with central Thai influence |
| Local Language | Isan (Lao dialect), Thai |
| Key Figure | Thao Suranari (Ya Mo) |
Major Cultural & Religious Sites:
Thao Suranari Monument
Phimai Historical Park (Khmer heritage)
Wat Sala Loi
Korat culture bridges Isan and Central Thai traditions.
📈 Economy & Key Sectors
| Sector | Description |
|---|---|
| Agriculture | Rice, cassava, sugarcane |
| Industry | Automotive, cement, manufacturing |
| Tourism | National parks & heritage |
| Trade | Regional wholesale & logistics |
| Services | Education, healthcare, retail |
It is one of Thailand’s most diversified provincial economies.
🎓 Education & Healthcare
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Universities | Suranaree University of Technology |
| Major Hospitals | Maharat Nakhon Ratchasima Hospital |
| Education Role | Isan’s western education hub |
✈️ Transport & Infrastructure
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Roads | Mittraphap Road (Thailand’s main Isan highway) |
| Rail | Northeastern Railway Line |
| Future Projects | High-speed rail (Bangkok–Nong Khai) |
| Nearest Airports | Nakhon Ratchasima (planned expansion) |
Korat is Thailand’s main transport gateway to Isan.
🏞️ Tourism & Attractions
Top Attractions:
Khao Yai National Park (UNESCO)
Phimai Historical Park
Wang Nam Khiao
Thao Suranari Monument
Jim Thompson Farm
Tourism blends nature, history, and rural experiences.
🌍 Regional & National Role
Gateway to Northeastern Thailand
Largest province by land area
Major logistics & industrial hub
Cultural bridge between regions
📝 Summary
Nakhon Ratchasima Province stands as Thailand’s eastern gateway — vast in land, rich in history, and powerful in economic influence. As the heart of western Isan, Korat connects regions, cultures, and markets, making it one of Thailand’s most strategic provinces.
📢 News & Articles
“High-Speed Rail and Korat’s Future”
“Industrial Growth in Northeastern Thailand”
“Preserving Phimai’s Khmer Heritage”
🎯 Our Mission
This profile is part of the AFP Global Knowledge Hub, delivering structured, link-ready, and authoritative provincial knowledge.