Public Health and Nutrition

Bangkok, officially known in Thai as Krung Thep Maha Nakhon and colloquially as Krung Thep, is the capital and most populous city of Thailand. It covers 1,568.7 square kilometers in the Chao Phraya River delta in central Thailand and has an estimated population of 9 million as of 2021, representing 13% of the country's population. Over 17.4 million people, or 25% of Thailand's population, live within the surrounding Bangkok Metropolitan Region, making Bangkok an extreme primate city, overshadowing other urban centers in both size and economic importance. Bangkok originated as a small trading post during the Ayutthaya Kingdom in the 15th century. It later became the site of two capital cities, Thonburi in 1767 and Rattanakosin in 1782. The city played a central role in the modernization of Siam, later renamed Thailand, during the late 19th century as the country faced Western pressures. Throughout the 20th century, Bangkok was at the heart of Thailand's political struggles as the country transitioned from absolute monarchy to constitutional rule and experienced numerous coups and uprisings. Incorporated as a special administrative area under the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration in 1972, the city grew rapidly from the 1960s through the 1980s and now significantly influences Thailand's politics, economy, education, media, and modern society.

The Asian investment boom in the 1980s and 1990s attracted many multinational corporations to establish their regional headquarters in Bangkok. The city has become a regional force in finance, business, and pop culture. It is an international hub for transport and healthcare and has emerged as a center for the arts, fashion, and entertainment. Bangkok is renowned for its street life and cultural landmarks, including the Grand Palace and Buddhist temples such as Wat Arun and Wat Pho. These cultural sites contrast with other tourist attractions like the nightlife scenes of Khaosan Road and Patpong. Consistently ranked as one of the world's top tourist destinations, Bangkok has been named the world's most visited city in several international rankings. Bangkok's rapid growth, coupled with little urban planning, has resulted in a chaotic cityscape and inadequate infrastructure. Despite an extensive expressway network, an inadequate road network and significant private car usage have led to chronic traffic congestion and severe air pollution in the 1990s. The city has since turned to public transport to address these issues, operating multiple urban rail lines and building other public transit systems; however, congestion remains a prevalent problem.