BANGKOK

Bangkok is the capital and also the largest city of Thailand. It is also the capital of the Bangkok province. It is also known as Krung Thep in the Thai language. Bangkok is one of the top cities of Southeast Asia economically. Bangkok is also the hottest city of the world climatically. It is one of the foremost tourist destinations of the world. The headquarters of most of Thailand's leading banks and financial institutions are located in Bangkok. The Klongtoi Wharf along with Bangkok's artificial harbor handles the majority of Thailand's foreign trade. The regional headquarters of the UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) is located in Bangkok.

Location: Bangkok is located in southwest Thailand on the eastern bank of the Chao Phraya River. It is located near the Gulf of Thailand.

Geographic Coordinates: Latitude 13.45 N, Longitude 100.35 E

Per Capita Income: According to the census of 2000, the average monthly income per person of Bangkok is 7,716 Baht (about USD$196).

Population: In the year 2004, the population of Bangkok was 6,500,000 people.

Age Structure: According to the census of 2000, the age structure of the population of Bangkok was as follows: The 0 to 24 years age group accounts for 37.4 percent of the population, the 25 to 49 years age group accounts for 45.93 percent of the population, while the 50 to 69 years age group accounts for 10.13 percent of the population, and the 70 and above age group accounts for 3.19 percent of the population.

Racial Makeup: The racial makeup of the population of Bangkok is as follows: An 80 percent of the people are Thai, 10 percent are Chinese, 4 percent are Malaysian, and the rest of the population consists of Lao, Indians, Khmer, and Burmese.

Economy: Bangkok is the heart of the economy of Thailand. The Stock Exchange of Thailand is located in Bangkok. There are many financial institutions and large commercial banks, which have their headquarters in Bangkok. Tourism is also a major part of the economy of Thailand. Bangkok is an important port of Thailand. The major exports of Bangkok are processed food, textiles, and wood. Its manufactures include motor vehicles and electrical goods. Bangkok is famous for its jewelry, silver and bronze goods, and precious stones. Bangkok is one of the most important cities of Southeast Asia economically.

Climate:Bangkok has a tropical type of climate. The temperatures during the daytime average 95^o F. These temperatures prevail throughout the year. The months of March, April, and May are the hottest months of the year. The World Meteorological Organization has named Bangkok as the hottest city of the world. The summer months experience a lot of humidity as well, which makes the climate very uncomfortable. Bangkok receives a heavy monsoon, typical of the tropical regions. The rainy season lasts from June to October. The months from November to February are the driest spell of the year. This is also the correct time to visit Bangkok. This can also be called the winter season, although the average temperatures during this time are only 85^o F.

Rainfall: Bangkok receives an annual rainfall of 1,500 mm.

Government Type: The organization, which manages the city of Bangkok, is the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA). The BMA consists of two main parts - the Governor and the BMA Council. The Governor is the Chief Executive of the Bangkok Metro. He or she is elected by the people for a four-year term. The Governor then appoints four Deputy Governors to look after the administration. The members of the BMA Council are also elected by the people. There is one Councilor to represent 100,000 people. The BMA Council is the legislative organ of the Bangkok Metro.

Major Political Parties: