The emblem of the BMA represents a figure from Thai mythology, Phra Indra, the keeper of Amara-
wadee, carrying his three-bladed weapon and seated atop a white elephant, whose four ivory tusks
denote celestial status. The emblem symbolizes that the Governor of Bangkok, like Phra Indra, heads thecapital and provides leadership to further the welfare of the city’s residents. The BMA emblem
was fi rst used during the term of office of Bangkok’s fi rst Governor, General, Chao Phraya
Ramarakop (1937-1938).
 

The BMA emblem can be seen on BMA vehicles, at the site of public works and improvement
programs, and wherever it is serving the public through numerous and varied activities.
It is Bangkok’s‘Symbol of Service’.

“Bangkok” or “Krung Thep Maha
Nakhon” was established as the
capital city of Thailand in 1782, the
year King Rama I ascended the
throne. During the reign of King
RamaV, the territorial administration
of the country was reformed
between 1894-1906 into a number
of areas called“Monthon”. Bangkok
was in Monthon Krung Thep,
which was under the Ministry of
Urban Affairs. In 1922, the Ministry
of Urban Affairs was merged with
the Ministry of Interior. The
administration of Bangkok, under a
modifi ed Monthon system, was
carried on until 1932. In 1933,
two Acts were legislated and
affected the administration of
Bangkok: The Thai Administration
Act and the Municipal Government
Act. Under these acts, Bangkok
became a province call Krung Thep
province. On the 21st December
1971, National Executive Council
Order Number 24 was proclaimed
which merged Krung Thep
province and Thon Buri province
into a single province called the
“Krung Thep and Thon Buri
Metropolis. “ At the same time,
National Executive Council Order
Number 25 merged the Bangkok
Municipality and The Thon
Buri Municipality into the
“Metropolitan City Municipality.”

In 1972, National Executive Council
Order Number 335 reorganized the
form of local government in the
metropolis by amalgamating the
activities of the Metropolis of Krung
Thep and Thon Buri, The Krung
Thep and Thon Buri Provincial
Administrations, the Metropolitan City
Municipality and Sanitation
Administration into the “Bangkok
Metropolitan Administration (BMA).”
 

In December 1981, the Bangkok
Metropolitan Administration Act
1975 was amended. The amendment
stipulated that Governor and Deputy
Governors of the BMA should be
appointed by the Minister of Interior
until the new Act of the BMA came
into effect. On the 31st of August 1985,
the new Act of the BMA came into
effect. According to the Act, the
Governor is elected by popular vote
and four Deputy Governors are
appointed by the Governor for a
fouryear term. The Bangkok
Metropolitan Council comprises elected
members. The number Council
members depends on the population of
Bangkok. At the District level, District
Council is also elected and its members
will be at least 7 depending on
population in the District. The Bangkok
Metropolitan Council and District
Council, each has a four-year term.

 A new comprehensive plan for Bangkok took effect on
May 17, 2006 one day after the ministerial regulation
on the plan was announced in the Royal Gazette.
The new city plan, in use from 2006 to 2011, is a road
map to turn the capital of Thailand into a more livable
city.

Although this city plan covers fi ve years, it includes
programs to cope with the growing population in
Bangkok over the next 20 years, which is exapected
to reach 12.5 million. The new city plan will help
control land use so that land utilization in the capital
will become more effi cient.
 

 The BMA is using the “Healthy City” development framework, set by the World Health Organization (WHO), as a guideline for
upgradingBangkok into one of the world’s most livable cities.

“Rattanakosin Island” in the heart of Bangkok will continue to be the main area for preservation. The area between Ratchadaphisek and
Kanchanaphisek ring roads has been designated for commercial and residential zoning.

The outer part of Kanchanaphisek Ring Road will be developed into a community center in the suburbs to reduce congestion in the city. In the
new city plan, three transportation centers will be developed. They are Phahonyothin, Makkasan, and Taksin centers.