Many people have mixed feelings when they learn that I’m from Bangkok – a cosmopolitan and contrasting city. A dazzling, charming and addictive metropolis that many fall in love with, while many have found it too crowded, smelly and intense.To me, Bangkok has its shine and darkness, filled with sparkling temples and steamy night clubs. I love my Bangkok, nevertheless. Despite the road congestion and pollution problems - characteristics that are shared by most of the big cities around the world, I enjoy the amazing food scenes that we have, I love watching the affluent glow of skyscrapers at night and take pleasure in a relaxing Thai massage and a ride of tuk tuk - everything is delightful and familiar in a place I call ‘home’.
Let me tell you about Bangkok – well….first of all we don’t even call it Bangkok. Bangkok is the name of our former capital city but it seems that the world hasn’t caught up with the idea yet….227 years later. Bangkok, among Thai people, is known as Krung-Thep-Maha-Nakorn which has a direct translation as the city of angels.
But that's not all to the name. Do you know that the full name of Bangkok is the longest place name in the world!! Consiting of 12 words - 65 syllables - 167 letters! No place else on earth has ever had a longer name!
The full name of Krung-thep is:
Krung Thep Mahanakhon Amon Rattanakosin Mahinthara Yuthaya Mahadilok Phop Noppharat Ratchathani Burirom Udomratchaniwet Mahasathan Amon Phiman Awatan Sathit Sakkathattiya Witsanukam Prasit
Given the length of the full name, there’s no doubt why it is never used. Krung-Thep-Maha-Nakorn or Krung-Thep is then more common in everyday use.
Ask any Thai to recite the name for you and you’ll see that most of us can still recite the full name –thanks to Asanee-Watson, a popular Thai musical band with their smart move putting the lengthy name into a famous melody.
Some basic information of Krung-thep:
Founded: 1782
Population: roughly 6 million registered residents
Area: 605.7 sq mi
Average temperature: 82 Degree Fahrenheit
So that is my Bangkok! From now on, we’ll delve into the life of Bangkok – exploring fun and exciting activities and events the city has to offer.
