Bang Rak is one of the 50 districts (khet) of Bangkok, Thailand. The district is bounded by four other districts (from north clockwise): Pathum Wan, Sathon, Khlong San (across the Chao Phraya River), and Samphanthawong. It was established in 1912. As of 2017, Bang Rak's population was 47,817. Bang Rak's history dates to the reigns of King Rama III, Rama IV, and Rama V after the conversion of a canal to Charoen Krung Road in 1862 and the construction of Yaowarat Road were completed. When Bangkok grew, many people, especially from Chinatown moved to live there. It is adjacent to the Talat Noi, one of the oldest Chinese communities in Bangkok. The area became the focus of Western businesses and diplomatic missions.
The district is divided into five sub-districts (khwaeng), Maha Phruettharam, Si Lom, Suriyawong, Bang Rak and Si Phraya.
Bang Rak is known for its commercial area around Si Lom Road (also written Silom). The land properties on Si Lom Road are among the most expensive in Thailand with skyscrapers dotting the road. The MahaNakhon Tower (312 m 1,030 ft with 77 floors) in Bang Rak, is now the tallest building in Thailand, overtaking Baiyoke Tower II.
Although Buddhist temples in Bang Rak are not remarkable, with the possible exception of Wat Hua Lamphong and maybe Wat Maha Phruettharam, various places of worship representing other religions are well represented. This includes the Thailand's most famous Hindu temple named Sri Mahamariamman Temple. It is also called Wat Phra Sri Maha Umathewi or Wat Keak in Thai. Also in Bang Rak is the 210 year-old Assumption Cathedral, which has appeared in various films, as well as its school, Assumption College (Thailand).
The Bangkok Folk Museum (also called Bangkokian Museum) is also in the district as are The Neilson Hays Library, Bangkok's oldest English language library, and The British Club Bangkok, the last surviving international members' club. In 2017, the Thailand Creative and Design Centre(TCDC) moved to the Grand Postal Building.
Bang Rak is served by both Skytrain and the Metro underground line. Most stops lie on district borders however due to its narrow roads. Skytrain stations include Sala Daeng, Chong Nonsi, Surasak, and Saphan Taksin with a new station Sueksa Witthaya planned, while Metro stops are Lumphini, Si Lom, Sam Yan, and Hua Lamphong.
Chao Phraya Express Boats also provide transportation service along the Chao Phraya River with the central pier at Sathorn Pier under the Taksin Bridge. Other piers for the boat service are Oriental, Wat Muang Kae, and Si Phraya.