Khon Kaen

Infobox Settlement
name = Khon Kaen
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native_name = ขอนแก่น
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image_caption = Downtown Khon Kaen


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dot_x = 151 |dot_y = 65
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subdivision_type = Country
subdivision_name = Thailand
subdivision_type1 = Province
subdivision_name1 = Khon Kaen
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government_type = City municipality
leader_title = Mayor
leader_name = Peerapon Pattabapeeradech
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area_total_km2 = 46
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population_as_of = 2006
population_footnotes =
population_note = Registered residents only
population_total = 120957
population_density_km2 = auto
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timezone = Thailand
utc_offset = +7
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website = [http://www.kkmuni.go.th/ www.kkmuni.go.th/]
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Located at the heart of the Northeastern Thailand (Isan), Khon Kaen is one of the major cities under the National Economic and Social Plan of the country along with Chiang Mai, Songkhla, Nakhon Ratchasima and Chonburi. The city itself, with the official census population of 140,000 as at 2006, regionally centers development in terms of education, financial institutions, government offices and transportation. The city is an important centre for the region's silk trade.

The geographical location is coord|16|26|N|102|50|E|. It is also the capital of the province Khon Kaen and the Khon Kaen district. It is the home of Rajamangala University and Khon Kaen University—the largest university in the Northeast, with a student population of around 20,000.

Strategically important for the Isan region's infrastructure, Khon Kaen's airport was raised to international standards in 2005 with the opening of a new terminal. At peak times of the year there may be as many as 20 scheduled flights per day at Khon Kaen, making it one of the country's busiest domestic airports. As of 2006, two budget airlines and the national carrier operate scheduled daily morning, midday and evening flights and the aircraft, some of them wide-bodied jets, are full. Direct international services are expected to start in 2007.

The city is bisected by the Mithraphap Highway—also known as 'Friendship Highway'or Highway 2, the road linking Bangkok with the Northeast and Laos. A modern, multi-lane by-pass enables through traffic to avoid the city centre to the west and connects to the airport and to the main roads to Kalasin and Mahasarakham in the east and Udon Thani in the north.

The city can be easily navigated by driving along either of the two north-south main roads—Na Muang and Klang Muang, which are located East and parallel to the Friendship Highway. In addition, there are two main east-west roads—Srichan Road and Prachasamosorn Road, leading East to the city of Kalasin, and West to the airport, as well as other small villages.

On the south side of the city and East of the Friendship highway, there is a beautiful lake—Bueng Kaen Nakhon, with a diverse range of places for entertainment. The lake offers paddle boats for rent on the Northwest side and at night there is a lively night market buzzing with activity where one can buy an assortment of food, clothing and various souvenirs. The lake has a paved running path, which many people use during the evening. Also, there are free outdoor aerobics classes at various points around the lake for any age group, as well as ping pong tables (table tennis), and other recreation areas.