Bangkok

Bangkok is situated in the lowlands region of Thailand on the east side of the Chao Phraya River. Thailand's capital, it is constantly in motion and enshrouded in cheerful colors, appetizing spices and sweet exhaust fumes. Sidewalks are crowded with pedestrians and streets are congested with transport vehicles of all kinds, including cart loads of ducks and women in heels and nylons riding bicycles to work During traffic snarls, it seems that all five million of the city's inhabitants are out in the streets, although few Thais own vehicles.

Nearly all of the city's canals, once used to move goods and people, have been filled and paved, however, the Chao Phraya River is still an important means of transportation in the city. Early each morning the murky river is sloshing with boatloads of fruits, flowers, fish and vegetables. And debris, since most of the Thais that live on the river's banks in shanties or houseboats upstream and downstream, use the river to wash and bath.

Bangkok is a busy port city and exports of rice and sugarcane and other agricultural products are constant. Imports include petroleum. Tourism is a significant means of revenue for the country.