Ancient Khmer name “ankor raj”. Did you know Nakhon Ratchasima derives its name partly from this?
Welcome to Nakhon Ratchasima a city steeped in history. It serves as the capital of the Nakhon Ratchasima province. This province is the largest in Northeastern Thailand. Nakhon Ratchasima is also known as Korat.
Today we stand before Pratu Rajsimas gate. It is more than just an entrance. This gate represents centuries of history and culture.
Nakhon Ratchasima’s story stretches back before the 14th century. The area was under Khmer Empire suzerainty. It was known as Angkor raj. Phimai to the north held greater importance then.
King Narai of Ayutthaya saw the strategic value of this location in the 17th century. He ordered a new city to be built here. It would serve as a stronghold. This protected Ayutthaya’s northeastern frontier. Nakhon Ratchasima became a “second-class” city. A royal governor ruled it hereditarily.
The late 18th century brought turmoil. After Ayutthaya’s fall in 1767, a prince tried to seize power. He aimed to control Korat and eastern provinces. King Taksin of Thonburi sent generals Thong Duang and Boonma to defeat him. Thong Duang later became King Rama I. Korat became his strategic stronghold. He supervised Lao and Khmer states from here.
In 1826 Vientiane King Chao Anouvong attacked Korat. This was part of the Laotian Rebellion against King Rama III. Lady Mo a local hero saved the city. She is honored with a statue in downtown Korat.
The city’s old wall reflects French design. A French engineer is believed to have designed it. He also built Naraimaharaj Palace in Lopburi.
Nakhon Ratchasima continued to grow in importance. It became a key political and economic center. The Royal State Railways of Siam reached Korat in 1900. This connected it to Bangkok.
After the Siamese revolution of 1932 Nakhon Ratchasima became the headquarters. It was for the Boworadet Rebellion. This uprising opposed the new government in Bangkok.
During World War II Nakhon Ratchasima troops fought in the Franco-Thai War. Later the United States helped build Mittraphap Road. This connected Saraburi to Nakhon Ratchasima.
In 1981 the government and royal family sought refuge in Korat. They were escaping another coup attempt.
From 1962 to 1976 the Korat Royal Thai Air Force Base played a role in the Vietnam War. It hosted forces from Thailand the United States and New Zealand.
Nakhon Ratchasima continues to be a vital hub. It blends its rich past with modern development. The city stands as a testament to resilience. It reflects strategic importance. It embodies cultural pride.