The History of the name "Bangkok"
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The History of the name "Bangkok"

Bangkok, Thailand's lively capital, has a name with a fascinating history. Contrary to common belief, the city's official Thai name is incredibly long, but locals often refer to it as "Krung Thep" for short. The complete name holds the Guinness World Record as the longest place name in the world.


"Krung Thep" translates to "City of Angels" in English. The full name, however, goes beyond that, encompassing a poetic and auspicious description of the city. It begins with "Krung Thep Mahanakhon" and expands further, capturing the essence of the city's grandeur.


While "Bangkok" is the widely used English name, it has its roots in the original Thai name. "Bangkok" is believed to have derived from the term "Bang Makok," referring to a place with wild plums. Over time, this name transformed into the more familiar "Bangkok" we know today, a nod to the city's historical roots and vibrant character.



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