Time zone shows as “Bangkok (UTC+7)” – should city match user location?

Google Maps tips & tricks
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1

Hi Googlers :waving_hand:

I noticed something and just wanted to share a small suggestion.
I’m not 100% sure, just wondering if this is expected behavior or not.

Time zone shows
Time zone shows660×519 91.8 KB

When viewing an event time, the time zone is shown as (Bangkok), even though I’m currently in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.

Both cities use UTC+7, so the time itself is correct — but the city name might be a bit confusing for some users.

For example, countries using UTC+7 include:

  • Cambodia (Phnom Penh)
  • Thailand (Bangkok)
  • Laos (Vientiane)
  • Vietnam (Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City)
  • Parts of Indonesia (Jakarta / Western Indonesia)

My thought / suggestion:
If the system already detects the user’s location, maybe the time zone label could:

  • show the local city (e.g. Phnom Penh – UTC+7), or
  • show only UTC+7 without a specific city name.

This might help avoid confusion, especially for users in countries that share the same time zone.

Happy to hear what others think, and whether this is working as designed :folded_hands:
Thanks for reading!

2

Very good idea. Strongly request have Phnom Penh to be one of the global time location.

3

If the system already detects the user’s location, maybe the time zone label could:

  • show the local city (e.g. Phnom Penh – UTC+7), or

  • display UTC+7 only, without referencing a specific city.

    This could help avoid confusion for users in regions that share the same time zone.

4

I strongly suggest adding Phnom Penh in Time Zone.

5

Dear Local Guides Community,

I want to voice my strong support for Bong @SophatCHY concern about the timezone display issue affecting our Cambodian community members.

The Core Issue
While it’s technically correct that Phnom Penh operates on UTC+7 (same as Bangkok), displaying “Bangkok (UTC+7)” for Cambodian users creates several problems:

  1. Local Identity Recognition

Phnom Penh is Cambodia’s vibrant capital with a rich cultural heritage
Our local guides deserve to see their own city reflected in the platform
This affects the sense of belonging and community pride
2. User Experience Confusion

When Cambodian users see “Bangkok” instead of “Phnom Penh,” it creates unnecessary confusion
Event organizers and participants may question location accuracy
This undermines the platform’s credibility for local communities
3. Cultural Sensitivity

Cambodia has its own distinct timezone identity within UTC+7
Showing Bangkok’s name inadvertently diminishes our local presence
This affects how our community is perceived by others
The Impact on Our Community
This isn’t just about a technical detail—it’s about:

Recognition: Every city deserves to be represented accurately
Pride: Local guides from Phnom Penh should feel their location matters
Clarity: Accurate city names help everyone understand local contexts better
Suggested Solutions
I believe the platform can implement improvements that would benefit all UTC+7 communities:

Option 1: Location-Based Detection

Show “Phnom Penh (UTC+7)” for Cambodian users
Show “Bangkok (UTC+7)” for Thai users
Show “Hanoi (UTC+7)” for Vietnamese users
Option 2: Generic UTC+7 Display

Simply show “UTC+7” without specific city names to avoid confusion
Option 3: Smart City Detection

Automatically detect user’s actual location and display their city name
A Call for Fair Representation
I encourage the Local Guides Connect team to consider this important issue. It’s about creating a more inclusive platform where every community feels recognized and valued.

Our Cambodian local guides contribute significantly to the platform’s success. They deserve to see their own city name reflected in the interface they use daily.

Community Solidarity
I stand with Bong @SophatCHY and all Cambodian Local Guides in requesting this improvement. This isn’t about criticizing the current system—it’s about making it better for everyone while respecting local identities.

Thank you for considering this important community concern.

6

This is very good suggestion and avoid confusion.:+1:

7

I strongly suggest adding Phnom Penh in Time Zone.

8

I agree with this initiative. We must have our own name for Cambodia location timezone “Phnom Penh – UTC+7”.

9

I strongly suggest adding Phnom Penh to the time zone list.

10

I am a citizen of Cambodia. I really want to have time for my country. :slightly_smiling_face:

11

Phnom Penh is the capital of Cambodia and I strongly suggest adding Phnom Penh in Time Zone.

12

  • I think that should have Phnom Penh.

  • show the local city (e.g. Phnom Penh – UTC+7)

13

I would like to suggest adding the Phnom Penh (GMT+7 / ICT) time zone.

14

Good idea. To ensure clarity and standardization, I strongly recommend specifying Phnom Penh in the Time Zone.

15

I strongly support having Phnom Penh, Cambodia, UTC + 7. Please, Google, consider this.

16

If many countries use the same time zone, it is better not to show only one city name. Showing UTC+7 (or UTC+7 – Indochina Time) is clearer and more neutral than using one city like Bangkok.

If the system can correctly detect the user’s location, showing the local city (for example, Phnom Penh – UTC+7) is also acceptable.

17

I strongly suggest adding Phnom Penh in Time Zone.

18

I support this suggestion. Having Phnom Penh in the timezone would be better for all the users

19

I strongly support this request. Adding ‘Phnom Penh (UTC +7)’ as a distinct option would improve accuracy for millions of users in Cambodia and ensure regional inclusion. Currently, we have to rely on neighboring cities, which can be confusing for official data and scheduling.

20

I strongly suggest adding Phnom Penh in Time Zone.