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| Asian Food | Fast-food | Clubs & Bars |
| Western Food | Disco & Dancefloor | Karaoke & KTV |
Welcome to Bangkok
Introduction to Bangkok from Microsoft Encarta© Concise
Bangkok, capital and largest city of Thailand, in the central part of the country, on the Chao Phraya River near the Gulf of Thailand (Siam). Bangkok is Thailand's administrative, economic, and cultural center, and a major commercial and transportation center of Southeast Asia. The population is 5,562,141 (1992 estimate).
As Thailand's main port, Bangkok has always been more cosmopolitan than other regions of the country. Thousands of Chinese immigrants came to Bangkok seeking work and money beginning in the 19th century. By the early 20th century, Bangkok was an overwhelmingly Chinese city and Chinese immigrants outnumbered Thai. Immigration suddenly ended with the onset of World War II (1939-1945) and has never resumed in significant numbers. Today the city's population is overwhelmingly Thai.
Government is the largest single employer in Bangkok, but the number of jobs in commerce, construction, manufacturing, and various services is increasing. Banks and other financial services employ many people, as do the jewelry and hospitality industries. Manufactures include textiles, printed electronic circuits, and computer components. Bangkok draws millions of visitors each year, and tourism is a major source of capital.
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