Bangkok. Economy and History

Bangkok, (pop. 5,876,000), is the capital and largest city of Thailand. It is the nation's primary commercial, cultural, and industrial center. The largest part of Bangkok lies on the east bank of the Chao Phraya River, about 17 miles (27 kilometers) north of the Gulf of Thailand. Bangkok also includes an area on the west bank, which was formerly a separate city called Thon Buri. For location, see Thailand (map). The Thai name for Bangkok is Krung Thep, which means City of Angels or Heavenly City.

Bangkok, the capital of Thailand, lies along the Chao Phraya River. The city is Thailand's chief port and the center of the nation's commerce and industry

The city is a sprawling, fast-growing metropolis. Bangkok was once called the "Venice of the East" because it had so many canals. Most of the canals have been filled in and replaced by streets and expressways, though there are still some canals west of the Chao Phraya River.

Bangkok has long been famous for its magnificent temples and palaces. The finest of these structures are in the citys historic center near the river. The Grand Palace, once the home of the Thai kings and now used for state ceremonies, overlooks the river. The royal family lives in the Chitlada Palace, about 1 ½ miles (2.4 kilometers) northeast of the Grand Palace. The area between the two palaces is the citys chief government and cultural center. It includes the major. Thai government buildings and the national library, museum, and theater. Bangkok has more than 300 Buddhist temples, also called wats. One of the most impressive is the Temple of the Emerald Buddha on the grounds of the Grand Palace.

Houses, shops, and small industries stand together in new and old structures throughout Bangkok. Traditional shophouses line many streets, with stores on the first floor and housing on upper floors. Commercial districts range from outdoor markets to modern shopping malls. On weekends, shoppers flock to Chatuchak, one of the largest outdoor markets in the world. Other city buildings include hotels, office buildings, nightclubs, and movie theaters.

The Temple of the Emeraid Buddha is one of the many colorful buildings in Bangkok. Most of these buildings date back to the late 1700's and the 1800's

Bangkok faces many problems. About a sixth of the city’s housing consists of slums. The city suffers from in-adequate garbage collection, especially in the slums. Severe traffic jams occur regularly, causing hazardous levels of air pollution. In addition, floods often damage the city during the rainy season, from July to December. Flooding problems have worsened because the land on which Bangkok stands has been sinking 2 to 4 inches (5 to 10 centimeters) a year since the early 1960s.

Despite Bangkok’s modern features, the city maintains a distinctively Thai character. Sidewalk vendors are common, and there are outdoor eating areas throughout the city. The people of Bangkok still practice traditional Thai styles of dance, music, and handicrafts.

Economy of Bangkok is based on trade, tourism, and government service. The city is Thailand’s chief port and the center of its railroad and canal network. The nation’s main international airport is nearby. Many local and foreign firms operate factories in the Bangkok metropolitan area. Products manufactured in these factories are exported throughout the world.

History. Bangkok was a small village until 1782, when King Rama I made it a royal city. According to Thai belief, the kings palace was the "center of the universe.” The city was laid out to reflect this idea. The Grand Palace was built first Majortemples and government buildings were built nearby. Less important buildings went up in areas farther from the palace.

Bangkok grew through the years, but the city's most dramatic growth occurred in the late-1900's. The population of the city tripled between 1960 and 2000.