Bangkok, official name Krung Thep Maha Nakhon, was officially founded on 21 April 1782. Krung is a Thai word of Khmer origin, meaning 'capital, king'; while 'Thep' is from Pali/Sanskrit deva, meaning 'deity' or 'angel'.

 

The seal of the city shows Hindu god Indra riding in the clouds on Airavata, a divine white elephant known in Thai as Erawan. In his hand Indra holds his weapon, the vajra. The seal is based on a painting done by Prince Naris.

The city slogan translates:

'As built by angels, the administrative centre, dazzling palaces and temples, the capital of Thailand'

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The origins of the name Bangkok remain uncertain. One theory suggests it derives from "Bang," a Thai word meaning "village on a stream," and "Ko," meaning "island," reflecting the city's water-dominated landscape. Another interpretation links it to Bang Makok, with makok referring to a plant bearing olive-like fruit, as supported by the former name of Wat Arun - Wat Makok.

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Bangkok’s history dates back to the early 15th century when it was a small village on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River under Ayutthaya rule. Its strategic location near the river’s mouth allowed it to grow in significance, serving as a customs outpost fortified on both sides of the river. In 1688, it became the site of a siege where the French were expelled from Siam. Following Ayutthaya’s fall to the Burmese in 1767, King Taksin established his capital on the western bank of present day Bangkok, which became the foundation of the Thonburi Kingdom.

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In 1782, King Phutthayotfa Chulalok (Rama I) succeeded King Taksin, relocating the capital to Rattanakosin Island on the eastern bank of the river. This marked the founding of the Rattanakosin Kingdom, with the City Pillar erected on April 21, 1782, a date regarded as Bangkok's official establishment as the capital.

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Bangkok’s economy grew through international trade, initially with China and later with Western merchants in the 19th century. As the capital, it became the center of Siam’s modernization efforts during the late 19th century under the reigns of Kings Mongkut (Rama IV, r. 1851–68) and Chulalongkorn (Rama V, r. 1868–1910). Key advancements during this period included the introduction of the steam engine, printing press, rail transport, utilities, formal education, and healthcare.

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Bangkok City is divided into 50 districts (khet, equivalent to amphoe in other provinces), which are further divided into 180 sub-districts. As Thailand’s capital, Bangkok houses all branches of the national government, including the Government House, Parliament House, and the Supreme, Administrative, and Constitutional Courts. It is home to the Grand Palace and Dusit Palace, the official and de facto royal residences, as well as the headquarters of most government ministries.

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