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Business Overview
Bangkok has two faces, one is the ancient soul of Thailand with its long and fascinating history and the other is frantic modern metropolis that embraces the latest trends both Eastern and Western. Dominating the country's economy and producing one of the highest GDP in Southeast Asia, Bangkok indeed is the commercial hub of Thailand.

All Thailand's large commercial banks and financial institution’s headquarters are based in Bangkok along with many transnational companies regional headquarters. Due to the large amount of foreign representation and less cost of operation than most of the rival cities in Asia, the town is attracting many international firms every year. The city also has its 13 companies listed on the Forbes 2000 list including the largest Thai bank, Bangkok Bank and the country's largest energy company PTT.

Bangkok is not just the principal international gateway of the nation but is also its major transit point and a destination in its own right. Besides its tourism industry playing a significant role in enhancing the country’s economy, the vigorous expo or trade show industry of the city on the other hand is an another important source of revenue of Thailand. Bangkok is the convention and trade shows hub of the country with various distinguished venues like Bangkok International Trade & Exhibition Center, IMPACT Exhibition & Convention Center and Queen Sirikit National Convention Center. Some internationally renowned expositions like Bangkok International Fashion Fair, Bangkok International Leather Fair and E5-The Energy Series are held every year in the city making it an important business destination in Southeast Asia.

The fact that Bangkok is a key point on round-the-world air routes and the only port that can accommodate ocean-going vessels along with its inland waterways makes the city imports and exports center of Thailand, as well as Southeast Asia.

Even after the nasty blow of 1997 Asian financial crises, Bangkok has reached to normal with its financial reforms. Perhaps a bigger critical issue of the city is that a disproportionate amount of Thailand's wealth is in Bangkok as besides being the financial, business and entertainment capital of the country, it is also its government center. Therefore, the city's wealth speaks and eventually, the national government often acts like a city administration dealing with city development issues while the country at large can appear neglected.

Major Business Centers
Bangkok International Trade and Exhibition Center (BITEC):
Located on Bang Na-Trad Highway, near the intersection with Sukhumvit Road in Bang Na, BITEC is Thailand's leading venue for exhibitions and conventions. It was opened in 1997 and today stands proud as a technologically advanced and highly functional venue accommodating exhibitions, conventions, conferences, special events and seminars from 30 up to 20,000 delegates and over 100,000 visitors a day.

The center has a total floor area of 50,400m2 with flexible space options for shows from 5,000 to 26,000m2.

Queen Sirikit National Convention Center (QSNCC):
Queen Sirikit Convention Center is an another important convention and exhibition hall of Bangkok. Located in Khlong Toei, on Ratchadapisek Road between Sukhumvit Road and Rama IV Road, the center has an exclusive stop of Bangkok Metro in its premises. The main hall and the compound of the venue are around 35,000m2 while the plenary hall can hold up to 5,000 people.

Well built to accommodate the grandest national and international events, particularly conferences and exhibitions, the convention center bears the nation's identity in its architectural form and decorative details, which is an exemplary of "Thai Hi-Tech Architecture".

Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET):
The SET is the national stock exchange of Thailand, which is located in its capital city Bangkok. The exchange has over 400 listed companies and a huge combined market capitalization.

The indices of the stock exchange are SET Index, SET50 Index & SET100 Index.

Major Commercial Areas
Sukhumvit:
Not just a main shopping drag, Sukhumvit is Bangkok's modern commercial core full of glitzy malls, hotels, bars and the entire commercial hustle bustle.

Being the longest road in Thailand and one of the longest roads in the world, Sukhumvit changes name Ploenchit Road and Rama I Road going towards the west. Besides possessing many commercial and entertainment spots around it, this center of modern Bangkok itself has become a huge market carrying everything from luggage to fake Rolex watches and then after midnight they turn into sidewalk cafes and bars.

Further with the opening of the new Suvarnabhumi International Airport, Sukhumvit has become a far more central location.

Silom:
Located to the south of Sukhumvit around Silom Road and Sathorn Road lies this sober financial center of Thailand by day but a primary party district of Bangkok by night. With glistening skyscrapers all boasting the names of financial institutions, Silom is also famous for its numerous shopping options like Patpong night market and new Suan Lum Night Bazaar along with various restaurants, hotels & bars as well.

Sathorn:
One of the fastest-growing business districts in Bangkok, Sathorn is dotted with high-rise buildings, embassies and gleaming corporate head offices which make up the ultra modern skyline around Sathorn Road. The area is located alongside the ever-hectic Silom area stretching from Lumpini Park south to the river.

Besides containing some of trendiest hotels of the city, the region also boasts many upmarket serviced apartments and a variety of fine restaurants serving up excellent local and international cuisine. It is also particularly popular for an ever-increasing immigrant community, long-stay visitors and business travelers.

Therefore, though the 'newest' areas of the city, Sathorn has seen phenomenal growth over recent years, mostly as a result of outstanding location close to several prime areas.

Major Manufacturing Zones
Banga:
Due to its rapid commercial and industrial growth over recent years, Bangna is considered a prime area of Bangkok having just about everything to please every dweller and traveler. Housing one of Asia's largest shopping malls, Seacon Square and the Bangkok International Trade & Exhibition Center (BITEC), Sathorn is only 20 minutes from the Skytrain (BTS) station on Nut. Further its location close to the new Suvarnabhumi International Airport is set to stimulate further growth and development. The area is also relatively close to the riverside and historical attractions offering an excellent alternative to avoid central Bangkok.