Bangkok is a captivating city. Rich in contrasts, it is home to sacred Buddha statues and
designer shopping malls, high-flying businesspeople and shantytowns. A prime example of
Bangkok's split personality is the Silom area: by night, famed for the Pat Pong
red-light district; by day, a prominent business center. Bangkok is Thailand's
strongest economy and leading port, home to bank headquarters and the Thailand Stock
Exchange. Manufacturing is another key industry. Chief products include textiles,
electronics and processed food. Tourism is a huge economic contributor. Bangkok attracts
business travelers all year, and hordes of vacationers use the well-connected capital as
a base for exploring the rest of Thailand.
