Chao Phraya River

The Chao Phraya (English: /ˌ_prəˈj/ or English: /ˈprə/; Thai: [[wikt:เจ้าพระยา, , Thai: [mɛ̂ːnáːm tɕâːw pʰráʔ.jāː] or Thai: [tɕâːw pʰrā.jāː]) is the major river in Thailand, with its low alluvial plain forming the centre of the country. It flows through Bangkok and then into the Gulf of Thailand. Etymology On many old European maps, the river is named the Mae Nam (Thai: ), the Thai word for "river" (literally, "motherly water"). James McCarthy, F.R.G.S., who served as Director-General of the Sia…