Nakhon Ratchasima

Home to around 2.6 million people, Nakhon Ratchasima is the most populous and economically productive province in Isan, generating the region's highest provincial GDP through agriculture processing, manufacturing, and services. The province shelters two UNESCO-listed natural assets within its borders — Khao Yai National Park and Thap Lan National Park — together protecting vast tracts of monsoon forest and rich wildlife. Phimai Historical Park preserves one of the largest and finest Khmer temple complexes in Thailand, predating Angkor Wat and linked to it by an ancient royal road. The province gave its name to the Korat cat breed, known locally as 'si sawat', a silver-blue feline regarded as a good-luck charm. Principal crops include rice, tapioca, and sugarcane, while Seagate Technology operates major disk-drive factories near the provincial capital.