Bang Kapi district

The name Bang Kapi consists of two parts. Bang is a common prefix for place names in Thailand and roughly means a "hamlet by the waterfront". There are multiple theories as to the origin of kapi. The word kapi itself exists in Thai and means "shrimp paste", which is one possible origin. Another possibility is that it comes from kabi (กบิ/กบี่), a poetic word meaning "monkey", as the area used to be heavily forested and was home to many monkeys. Lastly, it could also come from kapiyoh (กะปิเยาะห์), the Thai word for a type of cap worn by Islamic men (taqiyah), as many Muslims settled in the area.

The area of Bang Kapi has a history dating back to Rama III's reign, when Chao Phraya Bodindecha (เจ้าพระยาบดินทรเดชา) led a troop to fight rebels in Champassack and Louangphabang and brought back people to settle.

As it grew into a larger town, Bang Kapi was made an amphoe (district) of Phra Nakhon province. The district was originally quite large, but has been divided since then to form new districts.

In 1966, Huay Khwang sub-district (tambon) and parts of the Bang Kapi sub-district were spun off to form Phaya Thai district.

In 1972, Phra Nakhon and Thonburi were joined as the single province, Bangkok. The title of districts and sub-districts in the capital city were changed from amphoe and tambon to khet and khwaeng, respectively. Bang Kapi became a district of the newly combined province, having at that time nine sub-districts.

In 1977, Sam Sen Nok sub-district was moved to Huai Khwang district.

In 1989, Lat Phrao district and Bueng Kum district were separated from Bang Kapi and became new districts.

On 14 October 1997, Wang Thonglang sub-district was elevated to a district, taking part of Khlong Chan sub-district with it.

• Ramkhamhaeng University
• Assumption University of Thailand
• Stamford International University

The district is divided into two sub-districts (khwaeng).

The missing numbers 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 belong to the sub-districts which were split off to form Wang Thonglang, Lat Phrao and Bueng Kum districts.

Ramkhamhaeng has a rich diversity of different religious monuments. The area is especially noted for its ornate Thai Temple complex, European cathedrals and waterside Mosques.

Temple:

• Wat Thep Leap Temple Complex - a historic royal Buddhist temple known for its unique ornate pagodas and prayer hall. Also hosts a weekend night market every week.

Church:

• Chapel of the Annunciation - Assumption University. Known for its many intricate stained glass windows and classical marble design. Open to public during operating hours.

Mosques:

• The Foundation of the Islamic Centre of Thailand Masjid. This Islamic Center of Thailand mosque features exquisite architectural elements, symbolizing Islamic tradition and belief.
• Masjid Jamiul Islam. Known for its picturesque view of the Khlong Saen Saep Canal.

The District council for Bang Kapi has eight members, who each serve four-year terms. Elections were last held on 30 April 2006. The results were as follows:

• Democrat Party, seven seats
• Thai Rak Thai Party, one seat

Temples

• Wat Bueng Thong Lang

Shopping

• The Mall Ramkhamhaeng
• The Mall Bang Kapi
• Big C Hua Mak
• Tesco Lotus Bang Kapi
• Kwan Riam floating market

Transportation

• MRT Yellow Line passes through the district along the Lat Phrao and Srinagarindra roads. Stations are Lat Phrao 101, Bang Kapi, Yaek Lam Sali, Si Kritha.
• Khlong Saen Saeb - Many piers for express boat service, including The Mall Bang Kapi. The mall Bangkapi boat pier.
• Ramkhamhaeng airport rail link station, located at Suan Luang District
• Hua Mak airport rail link station, located at Suan Luang District

Other

• Hua Mak Sports Complex (including Rajamangala Stadium)
• Prasart Museum

Sports

• Rajamangala National Stadium and Indoor Stadium Huamark