The name Bangkok, used commonly by foreigners, is, according to one interpretation, derived from a name that dates to the time before the city was built—the village or district (bang) of wild plums (makok).
The origin of the name Bangkok (บางกอก, pronounced in Thai as [bāːŋ kɔ̀ːk]) is unclear. Bang บาง is a Thai word meaning 'a village on a stream', and the name might have been derived from Bang Ko (บางเกาะ), ko เกาะ meaning 'island', stemming from the city's watery landscape.
In Thailand, locals call the capital Krung Thep Maha Nakhon (กรุงเทพมหานคร). Krung Thep means “City of Angels.” The full short name is used in formal documents and official announcements. Internationally, “Bangkok” remains the most recognized name, especially for tourism and travel.
Specific mention of the town was first made in the royal chronicles from the reign of King Maha Chakkraphat (1548–1568), giving its name as Thonburi Si Mahasamut (ธนบุรีศรีมหาสมุทร). Bangkok was probably a colloquial name, albeit one widely adopted by foreign visitors.
Siam has never been a colony of Europe during the period of col- onization, 1800s-1900s. To avoid British colonization, the Bangkok cap- ital city subsequently privileged and welcomed British settlement in exchange for sovereignty.
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What was the city before Bangkok?
The Historic City of Ayutthaya, founded in 1350, was the second capital of the Siamese Kingdom. It flourished from the 14th to the 18th centuries, during which time it grew to be one of the world's largest and most cosmopolitan urban areas and a center of global diplomacy and commerce.
The national language of Thailand is Thai, spoken by about 53% of the population. Many more speak it as a second language. Lao is spoken by about 27%, and Chinese 12%. Malay is spoken by 4% and Khmer 3%.
Is Bangkok located in Thailand or China? Bangkok is the capital city of Thailand, not China. It is a major cultural, political, and economic centre in Southeast Asia, known for its vibrant street life, cultural landmarks, and bustling atmosphere.
Thais often refer to their country using the polite form prathet Thai (Thai: ประเทศไทย). They also use the more colloquial term mueang Thai (Thai: เมืองไทย) or simply Thai; the word mueang, archaically referring to a city-state, is commonly used to refer to a city or town as the centre of a region.
Currently, his main residence is Amphorn Sathan Residential Hall, with the king having moved from Nonthaburi Palace in 2011. Vajiralongkorn's three-day coronation ceremonies took place from 4 to 6 May 2019.
These Rules for the first time officially acknowledged the gender sensitive needs of women in prison. They came to be popularly known as the Bangkok Rules because of Thailand's pivotal role in spearheading its adoption.
Thailand, a large country in Southeast Asia, was for centuries known as Siam. Its name was first changed to Thailand on June 5, 1939, was briefly changed back in 1945, but became Thailand permanently on May 11, 1949.
Instead of using a lengthy first name, parents give children a simple, one or two syllable nickname at birth. Thai nicknames served a dual purpose. Practically, simple names are easier for everyday use. Spiritually, nicknames confuse malicious spirits and protect children.
The official language in Bangkok is Thai, but it's increasingly common to find people who speak English but only in the more touristic parts of the city.
Although the full name captures the grandeur of the city, “Bangkok” remains the globally recognized name. This simpler version originated from the older town's name, Bang Makok, referring to a place of olive trees. The shorter name made international communications easier, while the full name is still revered locally.
While it won't make a huge difference, late November and early December is the best time to visit Bangkok, when the city is drying out from the monsoon season and experiencing a slight cool down, and the holiday crowds have yet to arrive. The best weather for Thailand's beaches and islands are December to March.
Phuket Island, situated approximately 863 kilometres (536 mi) south of Bangkok, spans an area of 543 square kilometres (210 sq mi), not accounting for its smaller islets.
According to official census data from 2018, approximately 94% of Thais follow Buddhism. On the other hand, non-census data from 2023 has put the figure at 90% of Thais being Buddhist. The religious life of the country is more complex than how it is portrayed by such statistics.
English is not widely spoken in Thailand, but it can certainly be found in larger cities and tourist-focused areas like Bangkok and Phuket. For those traveling outside major cities or in the countryside, finding someone who speaks English can be difficult.
The Karen languages are comprised of a group of languages spoken primarily in the coastal areas of Thailand and in the lower regions of Burma. There are three main Karen languages and many dialects. The main types are S'gaw (pronounced Skaw) Karen, Western Pwo Karen and Eastern Pwo Karen.
Strategic Location. Thailand's geographical position played a crucial role in its resistance to colonization. Situated in the heart of Southeast Asia, it served as a buffer state between the British and French empires, which were vying for control of the region.
Answer and Explanation: The people in Thailand drive on the left side of the road because of the influence of the British. Although Thailand was never a British colony or part of the British Empire, the British have had an influence in Thailand since the mid-1800s.
