Bangkok City Hall

In front of you stretches one of the largest squares in Bangkok’s historic center, dominated by the imposing building of City Hall, officially known as the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration. This is where the governor of the capital works, a unique position in Thailand. To understand it, we need to start at the top. The king holds a special place: he is the sacred symbol of the nation and a figure of absolute respect, but he does not directly govern. Political power lies with the central government, headed by a Prime Minister and a parliament. And then there is Bangkok, which is an exception. In every other province, the governor is appointed by the state. Here, in the capital, the governor is elected directly by the people. His role is similar to that of a mayor, but on the scale of a megacity of over ten million people. He oversees transport, urban planning, markets, cleanliness, schools: in short, the everyday life of Bangkok’s residents. That is why City Hall, behind you, is one of the major centers of decision-making in the country. As for the square itself, it lives to the rhythm of large gatherings: from official ceremonies to major public festivities such as Songkran, the Thai New Year, celebrated every April. And if you happen to be in Bangkok at that time, prepare to get wet! The city, and especially this square, turns into one giant, joyful water fight.