HISTORY
BANGKOK
Bangkok is the capital, largest urban area and primary city of Thailand. Known in Thai as Krung Thep Maha Nakhon, or Krung Thep, meaning "city of angels" for short, it was originally a small trading post on the west bank of the lower Chao Phraya River during the Ayutthaya Kingdom. It became the capital in 1768 after the destruction of Ayutthaya by Burmese invaders. However, the current Rattanakosin Kingdom did not begin until 1782, when the capital was moved to the east bank of the river by Rama I following the death of King Taksin. The city is more formally called "Phra Nakhon", referring to the original boundaries of the 18th century, while the name Krungthep Mahanakorn includes the urban areas which have since grown. Foreigners generally call the city by its original name of Bangkok.
FULL NAMEKrung Thep Mahanakhon Amon Rattanakosin Mahinthara Yuthaya Mahadilok Phop Noppharat Ratchathani Burirom Udomratchaniwet Mahasathan Amon Phiman Awatan Sathit Sakkathattiya Witsanukam Prasit |
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TIMETABLE
The important years of Bangkok's history.
| YEARS | EVENT |
|---|---|
| 1350 | Ayutthaya Kingdom |
| 1767 | King Taksin established a new capital named Thonburi |
| 1782 | King Buddha Yodfa Chulaloke reconstructed the capital. Then Bangkok become the capital of Thailand. |
| 1860 | Many European countries and North America had formed economic alliances and treaties with Bangkok. |
| 1863 | The city's first paved street was completed under King Mongkut's rule. |
| 1868 | King Chulalongkorn brought about much development and modernization in Bangkok and Thailand. He proceeded to construct new city roads, developing a railway line connect to the north of Bangkok as well creating a tramway. |
| 1900 | Rural market zones in Bangkok began developing into residential districts. |
| 1932 | The Memorial Bridge was constructed to connect Thonburi to Bangkok which was believed to promote economic growth and modernization in a period when infrastructure was developing considerably. |
| 1960 | FDI investment flowed into Thailand, improving the Don Mueang Airport and its highways. |
| Since 1960s | Modernization and population pressure with now over 8 million people in Bangkok, traffic congestion and pollution has become a significant problem in Bangkok. |