Bangkok is the capital, largest urban area and primary city of Thailand. Bangkok has a registered population of 9,100,000 residents (2008). The capital is part of the heavily urbanized triangle of central and eastern Thailand.

Since its inception as the capital of Siam, it was a target of European colonial plans, but due to its strategic location it acted as a buffer-zone and brokered power between the European forces. In the span of over two hundred years, Bangkok has grown to become the political, social and economic center of Thailand, Indochina and one of Southeast Asia. In 2009, it was the second most expensive city in South-East Asia behind Singapore.

The city's wealth of cultural landmarks and attractions in addition to its notorious entertainment venues has made it a popular tourist destination. The Grand Palace, Wat Arun, Vimanmek Palace Complex, its thousands of temples, and the city's notorious red-light districts combine to draw nearly 10 million international visitors each year, second only to London.