Bangkok

Bangkok

Bangkok lies in the Chao Phraya River Delta, about 40 km from the Gulf of Thailand. Much of the area was formerly swampland, which was drained and irrigated for agriculture through canals built in the 16th and 19th centuries. The waterways of the city were the primary means of transport until the end of the 19th century, when the construction of modern roads began. Until then most people lived near or on the water, which is why the city was called "Venice of the East" in the 19th century. While many of these canals have since been filled in or sealed, some still crisscross the city and serve as important drainage channels and transport routes. The metropolis is a lively, bustling city, with churches, factories, shops and apartment blocks lining its streets and canals. It is also an important tourist destination, known for its rich cultural attractions and nightlife. Bangkok has its roots in the 15th century as a small trading post in the Kingdom of Ayutthaya, which ultimately grew to become the site of two capitals, Thonburi in 1768 and Rattanakosin in 1782. Bangkok was at the core of the modernization of Siam, which was later renamed Thailand, at the end of the 19th century, as the country came under pressure from the West. The city was at the heart of Thailand's political struggles in the 20th century, when the country abolished absolute monarchy, adopted constitutional rule and experienced numerous coups and uprisings. Bangkok grew rapidly from the 1960s to the 1980s, and now has a significant influence on Thailand's politics, economy, education, media and modern society.