Bangkok: The real name

June 22

What's in a name?
Many Thai people do not even know the name "Bangkok." Most locals only know the city by it's local name "Krung Thep." But did you know that is only a nickname? The real FULL name of this city is:

"Krung Thep Mahanakhon Amon Rattanakosin Mahinthara Ayuthaya Mahadilok Phop Noppharat Ratchathani Burirom Udomratchaniwet Mahasathan Amon Piman Awatan Sathit Sakkathattiya Witsanukam Prasit"

which translates, roughly, to:

"The city of angels, the great city, the residence of the Emerald Buddha, the impregnable city (of Ayutthaya) of God Indra, the grand capital of the world endowed with nine precious gems, the happy city, abounding in an enormous Royal Palace that resembles the heavenly abode where reigns the reincarnated god, a city given by Indra and built by Vishnukarn."

Whew! It is no wonder most Thais just stick with "Krung Thep" (City of Angels). In case you are wondering, "Bangkok" ("Plum Village") was a small village just across the river from the original Krung Thep.

Note: I just copied and pasted from Google - NO WAY did I type all of that!