The seal of the city shows Hindu god Indra riding in the clouds on Airavata, a divine white elephant known in Thai as Erawan. In his hand Indra holds his weapon, the vajra. The seal is based on a painting done by Prince Naris. The city slogan translates:

'As built by angels, the administrative centre, dazzling palaces and temples, the capital of Thailand'

 

As Thailand’s capital, Bangkok houses all branches of the national government, including the Government House, Parliament House, and the Supreme, Administrative, and Constitutional Courts. It is home to the Grand Palace and Dusit Palace, the official and de facto royal residences, as well as the headquarters of most government ministries.​

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Bangkok City is divided into 50 districts (khet, equivalent to amphoe in other provinces), which are further divided into 180 sub-districts. The Bangkok Metropolitan Region, also known as Greater Bangkok, consists of the the provinces of Samut Prakan, Pathum Thani, Nonthaburi, Nakhon Pathom, and Samut Sakhon.

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