Location
Located in the centre of the country, straddling the
banks of the Chao Phraya River and close to the Gulf
of Thailand, the greater Bangkok Metropolis (including
Thon Buri on the other side of the Chao Phraya River)
covers an area of about 1,600 sq. km. Bangkok is adjacent
to Pathum Thani on its north, Nonthaburi on its northwest,
Chachoengsao on its east, Samut Sakhon on its southwest,
and Samut Prakan on its southeast.
Area
Bangkok has an area of 1,568.737 sq. km.
Climate
There are three seasons: rainy (from June to October),
hot (from March to May), and cool (from November to
February). The annual average temperature is about 29°
C with the monthly averages ranging from 35° C in
April to 26° C in December.
Topography
Bangkok is located in the basin of the Chao Phraya River
and has no mountains. The land is crisscrossed with
canals and rivers.
Population
5,716,248 (end Dec 2007) with 2,727,574 males and 2,988,674
females. Most residents are ethnic Thais, with an estimated
25% of Chinese origin. Another large group of inhabitants
is of Indian descent.
**Note** The total population includes only permanent
residents.
Administration
As the capital of the country, Bangkok is the centre
of administration, commerce and communications. The
city is divided into 50 districts (khet).
Language
The standard Thai language is in use. English, a mandatory
subject in public schools, is widely spoken and understood
in business and tourist areas.
Products
Bangkok is the centre of all kinds of goods, both domestic
and imported.
|
