ABSTRACT
In 1782 Bangkok was a small trading post at the mouth of the Chao Phraya River with the first land-based settlements clustered along waterways near temples that served religious, educational and recreational functions (Askew 1994). Throughout its history Bangkok has been linked with Thailand’s development as the largest urban centre of the country and the seat of government and administration. Bangkok was a royal city, a major religious centre, a port for international trade and a portal for inward migration from both rural Thailand and China (Ouyyanont 1997).
