History - Russell Family Web Page

• Srinakharinwirot University
• Sripathum University
• University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce
There are also several "Rajabhat universities", which formerly were part of the teachers college system.
Tourism
Bangkok is considered to be one of the world's top tourist hotspots and is currently Asia's top tourist
destination - the third in the world according to Travel and Leisure magazine. The city boasts some of the
country's most magnificent historical venues such as the Grand Palace. There are numerous projects to
maintain Bangkok's historic sites such as the Rattanakosin area. Bangkok is Thailand's major tourist
gateway and one of the largest in South East Asia. Bangkok has been a city that has lured tourists for a
visit and this has resulted in an unbelievable number foreigners setting up permanent residence in
Bangkok. Many of these Bangkok expatriates have found jobs and have opened businesses in the capital
of the Kingdom of Thailand. Many more have retired here and live a life of ease and enjoyment.
Wats and Palaces
The Bangkok Metropolitan area is home to two capitals, the present, Krung Thep and the short Thon Buri
reign before 1782. There are numerous historical sites on both banks of the Chao Phraya River which
has been the main means of transportation for pre-motor vehicles. The river connects to Wat Arun Wat
Pho is home to the reclining Buddha, a marvel of historical sculpture, a Buddha 46m in length and 15m in
height and made of pure gold.
There are 3 Palaces in Bangkok, the current one which houses the Royal Family is Chitralada Palace. It
is a phenomenal landscaping and design piece due to the wonderfully crafted exterior fencing and a 5m
moat around the 1km sq. compound. The King's very own dairy farm and environmental tests are carried
within the confines- his extensive work has helped Thailand's farmers battle hard rains and long droughts
and other environmental issues.
Hotels
The Peninsula Bangkok recently won Travel and Leisure magazines top hotels list, whilst the Oriental
claimed second. The Oriental has previously won world-wide recognition for its magnificent use of land on
the Bangkok side of the Chao Phraya. The Oriental hotel offers a panoramic view from roughly all hotel
rooms of the river scenery. The Shangri-La Bangkok, of the Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts chain, also
claims to have rivalling picture-perfect sets in their rooms. Sukhumvit Road hosts a series of international
chains such as JW Marriot, The Landmark, Intercontinental, Sheraton and many more. Somewhat out of
the center is the Grand Princess Hotel near the administrative area of the city. This 30-story building has
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