Unveiling Bangkok's True Name
Bangkok may not be the capital's real name. Origins, meaning, complete Thai name, and translation: here's everything you need to know.
September 29, 2020
Do you know the true name of Thailand's capital?
Many would unhesitatingly say that Thailand's capital is called Bangkok. You'd be almost right, but reality is somewhat more intricate. Discover the city with the world's longest name!
Bangkok for Western Visitors
In French or English, the name of the kingdom of Siam's capital is known to most. The vibrant Thai capital is called Bangkok. The origins of this name remain uncertain, and two hypotheses vie for dominance.
The most widely accepted theory suggests that Bangkok is the contraction of Bang Ma-Kok, literally meaning "place where plum trees grow". It's worth noting that the term Bang in Thai typically designates cities located either on the coast or along a river. Ma-Kok refers to the Java plum.
Another hypothesis proposes that the term Bangkok has roots in the neighboring Khmer language, with Beung Kok meaning floodable land (Beung) with reeds (Kok).
Bangkok, the City of Gods
While the name Bangkok is easy to remember, the same cannot be said for its Thai version. In the Thai language, the capital's name actually holds a curious distinction: the longest name of any city in the world. Here it is:
"Krung thep mahanakhon amon rattanakosin mahintara ayuthaya mahadilok phop noppharat ratchathani burirom udomratchaniwet mahasathan amon piman awatan sathit sakkathattiya witsanukam prast"
Here is the translation of this beautifully elaborate name:
"City of gods (or angels), great city, residence of the Emerald Buddha, impregnable city of the god Indra, great capital of the world adorned with nine precious gems, auspicious city, generous in the enormous Royal Palace resembling the celestial abode, realm of the god reincarnated, city dedicated to Indra and built by Vishnukarn."
Indeed, nothing more, nothing less! One could say the Thai people appreciate precision when naming their cities.
It's worth noting that this name was composed using two ancient languages of Indian origin: Pali and Sanskrit. For the purists, here is Bangkok's name in Thai:
กรุงเทพมหานคร อมรรัตนโกสินทร์ มหินทรายุธยา มหาดิลกภพ นพรัตน์ราชธานีบุรีรมย์ อุดมราชนิเวศน์มหาสถาน อมรพิมานอวตารสถิต สักกะทัตติยะวิษณุกรรมประสิทธิ์
Thais remain practical people nonetheless, so rest assured, a small abbreviation is perfectly acceptable. When asked where you're headed, you're welcome to simply say Bangkok. But if you'd like to impress your guide or driver, you can announce Krung thep mahanakhon (กรุงเทพมหานคร). Krung Thep means City of Gods or Angels, with the term Thep carrying multiple meanings: Angel, Fairy, God, Deity—essentially referring to that which is of divine origin. You may also opt for Phra Nakhon, meaning "the Capital".
The next time you need to catch a bus or taxi to Bangkok, you'll know what's what.
Have a wonderful trip to Thailand, and good luck!
Sylvain Recouras
Charlène Nomadays
One of Nomadays' original SEO writers who evolved into content manager and communications director, Charlène has championed the adventure from its inception with passion and steadfast commitment. After spending seven years across Asia—from China to Thailand, passing through Mongolia and South Korea—she has made travel her way of experiencing the world. A lover of words, nature, and human connection, she strives to convey through her writing a thoughtful, engaged, and responsible vision of tourism. Each article is her bridge between curiosity, respect, and wonder.
