Bangkok, also known in Thai as Krung Thep, is the capital and largest city of Thailand, with an official 2000 census population of 6,355,144. Bangkok is located on the east bank of the Chao Phraya River, near the Gulf of Thailand.
Krung Thep has been the proper name of the city for more than two centuries. Nonetheless, the city's original name of Bangkok, which, now is used locally to refer only to a district of the city, is the name by which most foreigners know the city.
Today Bangkok has one of the fastest rates for construction of high rise buildings and is considered one of the most densely populated cities in the world. Although Bangkok has about 7 million people registered as citizens, the estimated daytime figures reach as many as 15 million people. Recently, Bangkok caught up with Singapore's economy and trade. It is predicted within the near future that Bangkok will soon take its position as the economic and financial center of Southeast Asia.
Bangkok is a fast growing, economically and culturally dynamic city in Southeast Asia. The World Meteorological Organization has dubbed Bangkok the world's hottest large city. Moreover, it is one of the world's most popular tourist destinations. Bangkok is the wealthiest and most populated city in Thailand. The city is ranked as the 22nd most populated city in the world.
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