People

During 1782 - 1900, the commencing period of city establishment, Bangkok grew rather slowly. The population then was only 600,000 and urbanized area was about 18 square kilometers. After the Second World War, the city was increasingly populated with rapid urbanization which brought about number of infrastructures and other constructions. The registered population in Bangkok increased from 1.6 million in 1958 to 5.4 million in 1986 and 5.6 million in 1999. The population of Bangkok is now close to 7 million by registered record or about 10 million of daytime population. Most residents in Bangkok are native Thais with around 25% of the city's inhabitants being Chinese or of Chinese descents as well as Indians, Arabs, Malays and Europeans. Most Thais are welcoming and friendly to visitors and thus the alias "Land of smile" is appreciated granted to Thailand.