Introduction

Location

Located in the centre of the country, straddling the banks of the Chao Phraya River and close to the Gulf of Thailand, the greater Bangkok Metropolis (including Thon Buri on the other side of the Chao Phraya River) covers an area of about 1,600 sq. km. Bangkok is adjacent to Pathum Thani on its north, Nonthaburi on its northwest, Chachoengsao on its east, Samut Sakhon on its southwest, and Samut Prakan on its southeast.

Area

Bangkok has an area of 1,568.737 sq. km.

Climate

There are three seasons: rainy (from June to October), hot (from March to May), and cool (from November to February). The annual average temperature is about 29° C with the monthly averages ranging from 35° C in April to 26° C in December.

Topography

Bangkok is located in the basin of the Chao Phraya River and has no mountains. The land is crisscrossed with canals and rivers.

Population

5,716,248 (end Dec 2007) with 2,727,574 males and 2,988,674 females. Most residents are ethnic Thais, with an estimated 25% of Chinese origin. Another large group of inhabitants is of Indian descent.

**Note** The total population includes only permanent residents.

Administration

As the capital of the country, Bangkok is the centre of administration, commerce and communications. The city is divided into 50 districts (khet).

Language

The standard Thai language is in use. English, a mandatory subject in public schools, is widely spoken and understood in business and tourist areas.

Products

Bangkok is the centre of all kinds of goods, both domestic and imported.