Bangkok

Bangkok กรุงเทพมหานคร
Krung Thep Maha Nakhon
Clockwise from top: Si Lom – Sathon business district, Wat Arun, Giant Swing, Victory Monument, and Wat Phra Kaew
Flag Seal
Country	Thailand
Settled	Ayutthaya Period
Founded as capital	21 April 1782
Government
• Type	Special administrative area
• Governor	M.R. Sukhumbhand Paribatra
Area
• City	1,568.737 km2 (605.693 sq mi)
• Metro	7,761.50 km2 (2,996.73 sq mi)
Population  (2005)
• City	5,658,953
• Density	4,051/km2 (10,490/sq mi)
• Metro	9,785,136
• Metro density	1,260/km2 (3,300/sq mi)
• Demonym	Bangkokian Bangkoker
Human Development Index
• HDI	0.933 (very high) (1st)
Time zone	UTC+7 (Thailand)
Area code	02
Vehicle registration	กรุงเทพมหานคร
ISO 3166-2	TH-10
Website	www.bangkok.go.th

Bangkok is the capital city of and largest urban area in Thailand. It is known in Thai as Krung Thep Maha Nakhon (กรุงเทพมหานคร, pronounced [krūŋ tʰêːp máhǎː nákʰɔ̄ːn] ) or simply Krung Thep (), meaning "city of angels". Bangkok is by far the most densely populated city in Thailand with about 12 million people. Bangkok was a small trading post near the mouth of the Chao Phraya River during the Ayutthaya Kingdom in the 15th century. It eventually grew in size and became the site of two capital cities: Thonburi in 1768 and Rattanakosin in 1782.

Due to its strategic location in Southeast Asia, Siam (later Thailand) acted as a buffer-state between French and British colonial powers. Bangkok gained a reputation as an independent, dynamic, and influential city. Today, Bangkok is not only the political, social, and economic centre of Thailand, but plays a leading role in trade, commerce, culture, the arts, education, healthcare and transport for the Indochina region.

The Asian investment boom in the 1980s and 1990s led many multinational corporations to locate their regional headquarters in Bangkok. The city is a now a major regional force in finance and business. Its growing influence on global politics, culture, fashion and entertainment underlines its status as an Alpha global city. In 2009, it was the second most expensive city in South-East Asia behind Singapore. The city's many cultural landmarks and attractions in addition to its notorious red light district has made it synonymous with exoticism. The historic Grand Palace, Wat Arun, and Temple of the Reclining Buddha, in addition Khaosan Road and Soi Cowboy, are major tourist destinations in the capital. In combination with being the major gateway to Laos, Burma, and Cambodia, it is second only to London in the number of visits a year.

The rapid growth of the 80's led to prolonged construction boom which has completely changed the face of Bangkok. The result of poor urban planning and zoning restrictions, most historic buildings lay side by side with glassed skyscrapers influenced by European and North American designs. Moreover, this rapid growth was seen clearly from the decay of road networks which lacked arterial and feeder systems. The past decade has seen the city turn to mass transit to solve this major societal problem. There are currently 87.5 km of rail services, with an additional 148.8 either approved or under construction. This would only be a part of a 509 km network aimed for completion before 2029. Two international airports serve the capital Suvarnabhumi Airport and Don Mueang International Airport.

In 2005, Bangkok had an official population of 5,658,953, with 4,126,183 more residents living in the greater Bangkok area. Bangkok borders five other provinces: Nonthaburi, Pathum Thani, Samut Prakan, Samut Sakhon and Nakhon Pathom; all five provinces are joined in the conurbation of the Bangkok Metropolitan Area.

History

Main article: History of Bangkok

Map of 17th-century Bangkok from Simon de la Loubère's Du Royaume de Siam

The history of Bangkok dates at least to the early fifteenth century, when it was under the rule of Ayutthaya. The name then applied only to a small village on the west side of the river. Because of its strategic location near the mouth of the Chao Phraya River, the village gradually increased in importance, serving as a customs outpost, and became the site of a siege in 1688 in which the French were expelled from Siam. After the fall of Ayutthaya to the Burmese Kingdom in 1767, the newly declared King Taksin established his capital at the village. King Buddha Yodfa Chulaloke, who succeeded Taksin, moved the capital to the eastern bank in 1782, which is the accepted date for the founding of the present city. Over the years since then, Bangkok has undergone tremendous changes, growing rapidly in the second half of the 20th century to become Thailand's main city. It was the centre of Siam's modernisation in the late 19th century, including the introduction of rail transportation and utilities infrastructure in the reigns of Kings Mongkut and Chulalongkorn. It was subjected to Allied bombing during World War II, and is the modern nation's central political stage, with a series of protests and coups d'état taking place occasionally on its streets.

Name

Full name of Bangkok, written in front of Bangkok Administrative Building

The etymology of the name Bangkok (บางกอก, pronounced in Thai as [bāːŋ kɔ̀ːk]) is unclear. Bang is the Thai word for a village and the name may have been derived from Bang Ko (บางเกาะ), ko meaning "island", a reference to the area's landscape which was carved by rivers and canals. Another theory speculates that it is shortened from Bang Makok (บางมะกอก), makok being the name of Spondias pinnata, a plant bearing olive-like fruit. This is supported by the fact that Wat Arun, a historic temple in the area, used to be named Wat Makok. Officially, however, the town was known as Thonburi Si Mahasamut (from Pali and Sanskrit, lit. city of treasures gracing the ocean), according to Ayutthaya chronicles. Bangkok was likely a colloquial name, albeit one widely adopted by foreign visitors, who continue to use it.

When King Buddha Yodfa Chulaloke (Rama I) established his new capital on the river's eastern bank, he named it Krung Rattanakosin In Ayothaya (กรุงรัตนโกสินทร์อินท์อโยธยา), and the city and the Siamese kingdom during the period became known as Rattanakosin. Bangkok's current Thai name, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon, is a shortening of its full ceremonial name given by King Buddha Yodfa Chulaloke and later edited by King Mongkut:

Krung Thep Mahanakhon Amon Rattanakosin Mahintharayutthaya Mahadilok Phop Noppharat Ratchathani Burirom Udomratchaniwet Mahasathan Amon Phiman Awatan Sathit Sakkathattiya Witsanukam Prasit (Thai: กรุงเทพมหานคร อมรรัตนโกสินทร์ มหินทรายุทธยา มหาดิลกภพ นพรัตนราชธานีบุรีรมย์ อุดมราชนิเวศน์มหาสถาน อมรพิมานอวตารสถิต สักกะทัตติยะวิษณุกรรมประสิทธิ์ ).

This ceremonial name uses two ancient Indian languages, Pāli and Sanskrit, initiated with the only original Thai word Krung which means "capital". According to the romanisation of these languages, it can actually be written as Krung-dēvamahānagara amararatanakosindra mahindrāyudhyā mahātilakabhava navaratanarājadhānī purīramya uttamarājanivēsana mahāsthāna amaravimāna avatārasthitya shakrasdattiya vishnukarmaprasiddhi. It translates to "The city of angels, the great city, the eternal jewel city, the impregnable city 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 Vishnukarma".

Thai school children are taught the full name, although few can explain its meaning as many of the words are archaic, and known to few. Most Thais who recall the full name do so because of its use in a popular song, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon (1989) by Asanee-Wasan Chotikul and will often recount it by singing it, much as an English speaker might sing the alphabet song to recite the alphabet.

The full name of the city is listed by Guinness Book of Records as the world's longest place name.

Administration

Districts of Bangkok

Main article: Bangkok Metropolitan Administration

See also: Thailand local elections, 2006

Bangkok is one of two special administrative areas in Thailand, the other being Pattaya, in which citizens vote to choose their governor, unlike in Thailand's remaining 76 provinces (changwat), where the governor is a career civil servant. In the 2009 gubernatorial election, M.R. Sukhumbhand Paribatra was elected governor.

The urban sprawl of the greater Bangkok Metropolitan Region extends beyond the borders of Bangkok province, spilling into the neighbouring provinces of Nonthaburi, Samut Prakan, Pathum Thani, Nakhon Pathom and Samut Sakhon. The province as it is today was created in 1971 when the east bank province, changwat Phra Nakhon, merged with the west bank Thonburi province.

Bangkok is subdivided into 50 districts (khet, equivalent to amphoe in the other provinces), which are further subdivided into 169 kwaeng (แขวง, equivalent to tambon in other provinces). Each district is managed by a district chief appointed by the governor. District councils, elected to four-year terms, serve as advisory bodies to their respective district chiefs.

There is also an elected Bangkok Metropolitan Council, which has power over municipal ordinances and the city's budget. The last elections for local councils in Bangkok were held on 23 July 2006. The government of Bangkok is called the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration or the BMA.

The seal of the city shows the god Indra riding in the clouds on Erawan, a mythological elephant-shaped creature. In his hand Indra holds a lightning bolt, which is his weapon to drive away drought. The seal is based on a painting done by Prince Naris. The tree symbol of Bangkok is Ficus benjamina.

Geography

Topography

Astronaut View of the mouth of the Chao Phraya

The Bangkok special administrative area covers 1,568.7 km² (606 sq mi), making it the 68th largest province in Thailand. Much of the area is considered the city of Bangkok, making it the 73rd largest city in the world. The Chao Phraya River, which stretches 372 km (231 mi), is Bangkok's main geographical feature. The Chao Phraya River basin, the area surrounding Bangkok, and the nearby provinces comprise a series of plains and river deltas that lead into the Bay of Bangkok about 30 km (19 mi) south of the city centre. This gave rise to Bangkok's appellation as the "Venice of the East" due to the number of canals and passages that divide the area into separate patches of land. The city once used these canals, which were plentiful within Bangkok itself, as divisions for city districts. However, as the city grew in the second half of the 20th century, the plan was abandoned and a different system of division was adopted.

Bangkok's Chao Phraya River cuts the city between Thon Buri and Krung Thep core and is at times referred to as the River of Angels.

Bangkok lies about two meters (6.5 ft) above sea level, which causes problems for the protection of the city against floods during the monsoon season. Occasionally after a downpour, water in canals and the river overflows the banks, resulting in floods in some areas. The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has recently installed higher banks alongside some canals to keep water levels from reaching street level. The city is threatened by subsidence from extensive groundwater pumping, and is sinking at a rate of up to four inches a year. There are fears that Thailand's capital will be submerged by 2030.

Climate

Bangkok
Climate chart (explanation)
J F M A M J J A S O N D     9     32 21     30     33 23     29     34 25     65     35 26     220     34 26     149     33 25     155     33 25     197     33 25     344     32 25     242     32 24     48     32 23     10     31 21 █ Average max. and min. temperatures in °C █ Precipitation totals in mm Source: World Meteorological Organisation
Imperial conversion J F M A M J J A S O N D     0.4     90 70     1.2     91 74     1.1     93 77     2.6     95 79     8.7     93 78     5.9     92 78     6.1     91 77     7.8     91 77     14     90 76     9.5     90 76     1.9     89 74     0.4     88 69 █ Average max. and min. temperatures in °F █ Precipitation totals in inches

Bangkok has a tropical wet and dry climate under the Köppen climate classification system. Average temperatures in the city are about 2 °C (3.6 °F) higher than the ones shown for the Don Mueang Airport during the 1960–1990 period. The highest recorded maximum temperature is 40.8 °C (105.4 °F) in May 1983 and the lowest recorded minimum temperature is 9.9 °C (49.8 °F) in January 1955. The coldest temperatures were recorded in January 1924, January 1955, January 1974 and December 1999. The hottest year on record was 1997 (average yearly at Don Mueang 30.0 °C) and the coldest was 1975 (average yearly at Don Mueang 26.3 °C). The coldest daytime maximum temperature was 19.9 °C (68 °F), recorded in December 1992.

Districts

See also: List of districts in Bangkok and List of tallest buildings in Thailand

Yaowarat Road near the banks of the Chao Phraya River is Bangkok's Chinatown. The city is home to nearly 250,000 Chinese immigrants.

Bangkok has 50 districts or khet, which mark the administrative subdivisions under the authority of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration. These are further subdivided into 169 khwaeng (แขวง), roughly equivalent to sub-districts tambon in the other provinces.

Phra Nakhon District Dusit District Nong Chok District Bang Rak District Bang Khen District Bang Kapi District Pathum Wan District Pom Prap Sattru Phai District Phra Khanong District Min Buri District Lat Krabang District Yan Nawa District Samphanthawong District Phaya Thai District Thon Buri District Bangkok Yai District Huai Khwang District Khlong San District Taling Chan District Bangkok Noi District Bang Khun Thian District Phasi Charoen District Nong Khaem District Rat Burana District Bang Phlat District

Din Daeng District Bueng Kum District Sathon District Bang Sue District Chatuchak District Bang Kho Laem District Prawet District Khlong Toei District Suan Luang District Chom Thong District Don Mueang District Ratchathewi District Lat Phrao District Watthana District Bang Khae District Lak Si District Sai Mai District Khan Na Yao District Saphan Sung District Wang Thonglang District Khlong Sam Wa District Bang Na District Thawi Watthana District Thung Khru District Bang Bon District

The Rajprasong, Chidlom and Sukhumvit skylines of Bangkok at night with Lumphini Park in the centre viewed from the Sathorn-Silom CBD.

However, these district areas might not accurately represent functional divisions of Bangkok's neighborhoods. Throughout the years, Bangkok has grown from a city scattered along the river to a metro area that spans as many as six provinces. The city's main business districts and residential areas are continuously expanding. The influx of foreigners from Western countries as well as immigrants from neighboring Laos, Myanmar, Cambodia and many other Asian countries along with the growth of the Thai population has stemmed hundreds of housing projects around the metro area, developing communities along the outskirts. Within years, these communities are engulfed by the greater Bangkok and become another part of this urban jungle.

The Sukhumvit area of Bangkok

Central Bang Na area in Bangkok

As the city expanded on the outskirts, the inner city has nowhere to grow but up. The city has a registered 1,000 skyscrapers and ranks 17th as the world's tallest city. This does not include hundreds of new buildings predicted as part of the construction boom in 2007 and the coming years. Areas such as Silom-Sathon and Asok have for decades been Thailand's business centre. From 1985 to 1996, Thailand experienced the world's highest growth rates and underwent an economic transformation, Bangkok went through dramatic changes. The Ratchadaphisek area was turned into a business district which continued through the Asok area up north for five kilometers (3 mi). The Sukhumvit area, stretching 15–20 km (9–12 mi), gradually turned into a mixed commercial and residential area. Wireless Road and Chitlom are where some of Bangkok's most expensive land plots exist. Part of the British Embassy on the corner of Wireless and Rama I Roads, nine rai or approximately 14,400 m² (155,000 sq ft) in area, was sold for USD 92 million or THB 3.24 billion.

Siam Square is Central Bangkok's shopping district, combining several large malls and side shops with both local and international brands.

The most important business districts of Bangkok include Silom, Bangrak, Pinklao, Sathon, Phra Ram 2, Phetchaburi, Phra Nakhon, Pathumwan, Chatuchak (new central business district), and Phra Ram 3 (new financial centre).

Bangkok's Phra Nakhon district alongside Dusit is where most governmental agencies and ministries have their offices. Most of the well-known tourist attractions are also in this particular area due its cultural & historical heritage. This part of Bangkok is perhaps the most popular for tourists as most notable attractions such as the Grand Palace, Wat Pho, the Democracy Monument, the Giant Swing, Sanam Luang and other venues are located here. Thon Buri also has its fair share of historic monuments mainly located near the river, such as Wat Arun. The Victory Monument in Bangkok is one of the city's biggest bus destinations. Although not officially a bus depot, its location in the centre of city transits as many as 20 bus lines as well as a BTS Skytrain station. Starting from Victory Monument, Phahonyothin road early sois are occupied by ministries, government agencies, commercial buildings as well as upper-middle class residential areas. Further to the north, after the Lat Phrao/Phahonyothin intersection, the Northern Corridor is an expanding business district, where the famous Elephant Building can be found.

Bangkok's north and eastern areas are primarily residential areas for middle class residents of Bangkok. Whereas the inner city often has small apartments and low rises for poor immigrants, Lat Phrao and Si Nakharin offer residential compounds and townhouses. The two areas cover as much as 100 km² (40 sq mi) to 150 km² (60 sq mi) each, and have turned into what is now part of Bangkok as more suburban housing developments sprawl further out to the east and north. The west of Bangkok in Thon Buri is another growing area, approaching the degree of development experienced by the north and east. Suvarnabhumi Airport in the east is seen as a jump start for the eastern expansion of Bangkok as Don Mueang was for the north.

Ratchaprasong is at the forefront of Bangkok's shopping scene. The newly renovated Central World Plaza intends to serve as a square to Bangkokians. Just up the street is Siam Square, similar to Shinjuku in Tokyo and Oxford Street and Piccadilly Circus in London. The Sukhumvit area also serves as a shopping district for foreigners. The popular Chatuchak Weekend Market in the north of the city is where many people head for cheap, used and high quality products.

Bangkok's poorest districts are spread throughout the city. However, the most concentrated area is just north of the Port of Bangkok at the turn of the Chao Phraya River. For an area of 10 square kilometres (4 sq mi), the Khlong Toei district houses one of the poorest areas in the country with half-built houses and midrises for immigrants and workers from the northeast Isan provinces.

Green zones and major parks

Lumphini Park

Bangkok has large sections of greenery either preserved by the Department of National Forestry or designated as green zones. The city however, continues to lack a green belt development as economic activity continues to pour into the capital, resulting in massive housing projects along the suburbs.

Bangkok is known for its large green sections within the city centre, including the large forest park between Yannawa and Samut Prakan. This part of the city covers an area of over 50 km² (19 sq mi). and is intended to buffer the CBD from the large industries of the west and south of Metropolitan Bangkok. Other areas include Bung Makkasan, an urban city buffer for residences, sections of many major roads which have unbuilt swamps and green fields. Some of these areas are intentionally undeveloped for protecting against urbanization, while others are land lost during the Asian Financial Crisis.

Lumphini Park is regionally famous. Renowned as Bangkok's Central Park, it was built in the early 1920s by Rama VI with this intent. It has since been used to hold grand pageants, ceremonies of the Thai constitution, and was a camp for Japanese soldiers during World War II. On Sundays, the western gates are open for runners to run on to Silom Road. The park is normally closed at night due to the incidences of vandalism, robberies and murders reported. Chatuchak Park and Rama IX Park are two of Bangkok's largest parks. The two, built in the past 50 years cater to Bangkok's suburban population, include botanic gardens, sports clubs and complexes, English/French/Japanese gardens and parks as well as large ponds and lakes. Other famous parks include Queen Sirikit Park near Lat Yao, Benchasiri Park on Sukhumvit Rd, Saranrom Park across the Grand Palace, Sanam Luang, Suan Romaneenat, and Dusit Park.

Economy

Sathorn's Robot Building completed in 1986, currently houses Singaporean-based United Overseas Bank's Bangkok headquarters and is a symbol of Bangkok's rapid growth in the mid 1980s

Thai Airways International headquarters

Bangkok is the economic center of Thailand, dominating the country's economy and dwarfing any other urban centres. Development continues to pour in to Bangkok mostly neglecting the rest of the nation. Its combined economic output is roughly 140 billion dollars in purchasing power parity terms, which accounts for roughly 16 percent of Thailand's GDP also in PPP terms. However, there is a large discrepancy between statisticians and economists who claim that Bangkok accounts for nearly 75 percent of Thailand's service sector which accounts for 45.2 percent of Thailand's 590 billion dollar economy. With the given GDP of the city, the estimates for per capita income is roughly 20,000 dollars. More realistic but unclaimed estimates put the city's output as high as 210 billion dollars, accounting for 38 percent of national income and per capita income at 33,000 dollars.

The Stock Exchange of Thailand, or the SET is located on Ratchadaphisek Road in inner-Bangkok with over 544 listed companies and combined market capitalization of about THB 8.7 trillion (USD 290 billion) as of 30 May 2011. Due to the large amount of foreign representation, Thailand has for several years been a mainstay of the Southeast Asian economy and a key centre in Asian business. The indices of the stock exchange are SET Index, SET50 Index and SET100 Index. As of Fall 2009, the index is one of Asia's top performing indices, up 58 percent since January.

Bangkok is home to the headquarters of all of Thailand's major commercial banks and financial institutions; 27 financial institutions and a number of international banks located in Bangkok include ABN AMRO, ANZ, Bank of America, Bank of Baroda, Bank of China, Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi, CIMB, Citigroup, DBS Bank, Deutsche Bank, HSBC, Industrial and Commercial Bank of China, Goldman Sachs, JP Morgan, Barclays, Indian Overseas Bank, UBS, Credit Suisse, OCBC Bank, Mizuho Corporate Bank, Calyon, RBS, RHB Bank, Macquarie Group, ING Bank, Scotia Bank, Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation, UOB, BNP Paribas, Wells Fargo Bank and Standard Chartered. hold at least 1 billion dollars in total assets. Their bank deposits totaled approximately THB 9.6 trillion, the equivalent of USD 314 billion at the end of the third quarter in 2007. A large number of multinational corporations base their regional headquarters in Bangkok due to the lower cost of the workforce and firm operations relative to other major Asian business centres. Thirteen Bangkok-based companies make the Forbes 2000 list annually. The list includes the largest Thai bank, Bangkok Bank, the country's largest listing as well as the state-owned energy firm PTT, and the renowned Charoen-Phokphand agri-foods conglomerate.

The market for flights to enter Laos and Cambodia is heavily dominated by airlines based in Bangkok such as THAI Airways International, Bangkok Airways, and the multitude of low-cost airlines in Thailand. Telecommunications, retail, real estate, airlines, and media conglomerates mainly cater to the country's growing population, however, few Thai corporations venture overseas and gain notoriety.

Tourism is a significant contributor to Thailand's economy, providing about 5 percent of GDP. Bangkok is Thailand's principal international gateway and a destination in its own right. This giant market has made Bangkok a prime location for hotel operations as well as the launching pad for small and medium accommodation enterprises. Moreover, Bangkok-based hospitality companies such as Dusit Thani Group, Erawan Group, and Siam Hotels and Resorts, have all expanded operations and can officially be classified as a multinational corporation in its own right.

Income inequality is a growing issue in Bangkok, especially between relatively unskilled lower-income immigrants from rural provinces in Thailand and neighboring countries and middle-class professionals (45% of registered residents), business elites, and retired and working foreign expats. About 7 percent of Bangkok's population (excluding illegal immigrants who constitute about 5–8 percent of population) live below the poverty line compared to the national average of 9 percent.

Bangkok has a reputation as a major destination in the sex industry. Although Prostitution in Thailand is technically illegal, it can be found all over Bangkok in vast numbers of massage parlors, saunas, parks, and hourly hotels, serving foreign tourists as well as locals. Bangkok has acquired the nickname, "Sin City of Asia" for its level of sex tourism. The industry took off in the 1960s to serve some 700,000 American soldiers who took leave in the city during the Vietnam War.

Demographics

Year	Population
1880	255,000
1910	365,000
1919	437,294
1929	713,384
1937	890,453
1947	1,178,881
1960	2,136,435
1970	3,077,361
1980	4,697,071
1990	4,882,411
2000	5,320,174
2005	5,658,953

The 2005 statistics report notes a registered population of about 5.7 million; however, this figure does not take into account the unregistered residents. The city's registered population is composed mostly of ethnic Thais, but many minority groups are visible as well. The Chinese are by far the largest minority group in the city.

Recently, Bangkok has experienced a large influx of foreign immigrants, long-term residents, and expatriates. Long-term foreign residents include 250,000 mainland Chinese, 105,000 Indians (most of whom are Sikh), of whom more than 80% have dual Thai citizenship, 44,000 Japanese, 25,000 Americans, 75,000 Europeans, 15,000 Taiwanese, 20,000 South Koreans, 6,000 Nigerians, 7,500 Australians, 12,000 people of Arabic speaking countries, 20,000 Malaysians, 4,000 Singaporeans, 5,000 Filipinos, and 800 New Zealanders. It is estimated that 5–10% of Bangkok's population (all are unregistered and unaccounted) are illegal immigrants (majority are domestic servants) from neighboring countries including Burma, Cambodia, and Laos. A vast majority of the population, 92%, is Buddhist. The rest are Muslim (6%), Christian (1%), Sikh (0.6%), Jewish (300 residents), and others. There are some 450 Buddhist temples, 170 mosques, 60 churches, 3 Hindu temples, 3 synagogues, 1 Sikh gurdwara and 2 Jain temples in Bangkok.

Transportation

Bhumibol Bridge

Ratchadamri Rd.
Left Side is Central World Square.

File:Suvarnabhumi express train.jpg

Suvarnabhumi Airport Rail Link Makkasan to the airport, opened August 2010

River and canals network

See also: Category:Crossings of the Chao Phraya River

An elaborate network of canals known as khlongs gave Bangkok the nickname "Venice of the East" at a time when most transportation was by boat. Today, nearly all of the canals have been filled in and converted into streets. While many khlongs still exist with people living along them and markets often being operated along the banks, most are severely polluted. A notable khlong market is the floating market in Taling Chan district. Through downtown Bangkok runs the Khlong Saen Saeb, which has a canal boat service. The wide river Chao Phraya, flowing through the city, has several cross-river ferries and the Chao Phraya Express Boat with as many as thirty stops along the both banks extending as far as the northern suburb of Nonthaburi.

Roads

Several elevated highways, newly rebuilt intersections, and many partially finished road and rail projects dot the landscape around greater Bangkok, but have done little to overcome the notorious traffic jams on Bangkok's surface roads as private vehicle usage continues to outstrip infrastructure development.

Due to a large number of traffic jams in Bangkok, the elevated expressway, linking most road networks in Bangkok together, is another choice for the rush. However, tax is to be paid for utilizing the highway depending on size of the vehicle. This highway also leads to some outskirts of Bangkok including Suvarnabhumi International Airport.

Inner-city buses

A regular bus service is provided by the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA) and it operates throughout Bangkok as well as to adjoining provinces. Most routes do not have service late in the evening, but some routes operate around the clock. Public buses are cheap, with a minimum fare of 7 baht to most destinations within metropolitan Bangkok. Air-conditioned buses have minimum and maximum fares of 11 and 24 baht, respectively. Air-conditioned micro-buses charge a flat fare of 25 baht all routes. A bus route map is available at bookshops.

Rail systems

BTS Skytrain over Sala Daeng Intersection

On the birthday of HM King Rama IX, 5 December 1999, an elevated two-line Skytrain (officially called BTS) metro system was opened. The remains of the failed BERTS (Hopewell) project can still be seen all the way from the main railroad station out towards Don Mueang Airport. Due to the Asian financial crisis of 1997 construction was halted and the concrete pillars were left unused.

The MRT subway system opened for use in July 2004. The MRT connects the northern train station of Bang Sue to the Hua Lamphong central railway station near the city centre, while also going through the eastern part of Bangkok. It connects to the BTS system at BTS stations Mo Chit, Asok, and Sala Daeng.

A new high speed elevated railroad called the Suvarnabhumi Airport Link, links the city with the new Suvarnabhumi Airport. The announced opening date after facing many delays was finally set on 23 August 2010. The Airport Express railway and City line (commuter service) is operated by the State Railway of Thailand. It provides a 28.5 km (17.7 mi) link between the new airport and the City Air Terminal (CAT) at Makkasan where it connects with MRT Phetchaburi station and has another connection to the BTS at Phaya Thai. There are plans to extend the line to Don Mueang and Rangsit (SRT Dark Red Line), but again, this is very dependent on the political situation.

Plans have been approved for a further extension of the BTS Silom line from Wongwian Yai to Bang Wa (4.5 km (2.8 mi)), Samrong to Samut Prakan (8 km (5.0 mi)), Mo Chit to Saphan Mai (11.9 km (7.4 mi)) and the National Stadium to Phran Nok (7.7 km (4.8 mi)). This includes five underground stations in the Rattanakosin area. The State Railway of Thailand has also been given approval to complete the Dark Red and Light Green lines. Alongside, MRT has also begun construction on two new lines, the Purple line from Bang Yai to Bang Sue, and the Blue line from Hua Lampong to Bang Khae and Bang Sue to Tha Pra. There have been proposals for several monorail systems, the most notable being a line linking Chulalongkorn University with Siam Square, to be funded by the BMA. In 2010 Grand Canal Land Company proposed a 600–800 metre line linking its properties on Rama IX Road with the Phra Ram 9 MRT Station, but failed to secure approval.

For intercity travel by train, most passengers begin their trips at Hua Lamphong at the southern end of the MRT. Here, trains connect Bangkok to Malaysia in the south, Chiang Mai to the north, and Nong Khai to the northeast and beyond to Laos.

The two BTS lines extend from Mo Chit to On Nut, and from National Stadium to Wongwian Yai. This line's final stop used to be Saphan Taksin station but has subsequently been extended across the Chao Phraya River to Wongwian Yai. Stations with BTS/MRT interchange are Mo Chit, Sala Daeng, and Asok.

Bus services

See also: Buses in Bangkok

Virtually all cities and provinces are easily reached by bus from Bangkok. For destinations in the southwest and the west, buses leave from the Southern Bus Terminal, west of the city in the Thonburi area. For destinations in the southeast, such as Pattaya, Ko Samet and Ko Chang, buses leave from the Eastern Bus Terminal at Ekkamai. For all destinations north and northeast, the Northern Bus Terminal is at Mo Chit. Bangkok's less accessible southern terminal was recently moved even farther out. Though Bangkok is well connected to other cities, getting to the bus terminals often are a challenge in themselves.

There are numerous companies that provide bus services within Bangkok Metropolitan Region. The main operator, Bangkok Mass Transit Authority, has a service area covering Bangkok and its suburban areas in the adjacent provinces of Nonthaburi, Samut Prakan, Pathum Thani, Nakhon Pathom, and Samut Sakhon. It serves approximately 3 million passengers per day. The service hours are 05.00–23.00 hrs, except 24-hr night-owl service on some routes. In September 2005, BMTA owns a fleet of 3,579 buses—comprising 1,674 ordinary buses and 1,905 air-conditioned buses. In addition to BMTA-owned buses, there are 3,485 private-own contract buses, 1,113 contract minibuses, 2,161 side-street songthaews, and 5,519 vans. In total, there are 15,857 buses and vans over 427 routes across 8 zones.

• Zone 1: North (Hubs: Rangsit, Bang Khen)
• Zone 2: Upper East (Hubs: Bang Kapi, Minburi)
• Zone 3: Lower East (Hubs: Samrong, Samut Prakan)
• Zone 4: South Central (Hubs: Khlong Toei)
• Zone 5: Southwest (Hubs: Dao Khanong, Phra Pradaeng)
• Zone 6: West (Hubs: Bang Khae, Thonburi)
• Zone 7: Northwest (Hubs: Nonthaburi, Pak Kret)
• Zone 8: Central (Hubs: Huai Khwang)

Airports

Terminal at Suvarnabhumi Airport

Terminal interior

Thai Airbus A340 (HS-TLA) at Suvarnabhumi Airport

Bangkok is one of Asia's most important air transport hubs. In 2005, more than ninety airlines served Don Mueang International Airport (IATA: DMK; ICAO: VTBD). It was the 18th busiest airport in the world, second busiest in Asia by passenger volume, 15th busiest in the world and fourth busiest in Asia in international passenger volume. Don Mueang consistently ranked 19th in the world in cargo traffic, and seventh in the Asia-Pacific region. Don Mueang is considered to be one of the world's oldest international airports, its opening in March 1914 making it almost twenty years older than London Heathrow. It has three terminals and is located about 30 km (19 mi) north from the heart of Bangkok.

On 28 September 2006, Suvarnabhumi Airport (IATA: BKK; ICAO: VTBS), became Bangkok's official international airport, replacing Don Mueang. Pronounced Suwannaphum (RTGS), or loosely Su-wan-na-poom, the airport is located southeast of the city centre in Bang Phli district, Samut Prakan Province. The progress of Suvarnabhumi Airport dates back to the early 1970s when a large plot of land 8,000 acres (3,237 ha) (32 km²) was bought. A student uprising in October of the same year prevented further progress with the development when the military government of Thanom Kittikachorn was subsequently overthrown. After several military coups and the Asian financial crisis of 1997, construction finally began in 2002, after five years of clearing the site. The first flights landed in September 2006, shortly after another military coup. Its two parallel runways are connected by the five concourses of the main terminal building. The airport features a 132.2-metre (434 ft)-tall control tower, the tallest in Asia and one meter (3.2 ft) taller than Kuala Lumpur International Airport control tower. It is the tallest stand alone purpose built control tower in the world. Airports of Thailand Plc. (AoT) have announced another terminal to accommodate a further fifteen million passengers. This will be part of Phase 2 of the airport, which is expected to begin construction in three to five years. The main airline of Suvarnabhumi is Thai Airways International.

Much of the construction of Suvarnabhumi Airport took place during the premiership of Thaksin Shinawatra, who took personal responsibility for its timely completion. Despite a "ceremonial" opening on the planned date, construction was over a year late. Continuing controversy surrounds the quality of planning and construction; accusations include cracks in the runway, overheated buildings, a severe shortage of toilet facilities and lengthy passenger walks to departure gates. The fact that the airport is already overcrowded and near its maximum capacity less than a year after opening is another concern.

Don Mueang remains in use as a base of the Royal Thai Air Force. Most of the low-cost airlines now use the airport for domestic flights, in an effort to ease congestion at Suvarnabhumi, until the next terminal is opened.

Transport network

• Khlong Saen Saep Express Boat
• Chao Phraya Express Boat
• Bangkok Noi Longtail Express Boat
• Sathon-Khlong Toei Express Boat
• Sathon-Wat Dao Khanong Express Boat
• Sathon-Samut Prakan Express Boat
• Khlong Phasi Charoen Express Boat (Under new testing)
• Khlong Lat Phrao Express Boat (Under new testing)
• Khlong Prem Prachakhon Express Boat (Under new testing)
• Khlong Phadung Krung Kasem Express Boat (Under new testing)
• BTS or Bangkok Skytrain
• MRT or Bangkok Metro
• SRT or State Railway of Thailand
• BRT (Bangkok) or Bus Rapid Transit
• METROBUS or Premier Metro Bus
• BTS Links
• BMTA or Bangkok Bus
• Suvarnabhumi Airport Link
• SRT Lines (U/C, finish 2012)
• Chula-Siam Monorail (Planned)
• Bangkok City Tour Shuttle Bus

Taxis

A typical Bangkok taxi

Bangkok has many taxis. Many roam the streets looking for customers, but there are also a number of taxi companies whose vehicles can be booked by telephone. Taxis are metered, with a fixed starting fare, and charge by distance and waiting time.

Three-wheeled open-air motorized taxis called tuk-tuks (Thai: ตุ๊กตุ๊ก) (auto rickshaws in other countries) are popular for shorter journeys. Price should be negotiated before the ride.

Motorcycle taxis stands, called win motoesai (Thai: วินมอเตอร์ไซค์), are found all over the city. Motorcycle taxis usually accommodate one, or sometimes two, passengers, and typically only cover small local areas.

The fare for tuk-tuks and motorcycle taxis is usually negotiable between passenger and driver, except for cases where an organised taxi rank is in operation, where prices to certain locations may be printed on a sign on display at the rank. When two passengers use a motorcycle taxi the fare is usually doubled, although no such increases apply to tuk-tuks. Tuk-tuk prices are mostly only slightly cheaper than Taxi.

Education

See also: List of Bangkok universities

Dome Building of Thammasat University

Main Auditorium of Chulalongkorn University

Kasetsart University main auditorium

The majority of the country's universities, both public and private, are located in and/or around the capital. Chulalongkorn University, Kasetsart University, Mahidol University, Silpakorn University and Thammasat University are at the forefront of tertiary education. They are public universities and have been a foundation for young thinkers for nearly a century. Over the past few decades the general trend of pursuing a university degree has prompted the founding of new universities to meet the needs of the Thai students. Bangkok became not only a place where immigrants and provincial Thais go for job opportunities, but also for a chance to receive a university degree. Ramkhamhaeng University emerged in 1971 as the only open university. It has the highest enrolment of students compared with any other Thai university. Ramkhamhaeng was one of the Thai government's ways to deal with the rise in a demand for tertiary education. The demand for higher education has led to the founding of many other universities and colleges in the metropolitan area. Vocational/technical colleges are also on the rise. One of such is SAE Institute Bangkok (started in 2002). In recent years a large number of private institutions, primarily with Western ties and exchange programs, were established in the capital. The rise in the number of schools offering English teaching has raised the bar for many state-run institutions to compete with the standards set by private education. Bangkok is host to Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, the first pharmacy school in Thailand.

Assumption University, Chulalongkorn University, Kasetsart University, Mahidol University, Silpakorn University, Srinakharinwirot University and Thammasat University rank among the nation's top universities. Bangkok also plays host to the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT), built as an international co-operative institute between Asia-Pacific nations. There are also many Buddhist universities branching into the realm of religious studies in which Bangkok has taken a leading role.

Amidst all this, however, the tertiary education scene in Bangkok is still over-populated with non-Bangkokians. Officials currently stress the need for a revamping of the Thai educational system. Education has long been a prime factor in the centralization of Bangkok and will play a vital role in the government's efforts to decentralize the country.

Health care and medical centres

See also: List of hospitals in Bangkok

Bangkok International Hospital in Thailand

Bangkok has a large number of hospitals and medical centres, which include eight of the country's fifteen medical schools. Many hospitals in Bangkok act as tertiary care centres, receiving referrals from distant parts of the country. Lately, especially in the private sector, there has been much growth in medical tourism, with many hospitals providing services specifically catering to foreigners.

The Bumrungrad Hospital is the main international class hospital on Sukumvit Road, and is popular with expats, wealthy Thais and medical tourists. Its closest competitors are Samithivej Hospital and Bangkok Hospital Medical Center. All 3 of which have achieved accreditation from the Joint Commission International (JCI).

Tourism

Main article: Tourism in Bangkok

Wat Phra Kaew

Bangkok is considered to be one of the world's tourist hotspots. Bangkok is Thailand's major tourist gateway, which means that the majority of foreign tourists arrive in Bangkok. The city boasts some of the country's most visited historical venues such as the Grand Palace, Wat Pho, and Wat Arun. There are numerous projects to maintain Bangkok's historic sites in the Rattanakosin area and river districts.

Culture

Main article: Culture of Bangkok

Festivals and events

Bangkok Songkran Festival 13–15 April The traditional Thai New Year is an occasion for merriment all over the city, but most notably at Sanam Luang, near the Grand Palace, where the revered Phra Phuttha Sihing image is displayed and bathed by devotees. In the Wisutkasat area, a Miss Songkran beauty contest is held and accompanied by merit-making and entertainment. Khao San Road, Bang Lamphu area is also one of the high-spots in the city where locals and tourists play water by the water-throwing activities.

Royal Ploughing Ceremony May

An ancient Brahman ritual, conducted at Sanam Luang, in which farmers believe, is able to forecast the abundance of the next rice crop. The event is a result of a series of ceremonies that are conducted by Phraya Raek Na, portrayed by a high-ranking official from the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives who wears colourful traditional costumes. This ceremony was re-introduced in 1960 by King Bhumibol Adulyadej and is considered the official commencement of the rice-growing season.

The Queen’s Birthday Celebration 12 August

To display their loyalty and to honour Queen Sirikit on the occasion of her royal birthday, the Thai people decorate their houses and public buildings. Around Bangkok, Ratchadamnoen Avenue, the area around the Grand Palace and other well-known locations are bedecked with coloured lights and magnificent adornments.

Trooping of the Colours December

The King and Queen preside over this impressive annual event, held in the Royal Plaza near the equestrian statue of King Chulalongkorn. Dressed in colourful uniforms, amid much pomp and ceremony, members of the elite Royal Guards swear allegiance to the King and march past members of the Royal Family.

The King’s Birthday Celebrations 5 December

King Bhumibol Adulyadej, the world’s longest reigning monarch is well beloved and deeply respected by all Thais old and young. The occasion of his royal birthday provides his loyal subjects the opportunity to express their reverence for him. All over the country, buildings and homes are elaborated and the area around the Grand Palace is spectacularly illuminated.

Media

See also: List of television stations in Bangkok

Major Cineplex on Ramkamhaeng

There is an average of four million readers for more than 25 Bangkok based newspapers, one of which, Thai Rath, sells over a million copies a day. Bangkok also has two major English-language dailies, the Bangkok Post and The Nation. The Asian Wall Street Journal and International Herald Tribune are printed in Bangkok and have high distribution numbers. There are also a number of weekly publications normally published on Fridays that deal with political issues. Other publications, such as lifestyle and entertainment magazines are also plentiful.

Many gossip and fashion magazines are also published in Bangkok, especially after the launch of the Bangkok Fashion City project in 2004. Since then, United Broadcasting Corporation (UBC, or now True Visions), the Thai cable operator, has launched a new channel devoted to Thai fashion as well as a Thai edition of E! Entertainment television.

There is a large amount of television media in Bangkok. Six television stations operated and controlled by the government and many major cables TV operators such as True Visions (formally UBC), MTV, TTV, PTV, ASTV are based in Bangkok. They broadcast a total of 100 channels to viewers with including many Thai television stations such as Thai PBS, Nation Channel, ETV, DLTV, Money Channel, SMe TV, six sports channels, and Channel V, among others. There are more than 50 FM radio stations within the Bangkok metro vicinity and 50 am channels including international brands such as Virgin Radio. Radio stations mainly broadcast in Thai, although some broadcast solely in English due to the growing expat population and the growing number of locals who enjoy learning English.

Chalerm Krung Theatre and the National Theatre have been in operation since the early 20th century whereas the newer Thailand Cultural Center hosts a variety of plays and events.

Bangkok has dozens of cinema multiplexes, and the city hosts two major film festivals annually, the Bangkok International Film Festival and the World Film Festival of Bangkok.

Art

Further information: List of museums and art galleries in Bangkok and List of theatres in Bangkok

Vimanmek Palace

The arts in Bangkok have well developed almost exclusively and anonymously in the services of Theravada Buddhism since the golden age in Ayutthaya period and continuing to the present day by incorporating Western elements which is called the Rattanakosin or Bangkok style. Nowadays, the modern art scene is centred around Bangkok as the capital of contemporary art in the region, while traditional art can be found in many commercial areas in the old city as well as temples and palaces throughout the city. There are also a number of artists who prefer to live and work outside the metropolis. The number of artists is constantly on the rise, so an increasing variety of works are available on the art market. Many art galleries in Bangkok tend to sell work restricted to traditional rural motifs. The artists creating this type of art are often influenced by traditional Buddhist beliefs and motifs, and are popular among the general Thai public. Nevertheless, some Thai artists are breaking away from these norms by addressing more controversial issues in their work, for example the loss of traditional values and the obsession with money in today's society.

Bangkok is home to the National Gallery of Thailand, Bangkok Metropolitan Museum of Contemporary Art and Thailand Creative & Design Center as well as many other museums, concert halls, theatres, and art galleries. It is home to the Thailand Cultural Centre and the National Theatre.

Sport

Main article: List of sport venues in Bangkok

Rajamangala National Stadium

Modern sports have been introduced to the people of Bangkok dating back a century by King Chulalongkorn. Horse racing followed by golf began in Bangkok over 100 years ago when the king bestowed land for the first race course. The objective of His Majesty was to introduce and promote the quality of horse racing and breeding in Thailand, while providing sporting facilities of international standards for Thailand. Today, horse racing is one of the most popular sports in the capital and one of the most famous sport events in the region. Bangkok has hosted the Asian Games four times, in 1966, 1970, 1978 and 1998. Bangkok was also the host of the first SEA Games in 1959 and Summer Universiade in 2007.

Bangkok's popular modern sports are football, golf, bowling and horse racing. The city has many famous football clubs such as Bangkok United F.C., BEC Tero Sasana F.C. with a number of international class football stadiums as well as many golf courses and bowling alleys throughout the city. The popular traditional sports are Muay Thai. Fights can be seen in two major boxing stadiums in the city: Rajadamnern Stadium along with Lumpini Stadium, Takraw, which is played in open spaces throughout the city, and kite fighting, which is easy to see in the centre of the old city. Sanam Luang, on the north side of Wat Phra Kaew, is transformed each year around February from a sedate little patch of greenery in the midst of a concrete jungle into an ongoing kite festival as locals come to the park to practice the art of flying kites.

Rajamangala Stadium is Bangkok's new national stadium. It can seat more than 65,000.

Bangkok features a number of sports clubs including the Royal Bangkok Sports Club, Royal Turf Club of Bangkok, Krungthep Kreetha Sports Club, Rajapruk Sport Club (North Park), Royal Thai Police Sports Club, Piyarom Sports Club, Southerners Sports Club and the British Club, which was established in Bangkok in 1903.

Multicultural communities

Bangkok has several concentration areas of people of foreign origin. Yaowarat Road is the home of Bangkok's sizable Chinatown, while those of Indian ethnicity have congregated around Pahurat Road. At the West End of Silom Road was the first European community in Bangkok called the old Farang Quarter. The Portuguese Embassy operates from 1820 and was the first embassy to be established in the capital, with their community around the Santa Cruz Church on the Thonburi side. The Haroon Mosque, a small, attractive stucco building is used by the local Muslim population. The French Embassy was the second to be established in the area within walking distance from the Assumption cathedral, one of the biggest building in the area, still serving the community. Along Sukhumvit Road communities of Japanese are around Phrom Phong, Koreatown can be found around Asok Station and the nearby Nana Station is dense with Arab and African cultures and food, "Little Africa" neighborhood can be found here.

Urban lifestyle

Although it is one of Asia's most important cities economically, the urban pace of Bangkok is somewhat relaxed, as the city offers enormous amounts of getaway locations. Most residents tend to stress over the amount of traffic in the city. Peak hours are between 6:30 am to 9:30 am and 4:30 pm to 8:00 at night on weekdays, with a general state of traffic on Monday morning and Friday night.

Many residents leave town on weekends to visit seaside resorts such as Hua Hin, Cha-am, and Pattaya. Others return home to visit elderly relatives in Isan and the northern provinces. Saturday is somewhat considered a work day to many of the residents of Bangkok.

Religion does not play a very influential role in the capital as it would compared to other cities. However, a good proportion of the population remains devout and offers daily alms to the monks who walk their neighbourhoods. Muslims are often either assimilated entirely by the Thai or live in remote parts of the city such as the Nong Chok district where traditional Thai Muslims still live.

Current issues

Bangkok traffic

Bangkok has long been notorious for its massive traffic jams, which are still a serious problem. The recent construction of the elevated second-level, third-level and fourth-level expressways, many tunnels and flyovers, BTS and MRT systems, four new SRT lines and BRT Bangkok has eased some of the congestion along specific corridors, but has done little to alleviate overall congestion. The major reason is the continued popularity of private automobiles, and extensive consumer credit for automobile purchases.

Environmental issues such as air and water pollution, flooding and subsidence, are a major problem. Traffic, construction and industrial pollution have also contributed to poor air and water quality. Though sulfur dioxide and ozone levels have fallen substantially, PM (particulate matter) still exceeds health standards in some areas. However, the large volume of trash in the canals must be cleaned out by other means. Mold growth is ubiquitous in Bangkok, as the wet tropical climate makes it grow, and many residents simply ignore it.

As in many other Asian cities, the sale of illegally copied copyright-protected material, mostly software and DVD movies, is widespread in Bangkok, but technically illegal.

Crime

Foreign residents and tourists alike complain of widespread scams and blatant price gouging. Elaborate gem store scams, involving earning the trust of a shopper by a westerner who is in cooperation with local merchants, have robbed tourists of thousands of dollars, although overcharging is more of a common occurrence. Commission-based profiteering is common for restaurants, hotels, and other kinds of businesses. The Tourist Police lack police powers and are largely responsible for writing out reports for insurance companies for victims of theft. In more serious cases, they will translate reports to be passed on to the regular police in Bangkok. Also, despite stringent drug laws, the illegal drug trade continues to thrive.

Armed robbery and violence against tourists are rare, but murders involving tourists and long-term foreign residents do occur. A dramatic increase in the number of illegal immigrant workers in Thailand has resulted in many of the crimes being committed by these illegal immigrants. However, Bangkok is generally considered safe from the standpoint of violent crime. The rates for violent crimes such as murders and muggings are fairly low when compared to other large Asian and international cities.

Cityscape

Architecture in the city has largely been shaped by Bangkok's relation to its river.

International relations

Bangkok as seat of international and regional organizations

With its geographical location at the heart of mainland Southeast Asia and as one of Asia's hubs of transportation, Bangkok is home to many international and regional organizations, including regional headquarters or offices (for Southeast Asia, Asia-Pacific region, or East Asia) of many organs under the United Nations system and some organization not belonging to the UN. Bangkok is host to 74 foreign embassies and 32 offices of international organizations

Among others, Bangkok is the seat of the Secretariat of the UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), as well as the Asia-Pacific regional offices of the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO), the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), the International Labour Organization (ILO), the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), the UN High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR), the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF), and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).

For the list of offices of the UN agencies in Bangkok, please visit un.or.th

Twin towns and sister cities

See also: List of twin towns and sister cities in Thailand

Bangkok has a number of sister cities. They are:

Washington, D.C., United States, since 1962 Beijing, China (PRC), 1993 Moscow, Russia, since 1997 Manila, Philippines, since 1997 Saint Peterburg, Russia, since 1997 Astana, Kazakhstan, since 2004 Chaozhou, China (PRC), since 2005 Seoul, South Korea, since 2006 New York City, United States, since 2006 Berlin, Germany, since 2006

Fukuoka, Japan, since 2006 Ankara, Turkey, since 2006 Hanoi, Vietnam, since 2006 Ulanbator, Mongolia, since 2006 Buenos Aires, Argentina, since 2006 Brisbane, Australia, since 2007 Milan, Italy, since 2007 Liverpool, United Kingdom, since 2007 Tokyo, Japan, since 2007 Cape Town, South Africa, since 2007

Budapest, Hungary, since 2007 Sydney, Australia, since 2007 Perth, Australia, since 2007 Stjørdal, Norway, since 2009 Istanbul, Turkey, since 2009 Guangzhou, China Ragunda, Sweden Vientiane, Laos George Town,Malaysia Since 2011 Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, since 2010 Madrid, Spain, since 2010 Warsaw, Poland, since 2010

See also

• Large Cities Climate Leadership Group
• List of metropolitan areas in Thailand by population
• United Nations Climate Change Conference 2009

External links

• Bangkok Metropolitan Administration
• Template:Wikitravel
• Captain John Bush, 1819–1905 19th century Bangkok Harbour master