Owing to a very long ceremonial name, Bangkok stands out for the many terms and abbreviations used to address the city. This top travel destination of Thailand is nothing short of wonder and excitement to its visitors, with a name that is quite a mouthful.
Other Names of the City
While you may be searching for hotels in Petchaburi Road in Bangkok for a much-needed vacation, a little insight into the city’s many names could be a bonus. The city that holds the grand Avani Atrium Bangkok is locally known as Krung Thep, translating into City of Angels. However, the official Thai name of the city is Krung Thep Maha Nakhon.
The Longest City Name
Krung Thep Maha Nakhon is only an abbreviation of the city’s actual ceremonial name, which tends to be quite a mouthful and takes a while to read out. Krung Thep Maha Nakorn Arun Rattanakosin Mahinthara Ayutthaya Mahidol Pop Noppharat Ratchathani Burirom Udomratchawiwet Makhasathan Amon Phiman Awatan Sathit Sakkathattiya Witsanukam Prasit is a mixture of ancient Pali and Sanskrit languages, holding various meanings when translated.
A City Bound in History
While the meaning of the name ‘Bangkok’ as the city’s official name is debatable, popular beliefs state that it stands for the ‘village of wild plum trees’. Bangkok is believed to have been born following an invasion by the Burmese army in 1767, as King Taksin discovered a new location for the Siamese capital, known as Bangkok.
The Use of the City Name
During the course of the country’s transformation from Siam to Thailand, the capital’s name, Bangkok remained, commonly used by overseas traders. However, most locals find themselves referring to the capital city as Krung Thep while tourists and non-Thai people often use Bangkok as the city name.