Culture Ministry holds events to mark Bangkok’s 242nd anniversary as capital
To mark the 242nd anniversary on Sunday of Bangkok becoming the capital of Thailand, the Ministry of Culture is holding a series of events.
"The 242nd Anniversary of the Foundation of Rattanakosin" event commemorates the graciousness of the Kings of the Chakri Dynasty, the ministry said. It will take place from April 21 to 25 at the National Museum, Bangkok, and the National Theater.
Experience the atmosphere of museums during twilight, immerse yourself in the Splendid Garden of Royal Tribute Light Exhibition, witness grand cultural performances, savour authentic Thai cuisine, select traditional Thai cultural products, learn history, and foster a love for Thai identity, the ministry said.
You can also visit various cultural learning centres, such as the Rattanakosin Contemporary Art Hall, ASEAN Cultural Centre, the Defence Hall Museum, the Police Museum, the Bank of Thailand Museum, the Siam Museum, and the Bang Lamphu Museum.
From April 19 to 23, you can explore Wat Prayurawongsawas Worawihan, enjoy delicious food, witness cultural performances, and learn about the history of the Kadeejeen-Chinatown area.
Bangkok was named the capital after the founding of the Rattanakosin Kingdom when King Phutthayotfa Chulalok (Rama I) the Great became the first king of the Chakri Dynasty on April 6, 1782.
Subsequently, he ordered the relocation of the capital from Thonburi to Bangkok on the eastern bank of the Chao Phraya River. The City Pillar was erected on April 21, 1782, at 6.54am, which is regarded as the date of the founding of Bangkok as the capital.
King Mongkut (Rama IV) would later give the city its full ceremonial name: Krungthepmahanakhon Amonrattanakosin Mahintharayutthaya Mahadilokphop Noppharatratchathaniburirom Udomratchaniwetmahasathan Amonphiman-Awatansathit Sakkathattiyawitsanukamprasit. It is the longest city name in the world.
During the reign of King Rama IV, Bangkok was granted the status of a province, and became known as " Phra Nakhon Province”.
In 1971, General Thanom Kittikachorn's government merged Phra Nakhon and Thonburi provinces into a single entity called "Nakhon Luang Krung Thep Thon Buri”. Later, in 1972, after a reorganisation of governance, it was renamed to its current title, "Krung Thep Maha Nakhon", commonly abbreviated to “Krung Thep".
Bangkok, the capital and the most populous city of Thailand, serves as the centre for governance, education, transportation, finance, banking, commerce, communication, and the country's prosperity.
Situated at the delta of the Chao Phraya River, Bangkok is divided into two main areas: the Phra Nakhon side and the Thonburi side. Spanning a total area of 1,568.737 square kilometres, Bangkok has a population of over 10.8 million people as of 2023.
For more information on the commemorative events, contact the Cultural Ministry hotline at 1765.
