What is the capital of Thailand?

The capital of Thailand is Bangkok. The city occupies both banks of the Chao Phraya River in central Thailand and serves as the country’s political, economic, and cultural hub.

Bangkok became the capital in 1782, when King Rama I established the Rattanakosin Kingdom and moved the royal court from nearby Thonburi to the river’s eastern bank. The new capital grew around the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew, home of the revered Emerald Buddha. Its formal Thai name, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon, is commonly shortened to Krung Thep in Thai.

Pattaya and Phuket are famous tourist destinations, and Chiang Mai is a major northern city with deep historical importance, but none is Thailand’s national capital. Bangkok’s full ceremonial name is extraordinarily long and is often cited as one of the world’s longest place names. The city is also known for canals, tropical heat, royal monuments, and a vast modern transport network.