バンコクは、タイ王国(おうこく)の首都(しゅと)であり、タイでは通称(つうしょう)「クルンテープ」と呼(よ)ばれています。正式(せいしき)名称(めいしょう)は「クルンテープ・マハーナコーン」ですが、非常(ひじょう)に長(なが)いため、短縮(たんしゅく)されています。バンコクは、東南(とうなん)アジアの中(なか)で主要(しゅよう)な経済(けいざい)と政治(せいじ)の中心地(ちゅうしんち)であり、ASEAN(東南(とうなん)アジア諸国(しょこく)連合(れんごう))においても重要(じゅうよう)な位置(いち)を占(し)めています。Bangkok is the capital of the Kingdom of Thailand, and is commonly known as "Krung Thep" in Thailand. The official name is "Krung Thep Maha Nakhon," but it is shortened because it is extremely long. Bangkok is a major economic and political center in Southeast Asia, and it holds an important position within ASEAN.
バンコクは、タイ王国(おうこく)の首都(しゅと)であり、タイでは通称(つうしょう)「クルンテープ」と呼(よ)ばれています。正式(せいしき)名称(めいしょう)は「クルンテープ・マハーナコーン」ですが、非常(ひじょう)に長(なが)いため、短縮(たんしゅく)されています。バンコクは、東南(とうなん)アジアの中(なか)で主要(しゅよう)な経済(けいざい)と政治(せいじ)の中心地(ちゅうしんち)であり、ASEAN(東南(とうなん)アジア諸国(しょこく)連合(れんごう))においても重要(じゅうよう)な位置(いち)を占(し)めています。Bangkok is the capital of the Kingdom of Thailand, and is commonly known as "Krung Thep" in Thailand. The official name is "Krung Thep Maha Nakhon," but it is shortened because it is extremely long. Bangkok is a major economic and political center in Southeast Asia, and it holds an important position within ASEAN.
The history of Bangkok dates back to at least the early 15th century. At that time, Bangkok was under the rule of the Ayutthaya Kingdom and was known as a small village situated on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River.
Thonburi Kingdom
Bangkok developed into an important trading port.
Chakri Dynasty
Rama I moved the capital from Thonburi to the east bank of the Chao Phraya River and established the current city of Bangkok. The reason for this relocation was that Thonburi was in a location difficult to defend against Burmese attacks.
The construction of Bangkok began on June 10, 1782, and was completed three years later. Canals were dug around the land that included the Grand Palace and related facilities, forming an artificial island called Rattanakosin Island. This island became a special area where the royal family and high-ranking officials resided.
Modernization and Development
From the late 19th to the early 20th century, Bangkok underwent rapid modernization. Under the reigns of Rama IV and Rama V, Western technology and culture were introduced, and infrastructure development advanced. Railways, electricity, and water supply and sewage systems were developed, establishing Bangkok's status as a major city in Southeast Asia.
Contemporary Bangkok
Present-day Bangkok is the political, economic, and cultural center of Thailand, and is also known as an international metropolis. While skyscrapers and massive shopping malls line the city, many historical temples and royal palaces also remain, creating a beautiful harmony of ancient and modern cultures.