Bangkok

Bangkok (กรุงเทพมหานคร) became the capital of Thailand in 1782 when King Rama I established the seat of government on Rattanakosin Island after the fall of Ayutthaya. With a population exceeding 10 million within city limits—and over 17 million in the greater metropolitan area—it is the country’s dominant political, economic, and cultural center. The city serves as the seat of all branches of the national government and emerged as a major regional center for finance, business, and entertainment following the Asian investment boom of the 1980s