Bang Kapi

Bang Kapi ( th, บางกะปิ, ) is one of the 50 districts (''khet'') of Bangkok, Thailand. It is bounded by other Bangkok districts (from north clockwise): Bueng Kum, Saphan Sung, Prawet, Suan Luang, Huai Khwang, Wang Thonglang, and Lat Phrao.

Name

The name Bang Kapi consists of two parts. ''Bang'' is a common prefix for place names in Thailand and roughly means a "hamlet by the waterfront". There are multiple theories as to the origin of ''kapi''. The word ''kapi'' itself exists in Thai and means " shrimp paste", which is one possible origin. Another possibility is that it comes from ''kabi'' (กบิ/กบี่), a poetic word meaning "monkey", as the area used to be heavily forested and was home to many monkeys. Lastly, it could also come from ''kapiyoh'' (กะปิเยาะห์), the Thai word for a type of cap worn by Islamic men ('' taqiyah''), owing to the fact that many Muslims settled in the area.

History

The area of Bang Kapi has a history dating back to Rama III's reign, when Chao Phraya Bodindecha (เจ้าพระยาบดินทรเดชา) led a troop to fight rebels in Champassack and Louangphabang and brought back people to settle.

As it grew into a larger town, Bang Kapi was made an ''amphoe'' (district) of Phra Nakhon province. The district was originally quite large, but has been divided since then to form new districts.

In 1966, Huay Khwang sub-district ('' tambon'') and parts of the Bang Kapi sub-district were spun off to form Phaya Thai district.

In 1972, Phra Nakhon and Thonburi were joined as the single province, Bangkok. The title of districts and sub-districts in the capital city were changed from ''amphoe'' and ''tambon'' to ''khet'' and ''khwaeng'', respectively. Bang Kapi became a district of the newly combined province, having at that time nine sub-districts.

In 1977, Sam Sen Nok sub-district was moved to Huai Khwang district.

In 1989, Lat Phrao district and Bueng Kum district were separated from Bang Kapi and became new districts.

On 14 October 1997, Wang Thonglang sub-district was elevated to a district, taking part of Khlong Chan sub-district with it.

Administration

The district is divided into two sub-districts (''khwaeng'').

District Council

The District Council for Bang Kapi has eight members, who each serve four-year terms. Elections were last held on 30 April 2006. The results were as follows:
* Democrat Party - Seven seats
* Thai Rak Thai Party - One seat

Places

Education

* Ramkhamhaeng University
* National Institute of Development Administration (NIDA)
* Rattana Bundit University
* Assumption University
* National Housing Authority
* Bang Kapi School
* Ramkhamhaeng Advent International School (RAIS)
* Traill International School

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