Bueng Kum is one of the 50 administrative districts (Khet) of Bangkok, Thailand. It occupies a position in the metropolitan area bounded by the districts of Bang Khen, Khan Na Yao, Saphan Sung, Bang Kapi, and Lat Phrao. The district covers an area of 24.311 square kilometers and has a population of 145,514. Thai is the official language, and the district operates within the Asia/Bangkok time zone.
Bueng Kum. Photo: Phoebus 28 / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0

Overview

Bueng Kum is one of the 50 districts, known locally as Khet, that constitute the administrative structure of Bangkok, Thailand. As a second-level subdivision within the first-level subdivision of Bangkok, it functions as a primary unit of local governance and geographic identification for residents and visitors alike. The district is situated within the broader metropolitan area, contributing to the dense urban fabric characteristic of the Thai capital. Understanding the administrative hierarchy is essential for navigating the region, as Bangkok is divided into these 50 distinct districts, each with its own local administration and geographic boundaries.

The district covers a total area of 24.311 square kilometers. This land area defines the spatial extent of Bueng Kum within the larger Bangkok metropolis. The population of Bueng Kum is recorded at 145,514 residents. These demographic and geographic statistics provide a baseline for understanding the density and scale of the district relative to its neighbors. The population figure reflects the number of inhabitants residing within the defined boundaries of the district, contributing to the overall demographic profile of Bangkok.

Bueng Kum is bounded by several other districts. From the north and moving clockwise, the district is bordered by Bang Khen, Khan Na Yao, Saphan Sung, Bang Kapi, and Lat Phrao. These neighboring districts form the immediate geographic context for Bueng Kum, defining its limits and connections within the urban landscape. The boundaries with Bang Khen to the north, Khan Na Yao, Saphan Sung, Bang Kapi, and Lat Phrao establish the district's position within the northeastern sector of the Bangkok metropolitan area. This arrangement of borders influences local transportation, administrative coordination, and regional identity.

The official language of the district is Thai. As part of Thailand, Thai serves as the primary medium of communication for administration, commerce, and daily life within Bueng Kum. The district operates within the Asia/Bangkok time zone, aligning with the standard timekeeping used throughout the country. This time zone designation ensures synchronization with national schedules and regional coordination. The use of Thai as the official language facilitates interaction between residents, local government officials, and visitors, supporting the functional operations of the district.

Geographic coordinates for Bueng Kum are located at 13.785277777778 degrees north latitude and 100.66916666667 degrees east longitude. These coordinates pinpoint the district's position on the global map, providing a precise reference for geographic information systems and cartographic representations. The location within Bangkok places Bueng Kum in a strategic position relative to other key areas of the city. The coordinates reflect the central positioning of the district within the broader geographic framework of Thailand and the Asia/Bangkok time zone.

The administrative structure of Bueng Kum as a Khet reflects the decentralized governance model employed in Bangkok. Each of the 50 districts operates with a degree of autonomy, managing local affairs such as infrastructure, public services, and community development. Bueng Kum's role within this system is defined by its population size, area, and geographic boundaries. The district's characteristics, including its population of 145,514 and area of 24.311 square kilometers, influence the allocation of resources and the planning of local initiatives. This administrative framework supports the efficient management of urban life in one of Thailand's most populous regions.

Geography

As a second-level subdivision within the first-level subdivision of Bangkok, it functions as a key urban unit in the metropolitan area. The district is situated within the broader geographic context of the capital, contributing to the dense network of localities that make up the Thai capital city.

The geographic boundaries of the district are clearly defined by its neighboring administrative units. From the north and proceeding in a clockwise direction, Bueng Kum is bounded by the districts of Bang Khen, Khan Na Yao, Saphan Sung, Bang Kapi, and Lat Phrao. These adjacent districts form the immediate geographic context for Bueng Kum, delineating its position within the northeastern quadrant of the Bangkok metropolitan area.

This figure represents the number of residents living within the district's defined boundaries. The demographic composition contributes to the overall population density of Bangkok, reflecting the urban character of the area. The district operates under the time zone of Asia/Bangkok, which is standard for the region. The official language used in administrative and daily life is Thai, consistent with the national language of Thailand.

The geographic layout of Bueng Kum is characterized by its position relative to the surrounding districts. The boundary with Bang Khen to the north marks the transition between these two urban areas. Moving clockwise, the border with Khan Na Yao defines the northeastern edge of the district. The boundary with Saphan Sung continues along the eastern side, while the border with Bang Kapi marks the southeastern limit. Finally, the district is bounded by Lat Phrao to the south and southwest, completing the circular arrangement of neighboring districts. This configuration places Bueng Kum in a central position among these five adjacent areas, facilitating connectivity and interaction with the surrounding parts of Bangkok.

The area of 24.311 square kilometers encompasses the residential, commercial, and infrastructural elements of the district. The population of 145,514 residents is distributed across this area, contributing to the urban density typical of Bangkok's districts. The geographic boundaries with Bang Khen, Khan Na Yao, Saphan Sung, Bang Kapi, and Lat Phrao define the spatial limits of Bueng Kum, providing a clear framework for understanding its location within the city. The district's position within Bangkok is integral to the overall structure of the capital, reflecting the complex administrative and geographic organization of the Thai metropolis.

History

Administrative History

Bueng Kum is one of the 50 districts, known locally as Khet, that constitute the metropolitan area of Bangkok, Thailand. The district was formally established in 1989. Prior to its creation as a distinct administrative unit, the territory was part of the neighboring district of Bang Kapi. The separation of Bueng Kum from Bang Kapi marked a significant reorganization of the northern and eastern sectors of the city, allowing for more localized governance and planning. In 1997, the internal administrative structure of Bueng Kum underwent further refinement. During this period, the sub-districts within the district were elevated in status. This elevation helped to streamline local administration and better reflect the growing population density and urban development patterns within the area. The district continues to function as a second-level subdivision within the first-level subdivision of Bangkok, operating under the broader municipal framework of the capital city.

Etymology and Geographic Features

The name "Bueng Kum" is derived from local geographic features and vegetation. "Bueng" refers to a lake or a large pond, indicating the presence of significant water bodies in the area's landscape. "Kum" relates to specific plants found in the region. The combination of these terms highlights the historical importance of the lake and the surrounding flora to the local identity of the district. The district is situated within the urban expanse of Bangkok. Its boundaries are defined by adjacent districts. From the north and moving clockwise, Bueng Kum is bounded by Bang Khen, Khan Na Yao, Saphan Sung, Bang Kapi, and Lat Phrao. These neighboring districts form the immediate geographic context for Bueng Kum, influencing its transportation networks and urban connectivity. The area covers a total land surface of 24.311 square kilometers. This relatively compact size is typical for inner-city districts in Bangkok, where high population density is a defining characteristic. The district supports a population of 145,514 residents. This population figure reflects the residential and commercial activity concentrated within the district's boundaries. The official language used in administrative and daily life is Thai. The district operates within the Asia/Bangkok time zone, aligning with the standard timekeeping for the country. The coordinates of the district are located at 13.785277777778 degrees north latitude and 100.66916666667 degrees east longitude. These coordinates place Bueng Kum firmly within the northern-eastern quadrant of the Bangkok metropolitan area. The development of Bueng Kum reflects the broader urbanization trends of Bangkok. The separation from Bang Kapi and the subsequent elevation of sub-districts demonstrate the dynamic nature of the city's administrative divisions. The district continues to serve as a key residential and commercial hub within the capital, contributing to the economic and social fabric of Bangkok. The presence of the lake referenced in its name remains a notable feature, although the urban landscape has evolved significantly since the district's establishment in 1989.

Administration

Administrative Structure

As a second-level subdivision within the capital, the district functions under the broader governance of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration. The district is geographically defined by its boundaries with five neighboring districts. These boundaries delineate the jurisdictional limits for local services, zoning, and municipal management within the urban sprawl of the capital.

Sub-districts and Numbering Anomalies

The internal administrative division of Bueng Kum is organized into three sub-districts, referred to in Thai as Khwaeng. These sub-districts serve as the primary units for local census data, electoral rolls, and neighborhood-level administration. A notable feature of Bueng Kum's sub-district numbering is the absence of sequential continuity. Specifically, the district's sub-districts are numbered 1, 4, and 5, meaning that numbers 2 and 3 are missing from the sequence. This discontinuity is a common occurrence in Bangkok's administrative history, often resulting from the merging, splitting, or renaming of areas during various municipal reorganizations. The specific identities of these three sub-districts provide the granular structure for local governance, allowing for targeted administrative attention within the district's total area of 24.311 square kilometers.

District Council and Governance

Local governance within Bueng Kum is overseen by the District Council, a legislative and advisory body responsible for district-level decision-making. The council is composed of seven members who serve four-year terms. These councilors are typically elected by the residents of the district, representing the interests of the local population, which numbers 145,514 people. The council works in conjunction with the District Chief, who acts as the executive head of the district administration. The four-year term structure provides a regular cycle for electoral accountability and policy review. The council's responsibilities include approving the district budget, overseeing public works, and managing local services such as waste collection, park maintenance, and community development projects. The official language used in administrative proceedings and documentation is Thai, reflecting the national linguistic standard. The governance model ensures that Bueng Kum maintains a degree of local autonomy while remaining integrated into the larger bureaucratic structure of Bangkok.

Notable places

Bueng Kum contains several notable locations that serve as cultural, recreational, and commercial hubs for the district's residents and visitors. Among the most significant is Seri Thai Park, a large urban green space that provides a natural retreat within the metropolitan area. The park is a central feature of the district's landscape, offering open areas for leisure and community activities.

Located within or adjacent to the park is the Seri Thai Memorial Hall and Museum. This site is dedicated to preserving the history and legacy of the Seri Thai movement, a key resistance group during World War II. The museum serves as an educational resource, showcasing artifacts and exhibits that detail the contributions of the Thai Free Movement to the nation's history. It stands as a testament to the local and national significance of the area during the wartime period.

Another important location in Bueng Kum is the Pattavikorn Market. This market is a vital commercial center for the district, providing a wide range of goods and services to the local population. It reflects the everyday economic life of the area, offering fresh produce, household items, and other essentials. The market is a gathering place for residents, contributing to the social and economic fabric of the district.

These sites—Seri Thai Park, the Seri Thai Memorial Hall and Museum, and the Pattavikorn Market—highlight the diverse functions of Bueng Kum as a district within Bangkok. They offer insights into the historical, recreational, and commercial aspects of life in this part of the city. The presence of these landmarks underscores the district's role in both preserving local heritage and supporting the daily needs of its inhabitants.

What is Bueng Kum known for?

The district is situated within the capital's first-level subdivision framework and operates under the Asia/Bangkok time zone. Thai serves as the official language for administrative and daily communication within the area. The district covers a total land area of 24.311 square kilometers, providing a defined geographic footprint within the broader metropolitan expanse of Bangkok.

These adjacent districts form the immediate geographic context for Bueng Kum, influencing its urban connectivity and regional positioning within the northern and eastern sectors of the city. The specific coordinates for the district are located at 13.785277777778 latitude and 100.66916666667 longitude, placing it firmly within the tropical zone of Southeast Asia.

Bueng Kum is home to a population of 145,514 residents. This demographic figure reflects the district's status as a populated urban area within the larger Bangkok metropolitan region. The density of the population relative to the district's area of 24.311 square kilometers indicates a moderate level of urbanization, characteristic of many of Bangkok's outer districts. The community is integrated into the wider social and economic fabric of the capital, with residents participating in the diverse activities that define life in Thailand's largest city.

As a distinct administrative unit, Bueng Kum contributes to the overall governance and planning of Bangkok. The district's structure allows for localized management of public services and infrastructure, tailored to the needs of its 145,514 inhabitants. The boundaries with Bang Khen, Khan Na Yao, Saphan Sung, Bang Kapi, and Lat Phrao facilitate inter-district cooperation and transportation links, enhancing the connectivity of the area. The district's role within the 50 Khet system underscores the complexity and scale of urban administration in Bangkok, where each district plays a part in the functioning of the national capital.

Background: Bueng Kum is one of the 50 districts (Khet) of Bangkok, Thailand. From north clockwise, it is bounded by Bang Khen, Khan Na Yao, Saphan Sung, Bang Kapi, and Lat Phrao.

Frequently asked questions

What is the population of Bueng Kum?

What is the total area of the district?

Bueng Kum covers an area of 24.311 square kilometers.

Which districts border Bueng Kum?

What is the administrative classification of Bueng Kum?

Bueng Kum is classified as a district (Khet) within the first-level subdivision of Bangkok, Thailand.

What time zone does Bueng Kum use?

The district uses the Asia/Bangkok time zone.

Summary

Bueng Kum is a district in Bangkok, Thailand, with a population of 145,514 residents spread across 24.311 square kilometers. It is one of the 50 Khet that make up the metropolitan area, situated among the districts of Bang Khen, Khan Na Yao, Saphan Sung, Bang Kapi, and Lat Phrao.