Bangkok, Thailand News

About Bangkok, Thailand

Bangkok is at the heart of Thailand's economy and attracts a large amount of foreign investment. Numerous multinational companies from a variety of industries have established themselves in the city including Compaq, Philips, Proctor and Gamble, Sony, Tesco, Toyota and Unilever.

An indication of foreign confidence in Bangkok and Thailand generally can be seen in a report published in January 2007 by the Thailand Board of Investment (BOI). The report shows that FDI grew 63% over the previous year, coming largely from the EU, Japan and the USA.

Bangkok is a travel hub for the whole Southeast Asian region with numerous international airlines flying to and from the city, most with direct flights from their country of origin.

Originally Bangkok International (Don Muang) Airport was the country's main airport and offered daily flights to Europe, North America, Asia and Australia. However in September 2006 Don Muang ceased operation with flights going to the new Suvarnabhumi International Airport.

Suvarnabhumi was built approximately 30 kilometres east of Bangkok and started full operation at the end of September 2006 with flights to all major destinations. Don Muang reopened in March 2007 providing domestic flights.

The city is also served by Bangkok (Klong Toey) Port, which opened in the early 1950s and is located on the west side of the Chao Phraya River. It is well connected with road and rail systems.

The State Railway of Thailand runs efficient and inexpensive rail services linking the city with the rest of the country. Most trains leave Bangkok from Hua Lam Phong station and there are also limited western and southern routes from Thon Buri Station.

Getting around within the city is relatively easy, although traffic jams can be a problem, as there is an extensive network of buses and numerous taxis, motorcycle taxis and Tuk-Tuks (Three-wheeled open-air vehicles taking two passengers) available.

There are also river taxis such as the Chao Phraya Express, which serves numerous landing stages on both banks of the Chao Phraya as far as the northern suburb of Nonthaburi. At the end of 2000 the Sky Train went into service running above the city's business district.

Additionally in 2004 the MRTA subway opened increasing public transport options around the city, the mass transit systems in Bangkok are being improved year on year with new additions planned for the future.

Other Major Cities:

• Krung Thep
• Samut Prakan
• Nonthanburi
• Udon Thani
• Nakhon Ratchasima
• Hat Yai
• Chon Buri
• Chiang Mai
• Phra Pradaeng