Nakhon Ratchasima
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Nakhon Ratchasima (Thai: นครราชสีมา) is a city (thesaban nakhon) in the north-east (Isan) of Thailand. It is the capital of the Nakhon Ratchasima Province and Nakhon Ratchasima district. As of December 2005, the city has a population of 150,768, which makes it the third-biggest city in Thailand. Nakhon Ratchasima is also capital of the province Nakhon Ratchasima.
The city is also commonly known as Khorat or Korat, which is a short version of the ancient name Korakapura.[citation needed] It is located at the western edge of the Khorat Plateau and historically marked the boundary between the Lao and Siamese territory. Its geographical location is 15°0′N 102°6′E / 15.000°N 102.100°E.
History
From archeological evidence it was found that there were 2 ancient towns named Sema and Korakapura which currently is in Sung Noen district, 30 km west of present-day Khorat. In around the years 1656-1688 King Narai had move the city to current location. The city was attacked by Anouvong, the King of Vientiane, in 1827 in an attempt to halt the growing Siamese control of Laos. Thao Suranaree is a local hero with a statue in the center of the city; she is credited with having saved the city from Anouvong's army. The old town of Khorat west of Thao Suranaree monument was designed and built by the French engineer whose believed to be the same one who built Naraimaharaj Palace in Lopburi.
Weather
3 Season : Hot (February - May), Raining (May - October), Cold (October - February)
Traffic
Nakhon Ratchasima is connected with the northeastern railway line, connecting Bangkok with Nong Khai. Also passing the city is Thai highway 2 (Friendship highway). 26km north of the city is the Nakhon Ratchasima Airport.
Point of Interest
- Korat Royal Thai Air Force Base was used by the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War is located some 8km south of the city.
- Korat Zoo
- Thao Suranaree Monument
- Wat Salaloi
- Flyweight Boxing Champion Pongsaklek Wonjongkam was born in this city. (added by piggu)