Thailand renamed its capital, Bangkok, to Krung Thep Maha Nakhon.

The ORST announcement regarding the name change stated: "The name of the capital (of the Kingdom of Thailand) will officially be written in foreign languages ​​as Krung Thep Maha Nakhon."

Krung Thep Maha Nakhon means "Capital City of Great Angels" in Thai, but this is an abbreviation because the full name of the Thai capital includes more than 40 elements with distinct meanings, making Thailand the country with the longest capital name in the world.

The new name, "Krung Thep Maha Nakhon," will take effect after review by the Bills Committee. The Thai Cabinet also requested that the committee consult further with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Thai government deputy spokesperson Ratchada Dhanadirek said on February 16 that there would be no change in the naming of the capital. This is because the name Krung Thep Maha Nakhon remains unchanged in the latest ORST update and has been in use since 2001.

In Thailand, the capital is still commonly referred to by Thais as "Krung Thep Maha Nakhon" or "Krung Thep," however, it is internationally known as Bangkok. According to the Royal Office of Thailand, the name Bangkok continues to be recognized, but unofficially, and is written in parentheses after the official name Krung Thep Maha Nakhon.

The change of the capital's name has sparked heated debates on social media. Many argue that the name Krung Thep Maha Nakhon is too long and will be difficult for foreigners to pronounce, while others agree with the change to the official name. Thailand's Minister of Culture, Itthiphol Kunplome, stated that he agrees with the official name Krung Thep Maha Nakhon because it reflects the prestige of the capital.

Khanh Ha