Bangkok City Guide
Bangkok is the capital of Thailand. It is the centre
of politics, economy, education, culture, and transportation.
A large number of tourists often travel to Bangkok
because there are so many attractions to visit.
The other attraction is the friendly people and
wonderful culture. Thai people are very generous;
it is a family based culture. Thais call there neighbor
“pee” (older brother or sister) or “nong” (younger
brother or sister). It is said Bangkok is one of
the safest cities to visit.
Bangkok - Geography
Bangkok is located in the central part of the country
on the low-flat plain of the Chao Phraya River,
which is the most important river that can be compared
to the main artery of the nation. The location is
at latitude 130 45' north and longitude 1000 28'
east. It is a tropical land with long hours of sunshine,
high temperature and humidity.
Bangkok was established in 1782 as the new capital
of Thailand by King Rama I of the Chakri Dynasty
on a flood plain delta of the Chao Phraya River.
The location was then selected with the consideration
as a natural defense from enemies and the richness
of water for lives earning. Since its establishment,
the city grew steadily in size and importance which
at first covered only 4.14 square kilometers to
now, a megacity that comprises of 50 districts with
total area of 1568.737 square kilometers.
Bangkok - Climate
The climate is influenced by seasonal monsoon. There
are three main seasons; Rainy (May-October), Winter
(November-January) and Summer (February-April).
The average low temperature is approximately in
low to mid 20 degree Celsius and high temperature
in mid 30 degree Celsius.
Bangkok - Administration
Bangkok Metropolitan Administration is the sole
organization at the local authority level responsible
for the well-being of Bangkok residents with some
financial support from the central government. The
Governor is the chief of the city administration,
elected by popular vote for a four-year term. The
Governor will appoint four deputy governors as executive
administrators.
Bangkok - Economy
Bangkok is the commercial center of Thailand, as
well as Southeast Asia, for imports and exports.
There are two important sectors of economy in Bangkok.
First, Thailand has been an agricultural country
in South East Asia, so agriculture was the main
source generating income. Now the expansion of the
agricultural sector is steadily increasing. During
the mid-1980s, agriculture accounted for an average
of about 25 percent of GDP, and agricultural commodities
accounted annually for over 60 percent of the value
of all exports. Second, Tourism has become a main
source of revenue, with increasing numbers of visitors
coming to Thailand.
Bangkok - Population
During 1782 - 1900, the commencing period of city
establishment, Bangkok grew rather slowly. The population
then was only 600,000 and urbanized area was about
18 square kilometers. After the Second World War,
the city was increasingly populated with rapid urbanization
which brought about number of infrastructures and
other constructions. The registered population in
Bangkok increased from 1.6 million in 1958 to 5.4
million in 1986 and 5.6 million in 1999. The population
of Bangkok is now close to 7 million by registered
record or about 10 million of daytime population.
Most residents in Bangkok are native Thais with
around 25% of the city's inhabitants being Chinese
or of Chinese descents as well as Indians, Arabs,
Malays and Europeans. Most Thais are welcoming and
friendly to visitors and thus the alias "Land
of smile" is appreciated granted to Thailand.
Bangkok - Transportations
BTS Sky Train
BTS Sky Train stations can mostly be found in commercial
areas of Sukhumvit and Silom, it is fast and safe.
The sky train is divided into 2 lines: Sukhumvit
line (On Nut Station-Mo Chit Station), and Silom
lines (Saphan Taksin Station-National Stadium Station).
The sky train has a minimum and maximum fare of
10-40 baht. Tourists may buy 30 day tourist tickets
to save money, only 250 baht/10 trips, or day tickets,
100 baht (unlimited trips).
The BTS Tourist Information Centers is open daily
from 8.00 a.m. - 8.00 p.m. at
the following stations:Siam, Nana and Saphan Taksin.
For more information, call: 0-2617-7340.
Bangkok - BMCL Subway
BMCL Subway is another comfortable and fast transportation
choice. The beginning of “Chalerm Ratcha Mongkhon”
line is Hua Lum Phong station (also the main train
station in Bangkok), total of 18 stations, major
stations at: The Queen Sirikit's International Convention
and Exhibition Center, Silom, Suan Lumpini, Asoke,
Ratchada, Ladprao and Pahonyotin road. The Asoke
and Silom stations are connected to the the BTS.
There are also "Park & Ride" at Ladprao
and Phra Ram 9 Stations. BMCL Subway has a minimum
and maximum fare of 10-15 baht (For trial period
only)
The BMCL subway is open daily from 06.00 a.m. -
12.00 midnight. For more information, call: 0-2264-5200.
Buses
There are a lot of buses offered in Bangkok going
to all places, with a fare starting at 3.5 baht
for open air buses. Air-conditioned blue buses have
minimum and maximum fares from 8 to 16 baht. Euro
II or Orange air-conditioned buses charge 10-20
baht. Air-conditioned microbuses charge a flat fare
of 20 baht all routes. For more information call
184 or 0-2246-0973.
A buses route map is available at bookshops. A free
city map can also be picked up at The Bangkok Tourist
Division office, Bangkok Tourist Information Booths
throughout Bangkok and the TAT office .
Bangkok - Taxis
Taxis in Bangkok are metered. They charge a minimum
of 35 baht, for the first 3 kilometers, and approximately
5 baht per kilometer thereafter.When in Traffice
the meter is timed and calculated in the fare.
Bangkok - Tuk-Tuk
These three-wheeled 'open-air' motorised taxis are
popular for short journeys. Fares must be bargained
in advance. Minimum fares, for journeys of up to
3 kilometers, are approximately 30 baht.
Bangkok - Boats
There are various types of boat identified in color
flags. Boat service on the Chao Phraya River connects
Bangkok with the northern neighbouring province
of Nonthaburi, starting from the Tha Nam Non Pier
and ending at Saphan Taksin Pier (Sathorn).
Boat (no flag) stop at all pier, has a
minimum fare of 8 baht.
Rapid boat (orang flag) has a fare of 10
baht all routes.
Express boat (yellow flag) stop at only
on crowded and main piers. The Express boat has
a fare of 15 baht all routes. After rush hour, these
boat are used for tourist purpose. There are guide
boats for travellrs with guide to give information
about the riverside.
The boat with blue flag, is the fastest stopping
only on 3 pier, ThaNamNon Pier, Siriraj Pier and
SaphanTaksin (Sathorn) Pier.It has a minimum and
maximum fares from 25-35 baht. (For trial period,
it just newly had this type)
Boats run daily from 06.00 A.M-06.40 P.M.
Bangkok - Motorcycles Taxi
In rush hours, there is a lot of traffic jam, if
your late and want to be on time you can try the
motorcycle taxi. Fares must be bargained in advance.
Minimum fares are 5 baht. You need to bargin the
fare before taking the ride.
Bangkok at Dentech Cosmetic Dental Center Bangkok,
Thailand.
