Located in the northeastern province of Nakhon Ratchasima, the Khorat Geopark received the status of Global Geopark from the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) on 17 May 2023, according to Deputy Secretary-General to the Prime Minister and Acting Government Spokesperson Anucha Burapachaisri.

In order to become a UNESCO Global Geopark, the area must have geological heritage of international value. By raising awareness of the importance of the area’s geological heritage in history and society today, UNESCO Global Geoparks give local people a sense of pride in their region and strengthen their identification with the area. 

The creation of innovative local enterprises, new jobs, and high-quality training courses is stimulated as new sources of revenue are generated through geo-tourism, while the geological resources of the area are protected.

Khorat Geopark is situated in the middle to lower Lam Takhong Basin. It covers five districts: Sikhio, Sung Noen, Kham Thale So, Mueang Nakhon Ratchasima, and Chaloem Phra Kiat. The major river flowing through the geopark is the Lam Takhong River. The climate is tropical wet and dry, and the natural vegetation is mostly dry dipterocarp forest and dry evergreen forest.

After Khorat Geopark has become a UNESCO Global Geopark Nakhon Ratchasima is now the world’s fourth city to be declared “Triple Crown” by UNESCO, following Italy, South Korea, and China. The UNESCO Triple Crown of Nakhon Ratchasima province consists of three UNESCO natural conservation programs, namely (1) Dong Phayayen – Khao Yai Forest Complex (World Heritage Site), (2) Sakaerat Biosphere Reserve (Man and Biosphere Reserve), and (3) Khorat Geopark (Global Geopark).

The Khorat Geopark Committee has agreed to organize an event to celebrate the Khorat Geopark and the UNESCO Triple Crown of Nakhon Ratchasima. This event “Geopark and Fossil Festival 2023” will take place at the Korat Hall, Central Department Store Nakhon Ratchasima, on 8-10 June 2023. It also coincides with the celebration of the 555 years of Korat to be held throughout the month of June.