Bangkok Population 2017

Bangkok is the capital of Thailand, and it is also the most populated city in the country. Also known as Krung Thep Maha Nakhon, the city is located in the Chao Phraya River delta in the central part of the country. The 2016 population of Bangkok is approximately 8,280,925, which was taken from the most recent census in 2010.

In 2016, Bangkok has an estimated population of 8.28 million according to data from the 2010 census. This number is up significantly from the 6.3 million recorded in 2000. The city is home to over 13% of the country's total population, and more than 10.6 million registered people were reported to live in the Bangkok Metropolitan Region accoring to figures from April 2015. Bangkok is considered a primate city, or one that serves as the population, political and financial center of a country with no other rival city.

Bangkok grew slowly through the 18th and early 19th centuries, despite being the capital since 1782. In 1822, the population was estimated at 50,000 or less. The population began to grow as the city became more modern in the 19th century, with faster growth in the 1930s after the discovery of antibiotics improved healthcare. In 1980, Bangkok was 51 times largest than Kat Yai or Songkhla in terms of population, which made it the most prominent primary city in the world, a distinction it still holds. The growth rate of Bangkok slowed in the 1990s.

Bangkok Demographics

According to the last census which was held in 2010, just 5.7 million of 8.28 million population were registered residents. Much of the daytime population commutes from surrounding areas in the region, bringing the total population to 15 million.

Bangkok is a true cosmopolitan city, home to people from around the world. The census found the following populations:

  • Japanese: 82,000
  • Chinese: 56,000
  • Other Asian countries: 117,000
  • European: 48,000
  • Americas: 24,000
  • Australians: 5,300
  • Africans: 3,000
  • Burmese: 303,000
  • Cambodians: 64,000
  • Lao: 18,000

Most people in Bangkok are of Thai ethnicity. The census does not request race or ethnicity and the city does not maintain information on ethnic composition. There are, however, several groups in the country as a result of immigration and forced settlers. This includes the Vietnamese, Khmer, Northern Thai, Lao, Tavoyan, Malay and Mon. One of the most prominent ethnic groups are the Chinese, who were 75% of the city's population in 1828, which dropped to 50% by the 1950s.

The Chinese community is largely centered in Yaowarat, the Chinatown of Bangkok. There is an Indian community in Phahurt, a Japanese community close to Soi Phrom Phong and an Arab and North African community along Soi Nana.

Bangkok Population Growth

Bangkok has grown so rapidly with very little urban planning or regulation. This has led to inadequate infrastructure and an obviously haphazard layout with limited roads, terrible traffic and severe air polution. By 2030, Bangkok is expected to become one of the world's megacities with a population surpassing 10 million.

Bangkok Population in 2017 Source: User:Kimmam at no.wikipedia

Bangkok Population Data (Urban Area)

Year Population Growth Rate (%) Growth
1950 1,360,000 0.00% 0
1955 1,712,000 25.90% 352,000
1960 2,151,000 25.60% 439,000
1965 2,584,000 20.10% 433,000
1970 3,110,000 20.40% 526,000
1975 3,842,000 23.50% 732,000
1980 4,723,000 22.90% 881,000
1985 5,279,000 11.80% 556,000
1990 5,888,000 11.50% 609,000
1995 6,106,000 3.70% 218,000
2000 6,360,000 4.20% 254,000
2005 7,228,000 13.60% 868,000
2010 8,213,000 13.60% 985,000
2015 9,270,000 12.90% 1,057,000
2017 9,617,000 3.70% 347,000
2020 10,137,000 5.40% 520,000
2025 10,953,000 8.00% 816,000
2030 11,528,000 5.20% 575,000
Bangkok Population Growth

Bangkok's 2017 population is now estimated at 9,617,000. In 1950, the population of Bangkok was 1,360,000. Bangkok has grown by 347,000 in the last year, which represents a 3.70% change. These population estimates and projections come from the latest revision of the UN World Urbanization Prospects. These estimates represent the Urban agglomeration of Bangkok, which typically includes Bangkok's population in addition to adjacent suburban areas.