Guide Note

Bangkok is the capital city of Thailand and, as of 2008, the 26nd most populous city in the world.¹ Bangkok lies on both sides of the Chao Phraya River and is the political, social and economic hub of Thailand.

Fast Facts

1. Country: Thailand
2. Governor: Mr. Apirak Kosayothin
3. Currency: Thai baht (THB)
4. Language Spoken: Thai
5. Population: 10,061,726 (2007)
6. Country Code: +66
7. Area code: +2
8. Time Zone: UTC +7
9. Over 90% of the population are Buddhist²
10. Current Time and Weather
11. Current Exchange Rate

Bangkok was originally established as a small trading community during the Ayutthaya Kingdom (1350-1767). In 1767, King Taksin established a new capital named Thonburi in today's Bangkok area. In 1782, Thonburi was renamed Krung Thep Maha Nakhon by King Buddha Yodfa Chulaloke. On April 21, 1782, Bangkok became the capital of Thailand.

Bangkok was ranked as Asia's number one city by Travel + Leisure magazine in 2006 and 2007.³. Bangkok is surrounded by many historical palaces such as Grand Palace, Chitralada Palace, Sukhothai Palace, Nonthaburi Palace, and temples like Wat Phra Kaew, Wat Pho, Wat Suthat, Wat Saket and Wat Arun.

The full name of the city is: Krung Thep Mahanakhon Amon Rattanakosin Mahinthara Yuthaya Mahadilok Phop Noppharat Ratchathani Burirom Udomratchaniwet Mahasathan Amon Piman Awatan Sathit Sakkathattiya Witsanukam Prasit, which can be roughly translated as: The city of angels, the great city, the residence of the Emerald Buddha, the impregnable city (of Ayutthaya) of God Indra, the grand capital of the world endowed with nine precious gems, the happy city, abounding in an enormous Royal Palace that resembles the heavenly abode where reigns the reincarnated god, a city given by Indra and built by Vishnukarn.⁴

If planning a trip, please see our Bangkok Vacation, Bangkok Hotels, Bangkok Restaurants and Bangkok Tours.