What does BKK stand for?
Since our name is "Next Station BKK," you might wonder what it stands for.
BKK is IATA airport code for Bangkok, Thailand’s Suvarnabhumi; we are on a mission to take you to our destination – Bangkok. Click to learn more about us.
It is believed that Bangkok first got its name in the 16th century, for at that time, the area was abundant with a type of fruit called Ma Kok (มะกอกไทย – Spondias Pinnata). Bang means ‘district’, Kok is shorten from Ma Kok. Bangkok = district of Ma Kok. It was widely used by foreigners who came to visit Siam since that time.
People around the world recognize Bangkok as the name of Thailand's capital city, but we, Thais, call our capital city by a different name: Krung Thep Maha Nakhon.
Krung Thep Maha Nakhon (กรุงเทพมหานคร) is the official name of Bangkok in Thai, and we simply call it by using first two syllabus which is "Krung Thep" (กรุงเทพ). Its abbreviation is กทม. (pronounced as Kor Tor Mor).
You might notice that most of Thai people have long full names and they are difficult to pronounce. Krungthepmahanakorn or Bangkok has much longer full name. Here is Bangkok’s full name: "Krung Thep Mahanakhon Amon Rattanakosin Mahinthara Ayuthaya Mahadilok Phop Noppharat Ratchathani Burirom Udomratchaniwet Mahasathan Amon Piman Awatan Sathit Sakkathattiya Witsanukam Prasit."
The simplest translation of Krung Thep Maha Nakhon is “Grand City of Angels”.
Note: the language used in the name is not commonly used in day-to-day conversations. It’s use is primarily for ceremonial purpose.