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Bangkok is the capital of Thailand. It
is the centre of politics, economy, education, culture, and transportation.
A large number of tourists often travel to Bangkok because there
are so many attractions to visit. The other attraction is the friendly
people and wonderful culture. Thai people are very generous; it
is a family based culture. Thais call there neighbor "pee"
(older brother or sister) or "nong" (younger brother or
sister). It is said Bangkok is one of
the safest cities to visit.
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 Geography
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Bangkok is located in the central part
of the country on the low-flat plain of the Chao Phraya River, which
is the most important river that can be compared to the main artery
of the nation. The location is at latitude 130 45' north and longitude
1000 28' east. It is a tropical land with long hours of sunshine,
high temperature and humidity.
Bangkok was established in 1782 as the
new capital of Thailand
by King Rama I of the Chakri Dynasty on a flood plain delta of the
Chao Phraya River. The location was then selected with the consideration
as a natural defense from enemies and the richness of water for
lives earning. Since its establishment, the city grew steadily in
size and importance which at first covered only 4.14 square kilometers
to now, a megacity that comprises of 50 districts with total area
of 1568.737 square kilometers.
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Climate
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The climate is influenced by seasonal monsoon. There are three
main seasons; Rainy (May-October), Winter (November-January) and
Summer (February-April). The average low temperature is approximately
in low to mid 20 degree Celsius and high temperature in mid 30 degree
Celsius. (Bangkok Weather
& Climate)
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Administration
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Bangkok Metropolitan Administration is the sole organization at
the local authority level responsible for the well-being of Bangkok
residents with some financial support from the central government.
The Governor is the chief of the city administration, elected by
popular vote for a four-year term. The Governor will appoint four
deputy governors as executive administrators.
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Economy
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Bangkok is the commercial center of Thailand, as well as Southeast
Asia, for imports and exports. There are two important sectors of
economy in Bangkok. First, Thailand has been an agricultural country
in South East Asia, so agriculture was the main source generating
income. Now the expansion of the agricultural sector is steadily
increasing. During the mid-1980s, agriculture accounted for an average
of about 25 percent of GDP, and agricultural commodities accounted
annually for over 60 percent of the value of all exports. Second,
Tourism has become a main source of revenue, with increasing numbers
of visitors coming to Thailand.
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Population
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During 1782 - 1900, the commencing period of city establishment,
Bangkok grew rather slowly. The population then was only 600,000
and urbanized area was about 18 square kilometers. After the Second
World War, the city was increasingly populated with rapid urbanization
which brought about number of infrastructures and other constructions.
The registered population in Bangkok increased from 1.6 million
in 1958 to 5.4 million in 1986 and 5.6 million in 1999. The population
of Bangkok is now close to 7 million by registered record or about
10 million of daytime population. Most residents in Bangkok are
native Thais with around 25% of the city's inhabitants being Chinese
or of Chinese descents as well as Indians, Arabs, Malays and Europeans.
Most Thais are welcoming and friendly to visitors and thus the alias
"Land of smile" is appreciated granted to Thailand.
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