Bangkok

placed in the category: Cities

Thailand's capital, Bangkok, is also the largest urban city in the country and its primary city. Bangkok is the country's economic center as well. Because of its economic growth, the other cities' economies seem to be dwarfed in comparison. The development of Bangkok back in 2005 accounted for 44 percent of the country's GDP. Thailand has been a key country in Southeast Asian economy, due the other Asian countries investments. Large banks and financial companies are based in Bangkok, and even multinational corporations have their headquarters based in this city. Thirteen companies based in Bangkok were featured in Forbes list.

Tourism contributes significantly to the economy of Thailand as well, providing amount 5 percent of the country's GDP. This makes Bangkok a global destination, at the same time as being an international gateway.

Now a large urban city, Bangkok started out as a small trading post found by the Cha Phraya River. This was during the time of the Ayutthaya Kingdom, until the current one, Rattanaksin Kingdom, began in 1782. Rapid growth of this city has made it social, political and economic center, not only for its country, but for Southeast Asia as well.

Even if Bangkok is considered to be one of the most important cities in Asia, in terms of economy, the urban pacing is somehow relaxed in a way. On weekends, many residents of the city visit resorts such as Pattaya and Hua Hin, to unwind and relax. Other residents visit their relatives. On the other hand, there are those who still consider Saturday as a workday.

A couple of points the city could improve on are traffic, and air-pollution. Traffic jams have been notorious to the people of Bangkok, but the government has been trying to solve the problem by constructing more roads to accommodate the volume of the vehicles.

By the end of 2009, the construction of a shopping center in Siam Square will be finished. Siam Digital Gateway features ultra technology, and this shopping complex will be the most modern in Southeast Asia. The completion of this would definitely attract more tourists to go to Bangkok and appreciate the wonders this city has to offer.