Introduction
The bustling city of Bangkok is the capital of Thailand. As the country's largest city by far, it is an economic, administrative, and cultural center. In the Thai language the city is known as Krung Thep, meaning “Divine City” or “City of Angels.”
Geography
Bangkok is located in the central lowland region of Thailand. It stands on both sides of the Chao Phraya River, about 25 miles (40 kilometers) from the Gulf of Thailand. The climate is hot throughout the year.
Places of interest
The newer parts of Bangkok have modern office and apartment buildings. However, much of the old city remains. More than 300 Buddhist temple complexes, or wats, are spread throughout the city. The 18th-century Grand Palace, the former residence of the kings of Thailand, stands on the east bank of the Chao Phraya River. Within its walled enclosure is the royal chapel, Wat Phra Kaeo. It houses the Emerald Buddha, the most sacred image of the Buddha in Thailand.
In front of the Grand Palace is the Phra Mane Ground, a park formerly used for royal cremations. The nearby National Museum contains ancient art relics and royal objects. The city also has the National Library, the National Theater, and several universities.
Economy
Bangkok is Thailand's commercial center and main port. Its industries include food processing and the production of textiles, building materials, and electronic equipment. Among its major exports are rice, tapioca, rubber, sugarcane, corn (maize), fish, tin, and clothing. Tourism is another important source of revenue.
Transportation
Bangkok's transportation system was originally based on water travel. Europeans once called the city the Venice of the East because of its maze of canals, or khlongs. When the city was modernized in the 20th century, most of the canals were filled in and paved over as roads. The remaining canals are still used by small boats to bring fruit and vegetables to the city's famous floating market.
The streets of Bangkok are crowded with pushcarts, motorcycles, three-wheeled taxis, and buses. The city's international airport is one of the busiest in Southeast Asia.
History
In 1782 King Rama I made Bangkok the capital of the kingdom of Siam (now Thailand). King Mongkut (or Rama IV), who ruled from 1851 to 1868, opened Bangkok to Western influences. King Chulalongkorn (or Rama V), Mongkut's son and successor, started Bangkok's modernization. He introduced railways, electricity, and other improvements to the city. Bangkok grew rapidly beginning in the second half of the 20th century. As a result, it faced a shortage of housing and problems of pollution and traffic congestion.
In l971 Bangkok merged with the neighboring city of Thon Buri. The next year the unified city was combined with surrounding areas to form a single city-province, Krung Thep Mahanakhon (Bangkok Metropolitan City). Population (1991 estimate), 5,620,591.
