The "real" name of Bangkok depends on whether you mean its official Thai name or its ceremonial full name.
In everyday Thai, the city is called:
Krung Thep Maha Nakhon (กรุงเทพมหานคร)
This translates roughly to:
"The Great City of Angels" or "City of Angels, Great Metropolis."
In 2022, Thailand officially recognized Krung Thep Maha Nakhon alongside the familiar English name Bangkok, so both are considered acceptable.
The full ceremonial name
Bangkok also has an extraordinarily long ceremonial name, traditionally regarded as the longest place name in the world:
Krung Thep Maha Nakhon Amon Rattanakosin Mahinthara Ayutthaya Mahadilok Phop Noppharat Ratchathani Burirom Udomratchaniwet Mahasathan Amon Phiman Awatan Sathit Sakkathattiya Witsanukam Prasit
The name can be translated approximately as:
"The city of angels, the great city, the residence of the Emerald Buddha, the impregnable city of the god Indra, the grand capital of the world endowed with nine precious gems, the happy city, abounding in an enormous Royal Palace that resembles the heavenly abode where the reincarnated god reigns, a city given by Indra and built by Vishnukarma."
The full name was composed in the late 18th century during the reign of Rama I, when Bangkok became the capital of Siam (now Thailand).
Why do English speakers call it "Bangkok"?
The name Bangkok predates the capital city. It likely originated from the name of a small village or district on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River. Two common explanations are:
- Bang Makok – "place of olive plum trees."
- Bang Koh – "village on an island."
When the capital expanded, foreigners continued using "Bangkok," while Thai people referred to the city as Krung Thep ("City of Angels") or its full official name.
A fun fact 🎵
Many Thai schoolchildren learn the full ceremonial name by singing it as a song. Memorizing the entire name is considered something of a cultural tradition, even though almost no one uses it in everyday conversation.
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