in the north-east (Isan) of Thailand and gateway to Isan. It is the capital of the Nakhon Ratchasima Province and Nakhon Ratchasima district. As of August 16, 2010 the municipal area has a population of 142,645.
The city is also commonly known as Korat a short version of the full name. It is located at the western edge of the Khorat Plateau and historically marked the boundary between the Lao and Siamese territory.