Enjoy a vacation to Bangkok because of the colorful tourist attractions, delicious culinary and low prices? Now, now you have to start learning to pronounce her new name, Bela.
According to the Bangkok Post, the Office of the Royal Society (ORST) has announced the change of the official name of the Thai capital from Bangkok to Krung Thep Maha Nakhon. However, the name Bangkok is still known, how come.
The Cabinet on Tuesday (15/02/2022) approved a draft announcement by the Prime Minister’s Office on the updated names of countries, territories, administrative zones and capitals, as proposed by ORST.
unsplash.com/GeoffGreenwood The Thai name Bangkok is actually the longest city name in the world, and ‘Krung Thep Maha Nakhon’ is just a shortened version. If you think it takes time to memorize it, be prepared to read its full name in one breath.
Here it is: Krung Thep Mahanakhon Amon Rattanakosin Mahinthara Ayuthaya Mahadilok Phop Noppharat Ratchathani Burirom Udomratchaniwet Mahasathan Amon Piman Awatan Sathit Sakkathattiya Witsanukam Prasit.
It means: “The city of angels, the great city of immortality, the majestic city of the nine jewels, the throne of kings, the city of royal palaces, the house of the incarnate gods, was founded by Vishvakarman by order of Indra.”
unsplash.com/HannyNaibaho Officials posted messages on Facebook to say that both names could still be used, after the changes drew criticism. The Thai name Krung Thep Maha Nakhon, will only be used as his official name. The name Bangkok will still be recognized in brackets.
The Prime Minister’s office draft includes an updated list of names of countries, territories, administrative districts and capitals proposed by the Thai Royal Society Office, with Krung Thep Maha Nakhon’s name as one of the key changes.
So actually, as the name of the Capital City as the name of the longest city in the world recorded by The World Guinness Book of Records, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon is commonly used by Thai people. Thus, officials legitimize it as an official designation.
unsplash.com/PeeraponChantharainthron “Bangkok” itself has been in use since November 2001. The name comes from the old area of Bangkok, which is now part of the large metropolitan area of the Capital, the districts of Bangkok Noi and Bangkok Yai.
You can try saying ‘Krung Thep’ instead of ‘Bangkok’ to Thai people. They will be very impressed and appreciate your desire to learn about Thailand.
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