Bangkok, the City with the World Record of Largest Place Name - Confused? Here’s Why

Bangkok, the City with the World Record of Largest Place Name - Confused? Here’s Why

Key Takeaways

• Bangkok's official short name is Krung Thep Maha Nakhon, which simply means "City of Angels."

• The full name of Bangkok has 168 letters.

• The full name of Bangkok was given by King Rama I when he established Bangkok as the capital of Thailand in 1782.

• Both "Bangkok" and "Krung Thep Maha Nakhon" are accepted names today.

Have you ever thought about a city with a name so long that it takes more than 20 seconds to say? Well, that city is Bangkok which is also the capital of Thailand. 

Most people around the world know it simply as "Bangkok." But did you know that this name is not what the people of Thailand actually call their own capital?

Thailand is a country in Southeast Asia. Its capital city is one of the most visited cities in the world. As per Tourism Thailand, over 30 lakh people visited Bangkok in 2025. It is quite known for its temples, food, markets, and culture. But the story behind its name is something very few people know about. Here you will find out the full name of Bangkok, what it means, and some very interesting facts about this amazing city.

Full Name of Bangkok

As per the University of Pennsylvania, the full name of Bangkok is: Krung Thep Mahanakhon Amon Rattanakosin Mahinthara Ayuthaya Mahadilok Phop Noppharat Ratchathani Burirom Udomratchaniwet Mahasathan Amon Piman Awatan Sathit Sakkathattiya Witsanukam Prasit.

This name has 168 letters and is certified as the longest city name in the world by the Guinness Book of World Records.

The full name of Bangkok translates roughly to: "The city of angels, the great city, the eternal jewel city, the grand capital of the world endowed with nine precious gems, the happy city, a city given by Indra and built by Vishnukarma."

Today, the city is officially known by a shortened form of this full name, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon, which people in Thailand have further shortened to just "Krung Thep."

Why Was Bangkok Given This Name?

The full ceremonial name was given by King Buddha Yodfa Chulaloke (King Rama I) and was later edited by King Mongkut. When King Rama I moved the capital to the east bank of the Chao Phraya River in 1782, he wanted to give the new city a grand and powerful name. The name was made to reflect the importance of the city, the beliefs of the Thai people, and their connection to Hindu and Buddhist traditions.

The name is not just a title. It is more like a poem or a prayer that describes the city. Now, why do foreigners call it "Bangkok"? The name Bangkok is derived from an older name that existed before the city was built.

It refers to the village or district of wild plums, where "Bang" means a district or village and "Makok" refers to a type of wild olive or plum fruit. Since foreign traders and visitors were already using the name Bangkok before the capital was established there, the name stuck internationally.

The name change to Krung Thep Maha Nakhon in official documents was not a surprise to many, because Thai locals had been calling the capital Krung Thep for a long time. 

Interesting Facts About Bangkok

1. World's Longest City Name: Bangkok's ceremonial full name contains 168 letters and holds the record for the world's longest place name. 

2. Official Name Update in 2022: On 16 February 2022, the Office of the Royal Society announced that Krung Thep Maha Nakhon would now be the official name of Thailand's capital city..

3. Both Names Are Correct: Thailand's Royal Society clarified that the new guidance did not mean that people should stop calling the capital Bangkok. Both names can be used.

4. Capital Since 1782: Bangkok became Thailand's capital in 1782 when King Rama I established the city as the seat of the Rattanakosin Kingdom.

5. A Megacity: Bangkok has an estimated population of 11.4 million people as of 2024, and over 17.4 million people live in the surrounding Bangkok Metropolitan Region, making it a megacity. 

Take This Quiz About Thailand’s Capital 

Question: What is the name of Bangkok's elevated metro system?

A) Skytrain

B) Airtube 

C) Gold Line 

D) People Mover 

Answer: A) 

Explanation: The primary elevated metro system of Bangkok is called the BTS Skytrain also known as Bangkok Mass Transit System. 

Question: What is the name of Bangkok’s international airport?

A) Dum Dum International Airport 

B) Changi International Airport 

C) Suvarnabhumi International Airport 

D) Kai Tak International Airport 

Answer: C)

Explanation: There are two international airports in Bangkok however, Suvarnabhumi International Airport is widely known. His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej gave the name to the airport. 

Bangkok is a city that is as interesting as its name. Most people around the world know it as Bangkok, but its real name in Thai is the longest city name on Earth. The full ceremonial name has 168 letters and was given by King Rama I over 240 years ago. So, whether you call it Bangkok or Krung Thep, it is the same wonderful city that millions of people visit every year.