4. Demographics

   As of the 2000 census, there were 6,355,144 registered residents in the city. However, this figure does not take account of the many unregistered residents and daytime visitors from the surrounding metropolitan area. Recently, Bangkok has experienced a large influx of foreign immigrants, long-term residents, and expatriates. The number of expatriate executives stood at 65,000 as of Nov, 2005 and additional number is increase in an average of more than 1,800 permits per month. Long-term foreign residents include 250,000 Chinese (citizens of China), 30,000 Japanese (the largest community in any Asian city outside of Japan), 100,000 Indians (35,000 Sikh) of whom more than 80% have Thai citizenship, 6,000 Americans, 45,000 Europeans (the second largest number in any Asian city after Singapore), 15,000 Taiwanese (mostly Han Chinese), 7,000 South Koreans, 6,000 Nigerians, 8,000 people of Arabic speaking countries, 20,000 Malaysians, and 4,000 Singaporeans. There are approximately 400,000 - 600,000 illegal immigrants from Cambodia, Myanmar (Burma), Russia, Ukraine, Pakistan, Nigeria, India, Bangladesh, China, and other countries. 92% of the population are Buddhist. The rest are Muslim (6%), Christian (1%), Jewish (300 residents), Hindu/Sikh (0.6%), and others. There are some 400 Buddhist temples, 55 mosques, 10 churches, 2 Hindu Temples, 2 synagogues and 1 Sikh gurudwara in Bangkok.

5. Geography and Climate

5.1 Topography and Climate

   Bangkok province covers 1,568.7 km², making it the 68th largest province in Thailand. Much of the area is considered the city of Bangkok therefore making it one of the largest cities in the world. The Chao Phraya River372 km is its main geographical feature along with being Thailand's longest river. The Chao Phraya River basin, the area surrounding Bangkok and nearby provinces are the series of plains and river deltas that lead into the Bay of Bangkok about 30km south of Bangkok City Center. This has given rise to Bangkok's name as 'Venice of the East' due to the number of canals and passages that divide the area into separate patches of land. The city once used these canals which were so plentiful within Bangkok itself as divisions for city districts, however as the city grew in the second half of the 20th century to enormous extents, the plan was abandoned and a different division was uptaken. which stretches

   Bangkok lies about 2m above sea level. This low ground level causes problems for the protection of the city against floods during monsoon season. Often after a downpour, water in canals and the river overflow the banks, resulting in massive floods. The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has recently installed higher planks alongside some canals to keep water levels from reaching street level. The Khlong Saen Saeb is perhaps one of the city's most notorious canals, the largest and most useful especially for commuting into the city. There are however some downsides for Bangkok's extensive canal routes, the city is rumored to be sinking an average of 2 inches a year as it lies entirely on a swamp.

   Bangkok has a tropical monsoon climate under the Köppen climate classification system. Bangkok is said to have the highest average temperature of any city in the world. Average temperatures in the city is about 2CDon Muang Airport at 1960-1990 period. Absolute maxima is 40.8C and absolute minima is 10.0C. Coldest temperatures were recorded in January 1924,January 1955 and January 1974. higher than the one shown for the

5.2 Districts

   Bangkok has 50 districts or khets each with a distinct difference in governance however all are under the control and authority of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration. Throughout the years, Bangkok has grown from a city scattered along the river to a metro area that spans to as many as 6 provinces. The city's main business districts and residential areas are ever expanding. The influx of foreigners from Western countries as well as immigrants from neighbouring Laos, Myanmar, Cambodia and many other South Asian countries along with the growth of the Thai people has stemmed hundreds of housing projects around the metro area, developing communities along the outskirts. Within years, these communities are engulfed by the greater Bangkok and become another part of this urban jungle.

   As the city expanded on the outskirts, the inner city has no where to grow but up. The city has a registered 1000 skyscrapers and ranks 17th as the world's tallest city. This does not include hundreds of new buildings predicted as part of the construction boom in 2007 and the upcoming years. Areas such as Silom-Sathon and Asok have for decades been Thailand's business center. During the 90's when Thailand experienced the world's highest growth rates and underwent an economic transformation. The city went through dramatic changes, the Ratchadaphisek area turned into a business district which continued the Asok area up north for 5 km. The Sukhumvit area, stretching 15-20 km gradually turned into a mixed commerce and residential area. Wireless Road and Chitlom are where some of Bangkok's most expensive land plot exist as well as the most scenic views. Part of the UK Embassy on the corner of Wireless and Rama I Rd., 9 rai or approximately 14400m² in area, sold for USD 92 million or Bt 3.24 billion and is the most expensive single sale of land in Thai record.

   Bangkok's Phra Nakhon district alongside Dusit is where most governmental agencies and ministries head their offices as well as the most famous tourist attractions due to the age of this particular area. The area is a no-skyscraper designated zone to preserve the area where some buildings date back as old as Thailand itself. This part of town is perhaps the most popular to tourists as most notable attractions, the Grand Palace, Democracy Monument, Giant Swing, Sanam Luang and other venues are located. Thon Buri also has its fair share of historic monuments mainly located near the river. Wat Arun, Siriraj Hospital, religious worship sites of Muslims, Christians and Hindus can also still be found in Thon Buri. Victory Monument in Bangkok is one of the city's biggest bus destinations, although not officially a bus depot, its grand location in the centre of city transits as many as 20 bus lines as well as BTS sky train station.

   Bangkoks North and Eastern areas are primarily residential areas for middle class residents of Bangkok. Whereas the inner city often plays hosts with small cramped apartments and low rises for poor immigrants, Lad Prao and Sri Nakarin offer residential compounds and town houses. The two areas cover as much as 100km²-150km² each, they've turned into what is now part of Bangkok City as more suburb housing developments sprawl further out of the city to the East and North. The West of Bangkok in Thon Buri is a growing area although not close to the development the North and East has seen, it is catching up. The Suvarnabhumi Airport in the East is seen as jump start for the eastern expansion of Bangkok as Don Muang did so for the north. To the south of Bangkok is Samut Prakan Province, which is also home to the Samutprakarn Crocodile Farm and Zoo.

   Ratchaprasong and Siam are without doubt the fore front of Bangkok's shopping scene. With tens of malls lined up and thousands of street vendors, the area is and has always been the place to go for all sorts of goods. The newly renovated Central World Plaza intends to serve as a square to Bangkokians. Just up the street is Siam Square, the trendiest and most entertaining area in town, similar to Shinjuku in Tokyo and Oxford Street and Picadilly Circus in London. The entire Sukhumvit area also serves as a shopping district for foreigners. The popular Chatuchak Weekend Market up north is where most people head for cheap, good quality products.

   Bangkok's poorest district is spread throughout the city however the most concentrated is just north of the Port of Bangkok at the turn of the Chao Phraya River. For an area of 10km², Khlong Toei district houses one of the poorest areas in the country with half built houses and midrises for immigrants and workers from the Northeast Isan provinces.

5.3 Major Parks and Green Zones

   Bangkok has a large sections of greenery either preserved by the Department of National Forestry or designated as green zones. The city however continues to lack a green belt development as economic activity continues to pour into the capital resulting in massive housing projects along the suburbs. However, in recent years, there has been a stronger voice towards preserving the environment containing population within the city.

   Bangkok is known for its large sections of green within the city centre, some of the green zones include the large forest park between Yannawa and Samut Prakan. This part of the city covers an area of over 50sq.km. and is intended to buffer the CBD from the large industries of the West and South of Metro Bangkok. Other areas include Bung Makkasan, an urban city buffer for residences, sections of many major roads have unbuilt swamps and green fields, some intentional for protecting the threat of urbanization while others are land lost during the Asian Financial Crisis.

   Perhaps parks of Bangkok do not get as much wide recognition as Hyde Park or Central Park however, Lumphini Park does provide it with regional fame. Renowned as Bangkok's Central Park, it was built in the early 1900s by Rama VI with the same intention. It has since been used to hold grand pageants, ceremonies of the Thai constitution and even used as a camp for Japanese soldiers in WWII. The park's primary function is now however for recreational purposes-it is one of the most visited parks especially on weekdays. On Sundays, the western gates are open for runners to run on to Silom Rd. It normally remains closed at night with police on patrol at regular times due to the large amount of vandalism,robberies and murders reported. Chatuchak ParkBangkok's largest parks. The two, built in the past 50 years cater to Bangkok's suburb population are enormous and include botanic gardens, sports clubs and complexes, English/French/Japanese gardens and parks as well as large ponds/lakes. Other famous parks include, Queen Sirikit Park near Lad Yao, Benjasiri Park on Sukhumvit, Saranrom Park across the Grand Palace, Sanam Luang (Royal Field), Suan Romaneenat and Dusit Park. and Rama IX Park are two of

6. Administration

   Bangkok is one of two special administrative areas in Thailand (the other being Pattaya) in which citizens vote to choose their Governor, unlike in Thailand's 75 other provinces (changwat). In the 2004 governatorial election Apirak Kosayothin was elected Governor.

   The urban sprawl of the greater Bangkok Metropolitan Area extends beyond the borders of Bangkok province, spilling into the neighbouring provinces of Nonthaburi, Samut Prakan, Pathum Thani, Nakhon Pathom and Samut Sakhon. The province as it is today was created in 1972 when the previous Bangkok province - changwat Phra Nakhon - merged with Thonburi province.

   The seal of the city shows the god Indra riding in the clouds on Erawan, a mythological elephant-shaped creature (sometimes portrayed with three heads). In his hand Indra holds a lightning bolt, which is his weapon to drive away drought. The seal is based upon a painting done by Prince Naris. The tree symbol of Bangkok is Ficus benjamina.

   Bangkok is subdivided into 50 districts (khet, also sometimes called amphoe as in the other provinces), which are further subdivided into 154 kwaeng (equivalent to tambon in other provinces). Each district is managed by a district chief, appointed by the governor. District councils, elected to four-year terms, serve as advisory bodies to their respective district chiefs.

There is also an elected Bangkok Metropolitan Council, which has power over municipal ordinances and the city's budget. The last elections for local councils in Bangkok were held on 23 July 2006. For details, please see: Thailand local elections, 2006.

7. Higher education

   There are a large number of both private and public universities located in Bangkok area. The oldest universities in Thailand are:

    * Chulalongkorn University

    * Thammasat University

    * Kasetsart University

    * Mahidol University

    * Silpakorn University

Other public and private universities include:

    * Assumption University

    * Bangkok University

    * Dhurakijpundit University

    * Dusit Thani College

    * Kasem Bundit University

    * King Mongkut's Inst. of Tech. Ladkrabang

    * King Mongkut's Inst. of Tech. North Bangkok

    * King Mongkut's University of Technology Thonburi

    * Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University

    * Mahanakorn University of Technology

    * Mahamakut Buddhist University

    * National Inst. of Development Administration

    * Ramkhamhaeng University

    * Rangsit University

    * Ratana Bundit University

    * Rajamangala University of Technology

    * SAE Institute Bangkok

    * Saint John's University

    * Siam University

    * Srinakharinwirot University

    * Sripathum University

    * Sukhothai Thammathirat University

    * University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce

There are also several Rajabhat universities, which formerly were part of the teachers college system.

8. Tourism

   Bangkok is considered to be one of the world's top tourist hotspots and is currently Asia's top tourist destination - the third in the world according to Travel and Leisure magazine. The city boasts some of the country's most visted historical venues such as the Grand Palace, Wat Arun, the various monuments and shopping malls. There are numerous projects to maintain Bangkok's historic sites such as the Rattanakosin area and river districts. Bangkok is Thailand's major tourist gateway, which means that the majority of foreign tourists arrive in Bangkok. An estimated 15 million foreigners arrive in Bangkok every year and many are lured back for a second visit due to the cheap cost of living and the quality of services provided.

8.1 Wats and Palaces

   The Bangkok Metropolitan Area is home to two capitals of Thailand's history, the short reign of King Taksin after the fall of Ayutthaya and the modern Bangkok, historically known as Rattanakosin. When King Taksin led his troops out of Ayutthaya and into Thon Buri, they took refuge in Wat Arun as the sun rose in the early morning. This pre-Thon Buri era structure, rises to 85m and has held the status of tallest structure in Bangkok for longer than any other modern skyscraper.

   Further up and across the river is the Grand Palace, this building dates back to 1782 and has housed Bangkok's monarchs for over 150 years. Up to the early 20th century and before the 1932 Revolution, the complex was key in Thai government: it included royal courts, administrative branches and was similar in layout to that of previous Thai capitals. Today, it is one of the most visited locations in Bangkok and within the complex is the Chakri Mahaprasat Hall, a European styled building with a traditional stucco Thai roof and Wat Phra Kaew, which houses the Emerald Buddha and is often considered the most important temple in Thailand.

   Another famous palace is Vimanmek Royal Mansion, the world's largest building made entirely of golden teak. Removed from Ko Sichang in Chonburi province, it was rebuilt in the Dusit Palace in 1900 by the command of King Rama V. It was recently renovated by HM Queen Sirikit, and made into a museum paying homage to the late King. As well as antique furniture, the Palace houses glassware, porcelain, old photographs and memorabilia from the late King's reign (1868 - 1910). Rooms are well maintained and are a good reminiscence of the past. Most of the compound is now a museum with guided tours available.

   There are a large number of palaces in Bangkok which some of them open to the public and some of them become a part of the government buildings.

    * Grand Palace, Bangkok - Official residence of the King of Thailand, Bangkok

    * Chitralada Palace (New Palace) - Private residence of the Thai royal family, Bangkok

    * Sukhothai Palace - Private residence of the Thai royal family, Bangkok

    * Srapratum Palace - Private residence of the Thai royal family, Bangkok

    * Nonthaburi Palace - Former private residence of the Thai royal family, Bangkok

    * Chakri Bongkot Palace - Private residence of the Thai royal family, Bangkok

    * Le Dis Palace - Private residence of the Thai royal family, Bangkok

    * Dusit Palace - Private residence of the Thai royal family, Bangkok

    * Vimanmek Palace (Vimanmek Mansion) - Former royal residence, Bangkok

    * Suan Pakard Palace - Presently, as a museum, Bangkok

    * Front Palace - Presently, as Bangkok National Museum, Bangkok

    * Chankasem Palace - It is now a part of education minister building, Bangkok

    * Rear Palace - It is now a part of Siriraj Hospital, Bangkok

    * Phya Thai Palace - It is now a part of Phramongkutklao hospital, Bangkok

    * Phetchabun Palace - Presently, as CentralWorld, Bangkok

    * Saranrom Palace - Presently, as a Saranrom Park, Bangkok

    * Waradit Palace - Presently, as a museum, Bangkok

    * Old Palace - It was the palace of King Thonburi, now used as HQ of Royal Thai Navy

    * Thapra Palace - Presently, as a Silpakorn university, Bangkok

    * Bang Khun Phrom Palace - Presently, as the Bank of Thailand, Bangkok

    * Ldawan Palace - Presently, as the Royal Crown Property office, Bangkok

    * Burapha Phirom Palace - Presently, as a market, Bangkok

    * Chakrabongse Palace - Presently, as a private resort, Bangkok

    * Wat Pho - The Temple of the Reclining Buddha or Wat Phra Chetuphon, is located behind the splendid Temple of the Emerald Buddha. It is the largest temple in Bangkok and named for its huge and majestic reclining Buddha measuring 46 metres long and covered in gold leaf. The Buddha's feet are 3 metres long and is exquisitely decorated in mother-of-pearl illustrations of auspicious 'laksanas' (characteristics) of the Buddha.

    * Wat Suthat - One of the oldest temples with a sweeping elegant roof and the site of the original Giant Swing ceremony is Wat Suthat. A huge teak arch - all that remains of the original Giant Swing - lies in the grounds in front of the temple. The swing was used in a ceremony to give thanks for a good rice harvest.

    * Wat Saket - Nearby, the grubby yellow hill crowned with a gleaming gold chedi is known as the Golden Mount, or 'Phu Khao Thong.' It rises within the compound of Wat Saket, an unusual temple that houses Buddha relics within its 58-metre-high chedi surmounted by a golden cupola. Built by King Rama I just outside the new city walls, the late-18th century temple served as the capital's crematorium. During the following 100 years, the temple became a dumping ground for some 60,000 plague victims.