Nakhon Ratchasima Province

Nakhon Ratchasima
Nakhon Ratchasima; นครราชสีมา
	Province
Nakhon Ratchasima Province
	Statue of Lady Mo in Khorat city centre
	; Seal
	; Seal
	Nickname(s): Khorat
	; Map of Thailand highlighting Nakhon Ratchasima Province
Country	Thailand
Capital	Nakhon Ratchasima City
Government
• Governor	Rapee Phongbupakit (since October 2010)
Area
• Total	20,494 km2 (7,913 sq mi)
Area rank	Ranked 1st
Population (2014)
• Total	2,620,517
• Rank	Ranked 2nd
• Density rank	Ranked 34th
Time zone	ICT (UTC+7)
ISO 3166 code	TH-30
Website	www.nakhonratchasima.go.th

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Nakhon Ratchasima (Thai: นครราชสีมา), often called Korat (RTGS Khorat, โคราช), is one of the northeast provinces (changwat) of Thailand. Neighbouring provinces are (clockwise, from north) Chaiyaphum, Khon Kaen, Buriram, Sa Kaeo, Prachinburi, Nakhon Nayok, Saraburi, and Lopburi.

The capital of the province is the city of Nakhon Ratchasima in Mueang Nakhon Ratchasima District, also called Korat or Khorat. The Khmer name for the province is Nokor Reach Seima. The Malay name is Negara Raja Sima.

Geography

Khao Yai National Park

The province is at the west end of the Khorat Plateau, separated from the Chao Phraya river valley by the Phetchabun and Dong Phaya Yen mountain ranges. Two national parks are in the province: Khao Yai in the west and Thap Lan in the south. Both parks are in the forested mountains of the Sankamphaeng Range, the southern prolongation of the Dong Phaya Yen mountains

Nakhon Ratchasima, or "Khorat," is a large province on the northeastern plateau and acts as a gateway to other provinces in the northeast. It is 259 kilometres (161 mi) from Bangkok and has an area of around 20,494 square kilometres (7,913 sq mi), making it the largest Thai province. The province is rich in Khmer culture and has a long history.

Climate

Climate data for Nakhon Ratchasima(1981–2010)
Month	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec	Year
Average high °C (°F)	30.7 (87.3)	33.6 (92.5)	35.6 (96.1)	36.5 (97.7)	35.0 (95)	34.4 (93.9)	33.8 (92.8)	33.2 (91.8)	32.2 (90)	31.0 (87.8)	30.1 (86.2)	29.3 (84.7)	32.95 (91.32)
Average low °C (°F)	18.5 (65.3)	21.0 (69.8)	23.2 (73.8)	24.9 (76.8)	25.0 (77)	25.1 (77.2)	24.7 (76.5)	24.5 (76.1)	24.0 (75.2)	23.2 (73.8)	21.1 (70)	18.3 (64.9)	22.79 (73.03)
Average rainfall mm (inches)	8.2 (0.323)	16.1 (0.634)	37.1 (1.461)	72.2 (2.843)	154.1 (6.067)	104.5 (4.114)	120.9 (4.76)	157.2 (6.189)	228.3 (8.988)	146.3 (5.76)	23.9 (0.941)	2.7 (0.106)	1,071.5 (42.186)
Average rainy days (≥ 1 mm)	1	2	5	8	15	13	15	16	19	12	4	1	111
Average relative humidity (%)	64	62	61	65	73	72	73	75	80	78	71	66	70
Mean monthly sunshine hours	284.2	245.1	253.8	248.1	237.5	208.6	194.6	187.3	169.0	233.4	257.3	282.0	2,800.9
Source: Thai Meteorological Department (Normal 1981-2010), (Avg. rainy days 1961-1990)

History

Phimai historical park

Main Gate of Korat

The area around Khorat was already an important centre in the times of the Khmer empire in the 11th century, as can be seen by the temple ruins in Phimai historical park. Nakhon Ratchasima Province is one of the provinces where there is still a sizable Northern Khmer population.^[2]

A new walled-city with a surrounding moat, designated as Nakhon Ratchasima, was built in the 17th century by order of the King Narai, as the easternmost "command post", guarding the kingdom's border. It continued this duty during the Bangkok Period, although it was briefly seized during Chao Anuwong of Vientiane's 1826 revolt against King Rama III of Siam.

Nakhon Ratchasima has long been the most important political and economic centre in the northeastern region. In the late-19th century, the railroad reached Khorat and it became the junction of two main rail lines in the northeastern, Isan, region. In 1933 it was the stronghold of the royalist troops in the Boworadej Revolt, as they fought against the new ostensibly democratic government in Bangkok. In the 1950s, the Korat Royal Thai Air Force Base was built in Nakhon Ratchasima; from 1961 until 26 February 1976, this facility was also used as a base by the United States Air Force.

Korat cat

Korat Cat (Si-Sawat)

(Thai: โคราช, มาเลศ, สีสวาด, rtgs: Khorat, Malet, Sisawat)

The Korat is a natural breed, and one of the oldest stable cat breeds. Originating in Thailand, it is named after the Nakhon Ratchasima province (typically called "Korat" by the Thai people). In Thailand the breed is known as Si-Sawat, meaning "colour of the sawat seed". They are known colloquially as the "good luck cat" and are given in pairs to newlyweds or to people who are highly esteemed, for good luck. Until recently, Korats were not sold, but only given as gifts.

Korats first appeared in Britain under the name "Blue Siamese" in 1889 and 1896, but as these solid blue cats did not conform to the cat show judges' perception of a Siamese cat they disappeared by 1901. One early import, "Dwina", owned by Russian Blue breeder Mrs Constance Carew-Cox and mentioned in Frances Simpson's The Book of the Cat (1903), reputedly produced a large number of "Siamese" kittens; the other, Mrs B. Spearman's Blue Siamese male, "Nam Noi", was disqualified as a Siamese, but accepted in the Russian or Any Other Blue class in which he placed first (WR Hawkins, "Around the Pens" July 1896). Spearman tried unsuccessfully to import more of these "Blue Siamese".

Korats first appeared in America in the 1950s. In 1959, Cedar Glen cattery was the first to import a pair of Korats to the US for breeding: a male named Nara and a female named Darra. The Korat was introduced to the UK by Betty Munford of the High Street, Hungerford.

Symbols

Thao Suranari Monument

The provincial seal depicts the revered heroine of Khorat, Thao Suranari (Thai: ท้าวสุรนารี).

A monument to Thao Suranari (real name: Khun Ying Mo; 1771–1852) stands in front of the old Pratu Chumpon gate. Also called "The Great Heroine of Khorat", Kun Ying Mo was the wife of the Siamese-appointed deputy governor of Khorat during the reign of King Rama III. In 1826, Khun Ying Mo managed to repel the Laotian army led by Prince Anouvong of Vientiane who tried to reinstate control over the Khorat plateau. King Rama III conferred the title of Thao Suranari on Khun Ying Mo, as well as additional ones honouring her bravery.

The provincial tree is the sa-thorn (Millettia leucantha Kurz)

The provincial motto is "Land of brave women, fine silk material, Khorat rice noodles, Phimai Historical Park, and Dan Kwian ceramics".

Administrative divisions

Downtown Nakhon Ratchasima City

Main Gate of Khorat

The province is subdivided into 32 districts (amphoe). The districts are further subdivided into 263 subdistricts (tambon) and 3,743 villages (muban).

As of May 15, 2007, the government has upgraded all 81 king amphoe to amphoe to streamline administration.

**Districts General Information**
class	Name	Area (km².)	Distance to Provincial Hall (km.)	Establish	Subdistrict (Unit)	Village (Unit)	Population.
class	Name	Area (km².)	Distance to Provincial Hall (km.)	Establish	Subdistrict (Unit)	Village (Unit)	Male	Female	Total
Special	Mueang Nakhon Ratchasima	755.596	0	1895	25	243	212,627	221,211	433,838
1	Dan Khun Thot	1,428.14	84	1908	16	220	62,571	63,347	125,918
1	Bua Yai	305.028	101	1886	10	121	41,855	42,278	84,133
1	Pak Thong Chai	1,374.32	34	1910	16	213	56,716	58,950	115,666
1	Phimai	896.871	60	1900	12	208	64,421	66,024	130,445
1	Sikhio	1,247.07	45	1955	12	169	60,898	61,163	122,061
1	Pak Chong	1,825.17	85	1955	12	217	91,146	91,685	182,831
2	Khon Buri	1,816.85	58	1939	12	152	46,086	47,167	93,253
2	Chakkarat	501.672	40	1953	8	108	34,441	34,643	69,084
2	Chok Chai	503.917	30	1905	10	126	37,297	39,223	76,520
2	Non Sung	676.981	37	1897	16	195	62,639	65,374	128,013
2	Prathai	600.648	97	1961	13	148	38,622	38,761	77,282
2	Sung Noen	782.853	36	1901	11	125	38,429	40,181	78,610
2	Huai Thalaeng	495.175	65	1961	10	120	37,443	37,131	74,574
2	Chum Phuang	540.567	98	1959	9	130	40,918	41,038	82,161
3	Soeng Sang	1,200.24	88	1976	6	84	33,733	33,302	67,032
3	Khong	454.737	79	1938	10	155	40,052	41,076	81,128
3	Non Thai	541.994	28	1900	10	131	36,126	37,592	73,718
3	Kham Sakaesaeng	297.769	50	1968	7	72	21,423	21,753	43,176
3	Kaeng Sanam Nang	107.258	130	1986	5	56	18,782	19,054	37,836
3	Wang Nam Khiao	1,130.00	70	1992	5	83	20,416	20,503	40,910
4	Ban Lueam	218.875	85	1976	4	39	10,620	10,732	21,351
4	Nong Bunmak	590.448	52	1983	9	104	29,424	29,316	58,740
4	Thepharak	357.465	90	1995	4	58	12,002	11,451	23,453
4	Phra Thong Kham	359.522	45	1996	5	74	21,260	21,680	42,940
4	Sida	162.825	85	1997	5	50	12,087	12,133	24,220
4	Bua Lai	106.893	103	1997	4	45	12,374	12,450	24,824
4	Non Daeng	193.407	30	1989	5	65	12,597	12,984	25,581
4	Kham Thale So	203.605	22	1966	5	46	14,091	14,021	28,112
4	Mueang Yang	255.522	110	1995	4	44	14,321	14,038	28,359
4	Lam Thamenchai	308.457	120	1996	4	59	16,114	15,953	32,067
4	Chaloem Phra Kiat	254.093	18	1996	5	61	16,966	17,411	34,377

Transportation

Nakhon Ratchasima Station

Roads Highway 2 (Mittraphap Road) is the main route that connects nine districts in Nakhon Ratchasima including Muang district. This route also connects Nakhon Ratchasima to Saraburi and Khon Kaen Provinces. Hwy 24 links Si Khio district from Hwy 2 to Pak Thongcha, Chok Chai, and Nong Bunnak districts and to Buriram Province.

Rail systems The railway system in Nakhon Ratchasima is on both northeastern routes from Hua Lampong central terminal. Nakhon Ratchasima Province has 8 main railway stations.

Bus service Minibus and bus routes operate in the city and nearby areas. There are non air-conditioned buses from the provincial town which go to every district. As for travel to nearby provinces, there are both air and non air-conditioned ones.

Songthaew Songthaews are the most popular mode of public transportation in all the town districts. These run on fixed routes.

Taxi Taxis are plentiful, clean, safe, and inexpensive in Khorat. They can be found at taxi stands in the city areas or hailed on the streets. There are also certain taxis that can be requested by phone, however, the fare is slightly higher than regular taxis. An increasing number of taxi drivers nowadays speak some English which may prove extremely useful for first-time visitors. The fare system is based on both distance and time. Fares begin at 30 baht for the first 2 kilometres.

Motorbike-taxi Motorbike taxis are found mainly in the town areas and are used mainly for short distances.

Airport Nakhon Ratchasima has one airport, but as of June 2007, it had no scheduled flights. The nearest airport is in Buriram and has flights to and from Bangkok.

Tourism

Phimai Historical Park

Nakhon Ratchasima is Thailand's largest province and the "gateway to Isan" (northeast region). It has beautiful national parks, with many forests, mountains, waterfalls, and reservoirs. It is well known for a variety of quality handicrafts.

Most visitors to the province are Thai nationals. Foreigners who visit the northeast largely view Khorat as just a stepping stone and merely pass through it.^{[citation needed]}

Attractions

Thao Suranari Monument (อนุสาวรีย์ท้าวสุรนารี) is a memorial to the Thai heroine called Ya Mo by locals. Built in 1934, it is in the city's centre. Thao Suranari was originally Khun Ying Mo, the wife of the assistant governor of Nakhon Ratchasima. In 1826, Chao Anuwong of Vientiane wanting to stop Siamese influence over Vientiane principalities over the Issan region which historically were given to the Prince of Vientiane attempted to rid the region of Siamese appointed governors. After his forces rounded up families in Khorat who themselves were forced to relocate closer to Siam from Vientiane during the first sacking of Vientiane, began sending them back toward Vientiene, Khun Ying Mo according to legend rallied villagers to fight against their captivity, enticing the Lao soldiers with rice wine and sex. They first confused and then overcome their captors in actions that introduced the first blunt against the Lao "incursion" into Siam, although Khorat was never Siamese. In honour of this King Rama III promoted Lady Mo to 'Thao Suranari'. Every year during 23 March to 3 April, people who respect Thao Suranari hold a festival to honour her bravery. There is, however, a great deal of disagreement, including between official government historians in Bangkok and local tellers, as to whether Lady Mo (or Miss Boonleu) even existed. Most historians believe Thao Suranari was a creation by the palace in Bangkok as an attempt to suppress Laotian identity in the region, apart of a nationwide policy of ethnic cleansing. Thao Suranari would become a perfect symbol for such efforts. Translation of a book that details accounts of Lady Mo, the events at Tung Samrit and important historical references to Chao Anuwong is currently under draft, as of 2 June 2009, by Frank G Anderson. The translation also contains the first-ever English language detailed description of the Thao Suranari statue, as well as references to the Italian sculptor who first created the model for casting, Corrado Feroci.

Northeastern Museum of Petrified Wood and Mineral Resources (พิพิธภัณฑ์ไม้กลายเป็นหิน และทรัพยากรธรณีภาคตะวันออกเฉียงเหนือ ), at present, this area has a collection of over 10,000 petrified wood pieces. Some are displayed in the garden. Within this compound, petrified wood was unearthed just beneath the surface to 8 metres underground. The wood discovered is of various sizes from pebbles to rocks are aged from 1 to 70 million years old.

Khao Yai National Park (อุทยานแห่งชาติเขาใหญ่) is in the Sankamphaeng Range. It occupies parts of four provinces: Nakhon Ratchasima, Nakhon Nayok, Saraburi, and Prachinburi. The jungle here divides the central region and the northeast. Khao Yai became Thailand's first national park on 18 September 1962 and is an ASEAN World Heritage because of its variety of flora and fauna. The general terrain of Khao Yai National Park consists of mixed forest.

Mueang Sema Historical Site (โบราณสถานเมืองเสมา) The Sema city plan is egg-shaped, three kilometres wide and four kilometres long. The city flourished during the Dvaravati period and was built around the 12th Buddhist century. It grew until the 16th-17th Buddhist centuries when it came under Khmer influence. In the area are ruins made of laterite and sandstone and many artefacts have been unearthed here. The most interesting one is the reclining sandstone Buddha image and an old religious relic that is now in Wat Thammachak Semaram.

Wat Thammachak Semaram (วัดธรรมจักรเสมาราม) The place used to be a religious site in the Dvaravati period. The important artefact here is a huge reclining Buddha image made of red sandstone that stretches from north to south. It is 13.3 metres long and 2.8 metres high. It dates from 657 AD. There is an old sandstone Buddhist symbol in the form of a cartwheel. Other artefacts include bronze Buddha images, fired clay images, glass beads, a ceramic loom, and a stone inscription tablet. They are on display in Phimai National Museum.

An Ancient Town in Tambon Khorat or Ancient Khorat (เมืองโบราณที่ตำบลโคราชเก่า หรือ เมืองโคราช) is considered as the beginning point of the ancient Khmer civilization in Nakhon Ratchasima. There are overall 3 remaining ancient sites; namely, Prasat Non Ku, Prasat Mueang Khaek, and Prasat Mueang Kao.

Prasat Non Ku (ปราสาทโนนกู่) In 1991–1992, a lot of archaeological evidence was excavated, creating an assumption that this place might possibly be a Hindu shrine.

Prasat Mueang Khaek (ปราสาทเมืองแขก) It comprises a main sanctuary, 2 structures of Bannalai (library), gallery, entrance archways, pond, boundary wall, and a small brick building.

Prasat Mueang Kao (ปราสาทเมืองเก่า) The entrance of the temple was constructed similar to the city gate of old Khorat Town and there is a replica Monument of Thao Suranari (Khunying Mo or Ya Mo).

Dan Kwian Pottery Village (หมู่บ้านทำเครื่องปั้นดินเผาด่านเกวียน) The area used to be a rest area for caravans trading between Khorat and Cambodia. The Mun River flows through it. Villagers use clay from the river banks to make pottery and have continued doing so for many generations. Nowadays Dan Kwian is known as a crafts centre most noted for the production of ceramics in a great variety of designs.

Ban Prasat Home Stay (โฮมสเตย์บ้านปราสาท) was formally introduced in 1996 and now Ban Prasat is the prototype of home stay programs in other villages around the country. Ban Prasat villagers are like other villagers in the region in that most are farmers. Rice farming is done once a year. Villagers use their free time to create handicrafts to supplement their income. Crafts include weaving reed mats and hats, using some trees to make shoes and bags, breeding silkworm, and making Thai stringed musical instruments like So U and So Duang.

Phimai National Museum (พิพิธภัณฑสถานแห่งชาติ พิมาย) The museum collects archaeological artefacts and has exhibits on the past cultural prosperity of the Northeast, especially artefacts found in the lower part of the region. The exhibition is allocated to three different sections, which displays Isan culture and civilization affected from different periods from pre-historic period till the present day.

Phimai Historical Park (อุทยานประวัติศาสตร์พิมาย) in Phimai District, has one of the grandest and most important Khmer historical sites in Thailand that is the Phimai sanctuary. The word Phimai appears in an inscription on a stone slab at the front doorway of the building as well as in many other structures. It is believed that the word Phimai meant a religious figure or site. It consists of structures made of sandstone and laterite, all ornately carved with designs.

Farm Chokchai (ฟาร์มโชคชัย) is one of the largest dairy farms in Asia. The farm offers agro-tourism activities with the guide showing the facilities, including the production of raw milk, raising milk cows, milking cows, horse-riding, touring horse stables, dog farms, and a zoo.

Nakhon Ratchasima Zoo (สวนสัตว์นครราชสีมา) The zoo is one of the most modern in Asia. Most of the animals here are from Africa. Of note are penguins, seals, African elephants, rhinoceros, cheetahs, lions, zebras, and giraffes. The zoo is ideal for biology study and relaxation. Beside, inside the Nakhon Ratchasima Zoo, there sections called the Children Zoo. The purpose of setting these sections is to provide children, youth or people the chance to have a close study about animals’ predicament and the new Water park Khorat is in around the northeast.

Activities

Khao Yai, Pak Chong

There are plenty of activities in Khorat, which includes swimming at the Olympic sized Waterslide Park, horse racing at the Second Army Area and learning military history, bird spotting at Khao Yai and mountain climbing, go carting, horse riding, ATV driving, scenery viewing by mini golf vehicle at Thong Sombun Club. Available golf courses at Khorat are:

Friendship Meadows Country Club
Mission Hills Golf Club Khao Yai
Khorat Country Club Golf & Resort
Voyage Panorama Resort and Golf Club
Mountain Creek Golf Resort and Residences

Local products

Nakhon Ratchasima has a wide variety of local goods that tourists can buy from city markets or production centres. Famous handicrafts are Dan Kwian earthenware, silk and Mat Mi silk from Pak Thong Chai. Products of housewives can be bought from the Khorat Goods Centre near the provincial hall.

Food products include sausages, fermented sausages, Chinese sausages, minced pork that is found everywhere in the city and in Pak Chong, and Khorat noodles that are sold everywhere. The largest fruit market is Klang Dong Market before going up Khao Yai. This is where produce from Nakhon Ratchasima and nearby provinces is sold. The most famous fruit of Klang Dong is custard apple that is sold all year round.

Local culture

Lifestyle

Thai korat dance

Khorat is an agricultural province where most of the population works in farming rice, sugar cane, tapioca, corn, jute, peanuts, sesame and fruits. Many of Khorat's youths are moving to nearby Bangkok to work.

Since Khorat used to be a former US airbase during the Vietnam War, there is a significant number of ex-GIs in Khorat. They simply never went home.

The people of Khorat are a mixed-breed. There are those of Khmer ancestry, Laotian ancestry, and Chinese ancestry. In the town areas, most of the people speak standard Thai but in more rural areas, they speak "Khorat" which is a dialect half way between Thai and Isaan (Laotian).

Festivals and fairs

Thao Suranari Memorial Fair (งานฉลองวันแห่งชัยชนะของท้าวสุรนารี) is an annual event held 23 March-3 April, the period when Khunying Mo was victorious over the enemy. The fair features arts and culture, shops and exhibitions.

Phimai Boat Races (งานประเพณีแข่งเรือพิมาย) is held yearly by the people of Amphoe Phimai on the second weekend of November. Apart from the races of boats in Phimai and nearby districts, this event has boat decorations for royal ceremonies and boat chants.

Phimai Festival (งานเทศกาลเที่ยวพิมาย) is organised to promote tourism activities in the province’s main tourist destination of Phimai Historical Park that is held in conjunction with Phimai Boat Races. Activities include long boat racing, cultural performances, religious processions, and a light-and-sound show.

Art

Pak Thong Chai is known for its high quality hand-woven traditional silk and it is the industry of one whole village there. Dan Kwian is a village where pottery has been the way of life for centuries.

Education

Universities

There are four universities in the area.

Schools

Ratchasima Wittayalai School 1
Ratchasima Wittayalai School 2
Saint Mary's College Nakhon Ratchasima
Suranaree Witthaya 1
Suranaree Witthaya 2
MBAC
Boonwatthana 1
Boonwatthana 2
Phimai Witthaya
Assumption School Nakhon Ratchasima
Fort Surathamphithak School
Phoowittaya school (Lab school project)
Plookpanya school
Koratpittayakom school
Wangrongnoi school

International schools

St.Stephen's International School (SIS) (Khao Yai Campus)
Adventists International Mission School (AIMS) (Nakhon Ratchasima Campus)
Anglo-Singapore International School (Korat Campus)

Facilities

Hospitals

Maharaj Nakhon Ratchasima General Hospital
Nakhon Ratchasima General Hospital (Khok Kruad sub-district)
Bangkok-Ratchasima Hospital
Fort. Suranari General Hospital
St.Mary Hospital
Khorat Memorial
Por-Phat Hospital
The Golden Gate Hospital
Wing 1 Hospital
Hua Ta Lae Hospital (Hua Ta Lae sub-district)

The Mall Department Store

Shopping

Pak Chong

Tesco Lotus
Outlet Village Khao Yai (Pak Chong)
FN-Outlet

Communications

Landlines provided by TOT and TT&T
IDD phones provided by CAT
Mobiles provided by AIS GSM, DTAC, TRUE and HUTCH
Internet / High-speed internet (ADSL) provided by TOT, CAT and TT&T. Internet cafes can be found everywhere in the town/markets
Post offices are available in every district of Nakhon Ratchasima.

References

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↑ Thai People In Northeastern Thailand (Isan)

External links

Nakhon Ratchasima travel guide from Wikivoyage
Province page from the Tourist Authority of Thailand
Official website
Nakhon Ratchasima provincial map, coat of arms and postal stamp Archived January 3, 2015 at the Wayback Machine
Khao Yai National Park