Traditional Thai script is complex, featuring loops (called Tua Pluean or "fat letters") and intricate hairlines. While beautiful for printing and calligraphy, these loops were a nightmare for early digital displays. On low-resolution monitors, loops tended to close up or appear as visual noise, rendering text unreadable.
The Krungthep font was first introduced in the early 20th century, during the reign of King Rama V (1863-1910). At that time, the Thai government was seeking to modernize the country's writing system, which was heavily influenced by traditional Thai scripts. The font was designed to be more legible and compatible with Western typography, which was becoming increasingly popular in Thailand.
Krungthep is characterized by several distinct typographic features: