The Temple of Dawn was once named Wat Makok. The word means the area s that can be accessed by waterways (Khlong), according to Prince Damrong Rajanubhab who is credited as the father of Thai history. “Bang” is very common as a district or community name across the country such as Bangrak, Bangna, Bang Krachao, Bang Nam Phueng, Bang Nampriew, and Banglampoo.

The word “Bangkok” comprises two Thai words – Bang and Kok. It’s believed to date back to before the present capital of Thailand “Krung Thep” was founded. Some Thai s even like to shorten the name further, calling their capital Kor Tor Mor – an abbreviation of Krung Thep Maha Nakhon – though often they are referring to the area covered by the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, as the local government body is known.īut the name Bangkok has been around for a very long time. Thai people don’t usually call their capital Bangkok but mostly sa y Krung Thep, the short form of Krung Thep Maha Nakhon. However, Bangkok is not the translation of “Krung Thep Maha Nakhon” and it’s interesting to go back to the past to find out more about the name. In addition, many leading Thai co mpanies and conglomerate s have adopt ed Bangkok in their business names – think Bangkok Bank, Bangkok Insurance, Bangkok Airways, or even Bangkok Post. Admittedly Bangkok is far more popular around the world as the common, if not the totally official, name of Thailand’s capital in English.

This might well have some foreigners scratching their h ead s in confusion but it is worth noting that t o Thai s, the capital is always Krung Thep Maha Nakhon. Much has been written in the news this week about the recent announcement that Thailand ’ s capital should henceforth be known officially as Krung Thep Maha Nakhon and not Bangkok.

Kor tor mor thai