🦩 Everyone Stills Calls Is Bangkok, But Shouldn't 🛕

Wanderlust: (n) a strong desire or urge to explore the world.

Hello there,

Hey travel buffs! Ever get tongue-tied trying to impress your friends with obscure knowledge? Like, did you know Thailand's capital city actually has a name so ridiculously long it snagged a spot in the Guinness Book of Records?

Yep, the city formerly known as Bangkok officially changed its name in 2022, leaving many scratching their heads and tongues tied! But the story behind this epic name change is more than just trivia – it's a window into Thailand's rich history and evolving identity. So, buckle up as we unravel the mystery of the world's longest city name and why everyone still (lovingly) calls it Bangkok! 🛺

BANGKOK… OR NOT BANGKOK? UNRAVELING THAILAND’S CAPITAL CONUNDRUM 🛕

Ever think you knew a city's name, only to discover a hidden twist? Well, buckle up, travel lovers, because Thailand's capital, the beloved "Bangkok," has officially changed its name to something...much longer. In fact, it's so long it holds the Guinness World Record!

From Familiar to Fantastically Long

In 2022, "Bangkok" officially transformed into "Krung Thep Mahanakhon Amon Rattanakosin Mahinthara Ayuthaya Mahadilok Phop Noppharat Ratchathani Burirom Udomratchaniwet Mahasathan Amon Piman Awatan Sathit Sakkathattiya Witsanukam Prasit" (phew!). Thankfully, for us tourists, they also offer a shorter version: "Krung Thep Maha Nakhon," meaning "the great city of angels."

Why the Change? Dive Deep into History

This name change wasn't just a whim. It's steeped in history and cultural significance. The full name translates to "City of Angels, great city, residence of the Emerald Buddha...," reflecting the city's rich heritage and religious importance. However, the change wasn't universally embraced, with some seeing it as a reinforcement of the monarchy and the military.

So, What Do We Call It Now?

Don't worry, travelers! While Thais use the official name or its shorter version, foreigners can still use "Bangkok." Airports will also stick to the familiar name to avoid confusion. But if you want to impress the locals, try "Krung Thep Maha Nakhon"!

Train Travel Twist

Heads up, train travelers! Bangkok's main station has adopted the full name too, becoming "Krung Thep Aphiwat." You might see this name at other stations, but airports have your back with "Bangkok."

The Verdict

Thailand's capital name change might be a mouthful, but it's a fascinating glimpse into the country's identity and evolution. So, whether you call it "Bangkok" or "Krung Thep," remember, the warmth and wonder of this city remain the same!

TRAVEL DIARIES

The bus with the missing wheel.

Source: Robert Harvey on www.quora.com

“I was in Chennai, drinking tea at a small cafe.

A big old Tata bus went past, with all the passengers hanging on the outside. On one side. No-one inside at all.

As it turned the corner, I saw why. It only had one front wheel. The one opposite the hanging passengers was missing.

I smiled, and imagined it was a rough-and-ready way of getting a defective bus back to the depot.

I was wrong.

I saw the same bus go past, twice more, on subsequent days. Still with wheel missing, still with all the passengers on the outside to keep it upright. It was the bus used to take shipyard workers to work, and when I asked I was told this had been going on for about month.

Yes, the same shipyard that was fixing up our hull could not put a wheel back on a bus.”

MINGO-MEMES

VASCO-SNAP OF THE DAY