What is the population of Bangkok?
Bangkok has a city population of 5,104,476. That is the population within the city's own boundary, not its wider metropolitan area. City population, GeoNames.
Capital city · Thailand · Asia
Bangkok
City population
5,104,476
#1
in Thailand
#1
in Bangkok
#57
worldwide
13.754, 100.501
About Bangkok
Bangkok is the capital and largest city of Thailand, home to over 10 million people in the metropolitan area. A city of contrasts, Bangkok blends ancient temples and traditional markets with modern skyscrapers, luxury malls, and a famous nightlife scene. As Southeast Asia's most visited city, it serves as Thailand's political, economic, and cultural heart.
Metro population
10,899,000
0.131% of world population
Archive estimateAnnual growth
+0.52%
Archive estimateDensity
5,190/km²
2,100 km² metro area
Key Facts
Country
Region
Rank in region
#1of 58
Founded
1782
Leadership
Chadchart Sittipunt
Coordinates
13.754, 100.501
Record updated
26 March 2024
Entry edited, not measured
City population, GeoNames. GeoNames publishes no year for its population figures, so “record updated” is when the entry was last edited — not the date the population was measured. Elevation is modelled from a digital elevation model rather than surveyed, so it is approximate.
Compared with the World's Largest Cities
City-proper population against the fifteen largest cities in the dataset.
| Name | City population |
|---|---|
| Shanghai | 24.9M |
| Beijing | 19M |
| Shenzhen | 17.5M |
| Guangzhou | 16.1M |
| Kinshasa | 16M |
| Istanbul | 15.7M |
| Lagos | 15.4M |
| Ho Chi Minh City | 14M |
| Chengdu | 13.6M |
| Lahore | 13M |
| Mumbai | 12.7M |
| São Paulo | 12.4M |
| Mexico City | 12.3M |
| Karachi | 11.6M |
| Tianjin | 11.1M |
| Bangkok | 5.1M |
Airports
Scheduled-service airports within 100 km, nearest first.
- Don Mueang International AirportDMK
21 km from the city centre
- Suvarnabhumi AirportBKK
28 km from the city centre
Source: OurAirports, matched by distance.
History
Bangkok was founded in 1782 when King Rama I moved the capital across the Chao Phraya River from Thonburi. The city remained largely unchanged until rapid modernization in the late 20th century. Today's Bangkok reflects layers of royal traditions, Chinese immigrant culture, and Western influences.
Economy
Bangkok dominates Thailand's economy, generating about 44% of national GDP. Key sectors include tourism, finance, manufacturing, and services. The city is a regional headquarters for multinational companies. The Sukhumvit and Silom areas are business centers. The informal sector, including street vendors, remains significant.
Culture
Bangkok's culture centers on Buddhism—ornate temples are everywhere. Thai cuisine, from street food to fine dining, is legendary. The city is known for hospitality (the 'Land of Smiles'). Traditional arts (Thai dance, massage) coexist with contemporary scenes. Nightlife in areas like Sukhumvit and Khao San Road is famous.
Transportation
Bangkok has extensive BTS Skytrain and MRT subway systems. Chao Phraya River ferries are scenic and practical. Tuk-tuks and motorcycle taxis serve short trips. Suvarnabhumi Airport is a major Asian hub. Traffic congestion is legendary—some of the world's worst.
Current Challenges
Bangkok faces severe challenges: extreme traffic congestion, flooding (the city is sinking while sea levels rise), air pollution, and urban sprawl. Political instability has periodically affected the city. The tourism-dependent economy is vulnerable to disruptions. Climate change poses existential threats.
Highlights
Landmarks & Attractions
- Grand Palace
- Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha)
- Wat Arun
- Wat Pho (Reclining Buddha)
- Chatuchak Weekend Market
- Khao San Road
- Chao Phraya River
- Jim Thompson House
What Bangkok Is Known For
- Temples
- Street food
- Nightlife
- Shopping
- Hospitality
Universities
- Chulalongkorn University
- Thammasat University
- Mahidol University
Sports Teams
- Bangkok United
- Muangthong United (football)
- Thai national teams
Interesting Facts
- Bangkok's full ceremonial name is 168 letters long—the world's longest city name
- The city has over 400 temples
- Chatuchak Market is one of the world's largest outdoor markets with 15,000 stalls
- Bangkok was the world's most visited city multiple years running
- The city is sinking 2-3cm per year
Population Trend in Thailand
No free source publishes city population back to 1950, so the parent country's series is shown instead.
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 1950 | 20,428,402 |
| 1960 | 26,851,747 |
| 1970 | 35,954,408 |
| 1980 | 45,650,022 |
| 1990 | 54,738,329 |
| 2000 | 63,007,815 |
| 2010 | 68,579,447 |
| 2020 | 71,641,484 |
| 2030 | 71,215,022 |
| 2040 | 69,535,002 |
| 2050 | 66,382,735 |
| 2060 | 61,977,019 |
| 2070 | 57,416,221 |
| 2080 | 53,163,038 |
| 2090 | 49,194,783 |
| 2100 | 45,555,065 |
Bangkok Population FAQ
Where is Bangkok?
Bangkok is in Bangkok, Thailand. Its coordinates are 13.754, 100.501.
How big is Bangkok compared with other cities in Thailand?
It is the 1st largest of the 295 cities listed in Thailand, holding 7.1% of the national population.