Until the reign of Rama V (1853–1910; r. 1868–1910) public works were not a priority. The king foresaw the importance of the automobile and established a system of roadways and bridges. In addition, Rama V instituted a post and telegraph service, an electric tram service, and the State Railway.
Much of Thailand’s history has been a battle for sovereignty, and while the country has suffered through many invasions, Thailand boasts that it is one of the few countries in Asia never conquered and colonized. This point is debatable. During World War II (1939–45), though Thailand was technically allied with the Japanese, troops from Japan controlled much of Thailand and were concentrated in Bangkok.
In the past 20 years, Bangkok has expanded rapidly. During the Vietnam War era, American soldiers used the city
During the reign of King Rama II (1768–1824; r. 1809–1824) and Rama III (r. 1824–1851), many citizens relied on canals for transportation due to a lack of roads in the city.
as a rest-and-relaxation destination. The city then had a population of 1.5 million, a population that has since ballooned to approximately ten million. The increase in population means congestion and pollution in the city. Air pollution in Bangkok is perhaps the worst in the world, and the overcrowding and lack of planning have impacted everything from transportation to drinking water to housing. In the 1990s, Bangkok had close to one million registered motor vehicles, along with an ever-expanding superhighway system. Most of Bangkok’s canals were filled in and paved over to make new roads. This replacement caused parts of the city to sink, and annual flooding has become a problem.
Despite modern problems, however, the city retains much of its ancient charm. Bangkok’s colorful markets, historic buildings, and ornate temples attract millions of tourists each year.