Sakon Nakhon


Sakon Nakhon is a city in Thailand within the Isan region, and capital city of Sakon Nakhon Province as well as Mueang Sakon Nakhon District, with a population of approximately 76,000. Sakon Nakhon covers the whole tambon of That Choeng Chum and parts of tambons Ngio Don, Huai Yang, Dong Mafai, That Na Weng and Hang Hong. Sakon Nakhon is 651 km north-east of Bangkok by road.

History

During World War II, Sakon Nakhon became a haven for Free Thais, and a base for Communist activities in the late 1950s.

Geography

Sakon Nakhon lies on a flat plain at about elevation on the south-west bank of Lake Nong Han, the largest lake of north-east Thailand. The town is surrounded by extensive farmland.

Climate

Sakon Nakhon has a tropical savanna climate. Winters are dry and very warm. Temperatures rise until April, which is hot with the average daily maximum at. The monsoon season runs from May through October, with heavy rain and somewhat cooler temperatures during the day, although nights remain warm. The lowest temperature ever recorded in Thailand is in Sakon Nakhon when was recorded on 2 January 1974.

Economy

Fish and rice are two of the major products of the region.

Transportation

Route 22 leads north to Udon Thani, 160 km distant, and east to Nakhon Phanom and the border with Laos. Route 223 leads south to That Phanom. Route 213 leads west to Kalasin.
There is a regional airport, Sakon Nakhon Airport, on the north side of the city.

Notable People

Notable people born in Sakon Nakthon, and notable residents and ex-residents include: