Did you know that Bangkok's full name is the longest city name in the world? Furthermore, Thais don't even use the name Bangkok!
The official and ceremonial name of Bangkok is:
Krung Thep Maha Nakhon Amon Rattanakosin Mahinthara Yuthaya Mahadilok Phop Noppharat Ratchathani Burirom Udomratchaniwet Mahasathan Amon Piman Awatan Sathit Sakkathattiya Witsanukam Prasit.
With 168 characters (including spaces), this mouthful of a name is recognized by the Guinness World Records as the longest place name in the world. While some locations in the world have long names, none surpass Bangkok’s official title.
What Does It Mean?
The full name is derived from Pali and Sanskrit, which were historically influential languages in Thailand’s culture and religion.
Pali and Sanskrit have had a profound influence on Thai culture, particularly in religion, monarchy, and linguistic traditions. These ancient languages are deeply connected to Theravāda Buddhism and Hinduism, both of which have shaped Thailand’s spiritual and societal structures for centuries.
- Religious Influence: Pali is the sacred language of Theravāda Buddhism, the dominant religion in Thailand. Many Buddhist scriptures, prayers, and religious terms come from Pali, influencing Thai religious vocabulary. The presence of words like “Amon” (heavenly) and “Mahasathan” (great abode) in Bangkok’s full name reflect this Buddhist influence.
- Royal and Mythological Influence: Sanskrit, on the other hand, has strong ties to Hinduism, which historically influenced Thai royal traditions. Many Thai kings, including King Rama I (who gave Bangkok its full name), took titles inspired by Hindu deities. Elements of Hindu cosmology, such as Indra (the god of thunder) and Vishvakarman (the divine architect), appear in Bangkok’s full name, emphasizing its celestial and royal status.
- Linguistic Influence: Over centuries, Pali and Sanskrit loanwords were integrated into the Thai language, particularly in formal, religious, and royal contexts. Bangkok’s full name is an example of how these languages were used to construct grand, poetic titles meant to convey the city’s divine and historical significance.
Essentially, the full name of Bangkok isn't just a long title, it’s a reflection of Thailand’s deep-rooted spiritual and cultural connections to these ancient languages.
Each part of the name describes different attributes of the city:
- Krung Thep Maha Nakhon – “Great City of Angels”
- Amon Rattanakosin – “The Immortal Jewel of Indra”
- Mahinthara Yuthaya Mahadilok Phop – “The Grand and Indestructible Realm of the Deity Indra”
- Noppharat Ratchathani Burirom – “The Pristine and Royal City, Abode of Royal Palaces”
- Udomratchaniwet Mahasathan – “The Supreme Royal Refuge and Magnificent Dwelling”
- Amon Piman Awatan Sathit – “The Divine Abode of Reincarnated Spirits”
- Sakkathattiya Witsanukam Prasit – “Endowed with Indra’s Powers and the Splendid Home of Vishnu”
The essence of the name portrays Bangkok as a divine city, worthy of gods and kings.
How Did This Name Come About?
Originally, Bangkok was a small trading post that once stood on the western side of the Chao Phraya River, known as “Bang Makok,” which means “place of olive plums” in Thai. When King Rama I established the new capital in 1782 after the fall of Ayutthaya, he renamed the city “Krung Thep” (City of Angels), inspired by names of other great capitals in the region. The full ceremonial name was composed to reflect the city’s grandeur, religious significance, and royal heritage.
Is Bangkok’s Full Name Still Used Today?
Despite its official name being the longest city name in the world, Thai people never use the full version in daily life. Instead, they simply call it Krung Thep (กรุงเทพฯ), which means “City of Angels,” or sometimes Krung Thep Maha Nakhon (กรุงเทพมหานคร), the more formal version.
The full ceremonial name is mostly reserved for historical, cultural, or linguistic discussions, and very few Thai people can actually recite it in its entirety. In casual conversation, “Bangkok” is commonly used when speaking to foreigners, but among locals, it's always just “Krung Thep.”
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If you want to really impress a Thai person, memorize the name and recite it next time you speak to them!
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