Bang Na district (Thai: เขตบางนา, Khet Bang Na) is one of the fifty districts (khet) of Bangkok, Thailand. It is situated on the eastern side of the city and forms part of the Bangkok Metropolitan Region.
Geography
Bang Na occupies an area of approximately 22.1 km² (8.53 sq mi). It is bounded by the districts of Phra Khanong to the north, Prawet to the east, and Samut Prakan Province to the south and west. The district lies within the Chao Phraya River basin, and its terrain is generally low‑lying and urbanized, with a mix of residential, commercial, and industrial zones.
History
Originally part of Phra Khanong district, Bang Na was established as a separate administrative district on 9 November 1998 by a royal decree of the Thai government. The name “Bang Na” is derived from the Thai words “Bang” (a settlement along a waterway) and “Na” (rice field), reflecting the area’s historical agricultural character before urban development.
Administration
Bang Na is divided into three subdistricts (khwaeng):
- Bang Na Nuea (Bang Na North)
- Bang Na Tai (Bang Na South)
- Samae San Nua (North Samae San)
The district is administered by the Bang Na District Office, which is responsible for local governance, public services, and community development.
Demographics
According to the latest available census data (2020), Bang Na had a resident population of roughly 121,000 people. The population density is about 5,470 persons per km². The district’s demographic profile reflects a mix of Thai nationals and expatriate communities, with a wide range of age groups and household types.
Economy
Bang Na hosts a diversified economy comprising retail, manufacturing, and service sectors. Notable commercial developments include the large Bang Na‑Preschool Shopping Center and the headquarters of several multinational corporations. The district also contains several industrial estates that contribute to Bangkok’s overall manufacturing output.
Transportation
Bang Na is a major transportation hub in eastern Bangkok. Key infrastructure includes:
- Bang Na Intersection: a major road junction linking Sukhumvit Road (Highway 3) with the Bang Na – Bang Na Intersection.
- Bang Na – Bang Na Expressway (Bang Na – Bang Na 1): a 55 km toll expressway that connects Bangkok with Chonburi Province.
- Mass Transit: the BTS Skytrain’s Silom Line extension reaches Bang Na – Tramont, and the MRT (Metropolitan Rapid Transit) Yellow Line is under construction to serve the district.
- Public Buses: numerous BMTA bus routes serve the area, linking it with central Bangkok and neighboring provinces.
Education
The district contains a range of educational institutions, from primary schools to higher education. Notable facilities include several international schools, private academies, and campuses of Thai universities offering programs in engineering, business, and health sciences.
Landmarks and Points of Interest
- Bang Na – Tramont: a mixed‑use development featuring shopping, dining, and office space.
- The Bangkok International Trade & Exhibition Centre (BITEC): located near the district’s western edge, serving as a venue for conferences and exhibitions.
- Siam Technology College and other vocational institutions that provide technical training.
Governance and Services
Bang Na District Office oversees local public utilities, waste management, public safety, and community welfare programs. The district participates in Bangkok Metropolitan Administration initiatives aimed at urban renewal, flood mitigation, and green space development.
References
- Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) official statistics.
- Royal Gazette announcements regarding district establishment.
- National Statistical Office of Thailand census data (2020).
This entry reflects information available from verified governmental and statistical sources as of 2024.