Bangkok , [ a ] officially known in Thai as Krung Thep Maha Nakhon [ b ] and colloquially as Krung Thep , [ c ] is the capital and most populous city of Thailand. The city occupies 1, Over Bangkok traces its roots to a small trading post during the Ayutthaya Kingdom in the 15th century, which eventually grew and became the site of two capital cities, Thonburi in and Rattanakosin in Bangkok was at the heart of the modernization of Siam during the lateth century, as the country faced pressures from the West.
The city was at the centre of the country's political struggles throughout the 20th century , as Siamβlater renamed Thailandβabolished absolute monarchy, adopted constitutional rule, and underwent numerous coups and several uprisings. The city, incorporated as a special administrative area under the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration in , grew rapidly during the s through the s and now exerts a significant impact on Thailand's politics, economy, education, media and modern society.
The Asian investment boom in the s and s led many multinational corporations to locate their regional headquarters in Bangkok. The city is now a regional force in finance, business and pop culture. It is an international hub for transport and health care, and has emerged as a centre for the arts, fashion, and entertainment. The city is known for its street life and cultural landmarks, as well as its red-light districts.
Bangkok is among the world's top tourist destinations, and has been named the world's most visited city consistently in several international rankings. Bangkok's rapid growth coupled with little urban planning has resulted in a haphazard cityscape and inadequate infrastructure. The city has since turned to public transport in an attempt to solve the problem, operating 10 urban rail lines and building other public transit; however, congestion remains a prevalent issue.
The history of Bangkok dates at least back to the early 15th century, to when it was a village on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River , under the rule of Ayutthaya. Bangkok initially served as a customs outpost with forts on both sides of the river, and was the site of a siege in in which the French were expelled from Siam.
