Bangkok

/ˈbæŋkɒk/ noun

Definition

The capital and largest city of Thailand, officially known as Krung Thep Maha Nakhon, serving as the country's political, economic, and cultural center.

Etymology

From Thai บางกอก (Bang Kok), literally meaning 'village of wild plums' - bang meaning 'village by a river' and kok meaning 'wild plum'. The city's official Thai name is much longer and means 'City of Angels'.

Kelly Says

Bangkok's official name is actually one of the longest place names in the world, containing 169 letters in its full ceremonial form, though locals simply call it 'Krung Thep' (City of Angels). The contrast between its humble etymology as a 'wild plum village' and its current status as a major global metropolis reflects Thailand's dramatic transformation over the past two centuries.

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