Catalina Espinosa
Research expert covering society, economy, and politics for Europe and the EU
Bangkok - statistics & facts
Thailand is a highly centralized country with Bangkok at its heart. The capital, also known as Krung Thep Maha Nakhon, is not only the nation’s political but also economic center. Renowned for its cultural richness, it is home to famous temples like Wat Arun or the Grand Palace. With an annual average air temperature in Bangkok between 29 and 30 degrees Celsius, it is not only one of the world's warmest capitals but also among the most visited cities and the main point of entry for many tourists exploring Thailand. It offers a vast selection of culinary delights, a bustling nightlife, as well as shopping opportunities at night markets and chic malls. It is not a surprise that the metropolis has one of the highest gross provincial product (GPP) per capita in Thailand.
Bangkok’s urban development: From a fishing village to a megacity
Due to a lack of thorough urban planning and lax regulatory supervision, Bangkok’s rapid growth from a former fishing village to a megacity resulted in chaotic development, with new major office building projects being completed in the BMR each year. This led to a disordered layout, roadway scarcity, and generally inadequate infrastructure. Consequently, the city suffers from its infamous traffic congestion and extreme air pollution. Despite these obstacles, Bangkok continues to be one of the world’s largest urban agglomerations, thriving with diversity and vitality. Its rapid expansion is evidence of the city’s economic dynamism but also highlights the urgent need for sustainable development and strategic urban planning.Bangkok's mobility sector
Over the years, Bangkok’s mobility sector has experienced substantial changes. Due to a steadily high number of newly registered private cars in Bangkok and the above-mentioned inadequate infrastructure, the city experienced severe traffic congestion in the early 2000s, forcing the government to take several measures. With the launch of the BTS Skytrain at the end of 1999, urban commuting underwent a transformation to a fast transit system that significantly reduced dependency on automobiles. The city added MRT subway lines and an extensive bus system to its public transit network throughout the 2000s to enhance accessibility around the city. Furthermore, the completion of the new pink monorail line in 2023 is one example of how the Thai government is trying to reduce the long-standing traffic gridlock in northern Bangkok, by connecting the Nonthaburi district with the Min Buri district via public transportation.The capital’s aging society
Conventional family structures have undergone changes due to changing socio-economic factors in Bangkok. Because of the influence of urbanization and shifting social norms, careers and personal goals are being put ahead of starting families. Smaller family sizes and a decline in the share of children in Bangkok are the result of this change. Additionally, financial strains and the growing expense of living in cities have influenced family planning choices. With an aging society, the share of adults aged 60 years and older in Bangkok has grown constantly over the past decade. With this trend in mind, city planners must adapt their infrastructure to accommodate the needs of an aging population, ensuring accessible public transportation, modifying buildings for accessibility, and enhancing safety measures.
