Nakhon

Nakhon is a Thai toponym meaning “city” or “metropolis.” The term is written นคร in Thai and is widely used as a component of place names across Thailand. It derives from the Sanskrit-Pali nagara, meaning city, and has long served to designate urban centers in Thai history, including capitals within provinces and municipalities. In modern usage, Nakhon frequently appears as a prefix or suffix in province names and in the names of provincial capitals.

Notable examples include Nakhon Ratchasima Province (often called Korat) in the northeast; Nakhon Pathom Province near Bangkok; Nakhon Si Thammarat Province in the south; and Nakhon Phanom Province along the Mekong River. The capitals of these provinces typically bear the Nakhon element, such as Nakhon Ratchasima, Nakhon Pathom, Nakhon Si Thammarat, and Nakhon Phanom.

The term is not a standalone administrative unit but a descriptive element used throughout Thai geography. Because of its generic meaning, Nakhon appears in many district and subdistrict names and has historically signaled centers of trade, governance, or religion.

See also: Nakhon (disambiguation) and list of Thai provinces with Nakhon in their names.