Nakhon Ratchasima ) is a city (thesaban nakhon) 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, in the municipal area has a population of 142,645.The city is also commonly known as Korat (RTGS Khorat, ), 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, however now is considered a gateway to the Northeast (Isan). Its geographical location is .Nakhon Ratchasima is also the center of the Nakhon Ratchasima Metropolitan Area.