The Thai government is changing the name of it’s the capital city, Bangkok. The Thai Royal Office released a statement on their official social media account that the English name of the Bangkok has changed to “Krung Thep Maha Nakhon (Bangkok)”, as it is pronounced in Thai. Office noted that it will be referred to as “Krung Thep Maha Nakhon (Bangkok)” in official documents.

After it’s the announcement, Bangkok’s name change caused criticism among social media users. Bangkok Governor Aswin Kwanmuang stated that the official name of the capital has been used as “Krung Thep Maha Nakhon: Bangkok” since 2001 and the name “Bangkok” will continue to be used between parentheses in official documents. Wissanu Krea-ngam, Deputy Prime Minister of Thailand, said in a statement that the name “Bangkok” will continue to be used for the capital, but foreigners should be encouraged to use the name “Krung Thep” in order to avoid confusion.

On the other hand, the official Thai name of the capital is quite long: “Krung Thep Mahanakhon Amon Rattanakosin Mahinthara Ayuthaya Mahadilok Phop Noppharat Ratchathani Burirom Udomratchaniwet Mahasathan Amon Piman Awatan Sathit Sakkathattiya Witsanukam Prasit”