The ORST renaming statement stated: "The name of the capital (Kingdom of Thailand) will officially be written in foreign languages as Krung Thep Maha Nakhon."
Krung Thep Maha Nakhon means "Capital City of the Great Angels" in Thai, but this is an abbreviation because the full name of Thailand's capital includes more than 40 elements with separate meanings, making Thailand the country with the longest capital name in the world.
The new name "Krung Thep Maha Nakhon" will take effect after the committee in charge of bills reviews it. The Thai cabinet also asked the committee to seek additional opinions from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Bangkok. Photo: David Wilkinson
Thai Deputy Government Spokesperson Ratchada Dhanadirek said on February 16 that there will be no change in the naming of the capital. The reason is that the name Krung Thep Maha Nakhon remains the same in the latest update of ORST and has been used since 2001.
In Thailand, the capital is still called "Krung Thep Maha Nakhon" or "Krung Thep" by Thai people, however, the international community knows the capital as Bangkok. According to the Royal Thai Office, the name Bangkok is still 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 debate on social media. Many people believe that the name Krung Thep Maha Nakhon is too long, making it difficult for foreigners to read the capital's name, but others agree with the official name change. Thai Culture Minister Itthiphol Kunplome said he agrees with the official name Krung Thep Maha Nakhon because it reflects the capital's reputation.
