20 Fascinating Facts About Thailand

20 Fascinating Facts About Thailand    

They say Thailand is a rainbow of colors, flavors, and traditions. Known as the Land of Smiles, the Kingdom of Thailand is a country in Southeast Asia that is all about magnificent landscapes, and kindhearted people. 

From its many temples to delicious street food, to being home to the largest flower and fish, this country has an endless supply of delights for all. For the traveler seeking adventure, the historian yearning to uncover ancient mysteries, a food lover on a culinary journey, and even the beach lovers who want to relax and unwind, Thailand is the perfect destination with stunning landscapes, amazingly relaxing massages, and vibrant vibes that will surpass all your expectations. 

The main religion in Thailand is Buddhism, with over 90% of the population identifying as Buddhists. Learn how to ‘Wai’ like a Thai because here people don’t shake hands when they greet each other. Here are 20 fascinating facts about Thailand. 

1. The Wat Arun Is Its Most Famous Landmark  

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Known as the Temple of Dawn and standing along the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok, Wat Arun is an iconic and visually stunning temple that is one of the most famous landmarks in Thailand.   

The temple’s main feature is a 79 meters tall pointed spire that is beautifully decorated and reflects the sun in the morning creating an amazing display, thus being known as the ‘Temple of Dawn’. Visiting Wat Arun will give you a glimpse into Thai history, spirituality, and craftsmanship. 

2. Thailand’s Capital Has The Longest Name In The World 

The official name of Bangkok, the capital city of Thailand, is Krungthepmahanakhon Amonrattanakosin Mahintharayutthaya Mahadilokphop Noppharatratchathaniburirom Udomratchaniwetmahasathan Amonphimanawatansathit Sakkathattiyawitsanukamprasit.  

The name translates to ‘City of angels, great city of immortals, magnificent city of the nine gems, seat of the king, city of royal palaces, home of gods incarnate, erected by Vishvakarman at Indra’s behest’. 

Holding the Guinness World Record for the longest place name in the world, Thai folks simplify it to Krung Thep Maha Nakhon. The name, even in its simple form is not easy, especially for non-locals and so the city is commonly known and referred to as Bangkok. 

3. Most Thai Men Become Monks At One Point In Their Lives  

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In Thailand, men are temporarily ordained as monks at some point in their lives, for a short duration that ranges from a few days to several months. However, some choose to remain monks for extended periods or even dedicate their entire lives to this practice.  

Though not everyone does this, it is considered a rite of passage and a way of expressing gratitude and respecting one’s parents and ancestors. It not only brings honor to the monk’s family but also shapes the spiritual and social landscape of Thailand. 

Here’s an article on how to become a Buddhist Monk in Thailand.

4. Thailand’s Calendar Is Over 500 Years Ahead 

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Thailand follows the Thai Buddhist calendar, which is based on the traditional Buddhist lunar calendar and it is 543 years ahead of the Gregorian calendar which is based on the solar system. This is because The Buddha died and entered Nirvana in the year 543 BC.   

However, Thailand uses the Gregorian calendar for official and business purposes. It is used for scheduling events, holidays, and official documentation. The Thai Buddhist calendar is mainly used for religious and cultural festivals, plus determining auspicious dates for ceremonies and rituals. 

The Thai Buddhist calendar allows the Thai people to preserve their traditional practices and customs. This means that in Thailand, the year 2023 is also the year 2566.  

5. There Is A Colour For Every Day Of The Week  

In Thailand, there is a cultural belief that each day of the week is associated with a particular color, thanks to the ancient Indian astrological system, which has largely influenced Thai traditions and beliefs. 

Sunday’s color is Red, while Monday has Yellow. Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday have Pink, Green, and Orange respectively, Friday is Light Blue, and Saturday Purple. It is believed that wearing the color of the day you were born brings good luck and positive energy. 

6. Thais Celebrate New Year Several Times 

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Thailand not only marks the Gregorian New Year celebrations on 31st December but also has a traditional Thai New Year in April which is marked with the Songkran Water Festival. As if that is not enough, the country also marks the Chinese Lunar New Year on a day in either January or February because over 10% of the country’s population has Chinese ancestry. 

Thailand have other vibrant and colorful festivals, which are deeply rooted in their traditions. Ghost, Vegetarian, and Lantern plus Festival of Lights are some of the festivals celebrated in this country.

7. The National Flag Is Red, White, And Blue

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Thailand means ‘Land of the Free’. The country was previously known as Siam, up until 1939 when it was renamed. It got the name because it is the only country in Southeast Asia that was not colonized.  

The flag has 3 colors arranged in five horizontal stripes red, white, blue, white, and red. The 3 (red, white, and blue) represent the nation, religion, and the king respectively. 

8. The Term Siamese Twins Has Thailand Roots 

Conjoined twins, also known as Siamese twins, are identical twins who are born physically connected. They occur when a fertilized egg partially splits during early development but does not separate, resulting in two individuals with shared body parts or organs. 

The term ‘Siamese twins’ originated from Chang and Eng Bunker, the legendary conjoined twins, who were born in Thailand (then Siam) in the early 19th century. They became the first famous conjoined twins, attaining worldwide popularity. Since then, conjoined twins are commonly referred to as Siamese twins. 

9. Thailand’s Coastline Is Beautiful 

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Thailand has a stunning coastline that is way over 2000 kilometers long and has over a thousand islands. It is very beautiful with crystal-clear turquoise waters, picturesque beaches surrounded by mountains, and stunning flawless natural landscapes.  

These beaches attract millions of visitors from around the world because they are not only visually stunning but also offer opportunities for snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking, and other water sports. The abundance of marine life, vibrant coral reefs, and many resorts, lagoons, and islands make it a paradise for nature and beach lovers. 

Check out the Most Stunning Beaches in Thailand.

10. Thailand Is Home To The Largest Fish 

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The whale shark is the largest fish in the world, reaching lengths of 12 meters or more. Though it migrates from one place to another when the seasons change, Thailand is one of the countries where these whale sharks are found. 

They are a tourist attraction and can be seen in the Gulf of Thailand, the Andaman Sea, and the Similan Islands. They are an endangered species and so conservation efforts, research, and responsible tourism play vital roles in preserving these gentle giants and their marine habitats. 

11. Largest Flower Is Also Found In This Country 

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The largest and smelliest flower in the world is the Rafflesia arnoldii. This rare, unique, and foul-smelling flower is found in Thailand’s rainforests. It is enormous with a distinctive appearance, growing to a diameter of one meter, and can weigh up to 11 kilograms. 

It smells like rotting meat which attracts flies that are useful for its pollination. The Rafflesia arnoldii is a parasitic plant that doesn’t have leaves, stems, or roots, relying on a host plant for nutrients and only emerges when it blooms. 

12. Thailand Is Home To The Smallest Mammal In The World 

The bumblebee bat, also known as Kitti’s hog-nosed bat, is the world’s smallest mammal. The bat has several remarkably unique features and is found in Thailand. It is between 2.8 and 3.3 centimeters long and weighs between 2 and 4 grams. 

The nocturnal creatures have a grayish-brown fur color, large ears, and a pig-like snout. They have broad wings and mainly feed on small flying insects such as flies and gnats.  

Here are fascinating facts about bats.

13. The Country Has Numerous National Parks 

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Thailand is home to numerous national parks that showcase the country’s stunning natural beauty and diverse ecosystems. Each park offers unique landscapes, wildlife, and recreational activities, providing visitors with unforgettable experiences and a chance to see the country’s natural wonders.  

One such park is Khao Yai National Park, which is Thailand’s oldest and most famous national park. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has lush forests, grasslands, and scenic waterfalls. Like most national parks, it is home to both wildlife and birds. 

Doi Inthanon, Khao Sok, Erawan, Mu Ko Ang Thong, Kaeng Krachan, and Similan Islands National Park are just a few of the many national parks in Thailand. 

14. Thailand Is A Birdwatchers Haven 

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With over 1,000 recorded bird species, Thailand is a birdwatchers’ haven, offering an exceptional range of birds. From colorful tropical birds to rare and elusive species, birdwatchers can encounter a wide range of birds in various habitats across the country.  

Many national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, and other birding hotspots are located close to major cities or have convenient transportation options, making it easier for birdwatchers to explore and enjoy the avian wonders.  

Being along major bird migration routes, Thailand is a crucial stopover for migratory birds escaping winter thus providing birdwatchers with fantastic opportunities to observe rare and exotic species from all over the world. 

15. Thailand Has Lots Of Asian Elephants 

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Elephants hold significant cultural and historical importance in Thailand and are important national symbols. There are about 6000 elephants in this country, half of which are wild elephants. Unlike the African elephant, Asian elephants are smaller in size and have distinct features such as smaller ears and a more rounded back. 

The numbers have significantly dwindled over the years which is why these animals should be conserved and protected from poachers and other issues that threaten their long-term survival. 

16. There Is A Floating Market In Thailand 

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Bangkok is known for its vibrant markets where locals shop for goods, and visitors buy unique items to take home as souvenirs. One of the largest and most popular is Chatuchak Weekend Market where one can find anything from clothing and accessories to home décor. Name it! you will find it here.  

Another notable market is the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market which is famous for its unique shopping experience because it takes place entirely on water. Traders in long-tail boats sell fresh produce, food, and snacks, plus handicrafts and more while navigating through the canal’s water. 

17. Deep-fried Cockroaches And Other Insects Are The Perfect Snacks 

Deep-fried insects are a unique and popular snack in Thailand. They are sold at street food stalls and markets, the most common insects being cockroaches, crickets, grasshoppers, mealworms, silkworm pupae, and different types of beetles. 

Insects are high in protein, healthy fats, vitamins, dietary fiber, and minerals. The crunchy snacks may be seasoned with spices, salt, chili powder, or other flavorings to add taste and aroma. 

18. The Street Food In Thailand Is Awesome 

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This country has a vibrant street food scene that offers a wide range of delicious and affordable dishes which capture the flavors of Thai cuisine. 

From meats like chicken, pork, or beef that has being marinated in a blend of aromatic herbs and spices and then skewed and grilled, to Mango Sticky Rice to fish to stir-fried noodles to soups and pancakes, you will find diverse and delicious street food options all over Thailand. 

Stop by local street food stalls and try out tantalizing dishes that showcase the rich culinary heritage of Thailand. 

19. If A Thai Texts 555, They Mean LOL  

The pronunciation of the number ‘5’ in Thai is ‘ha’ which is the sound of laughter. So, when Thai people type ‘555’ in chats or social media, it stands for ‘ha, ha, ha’ meaning they find something funny, and is equivalent to ‘LOL’ which means laughing out loud. 

20. Boxing Is Their Sport 

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Boxing, or Muay Thai, holds a special place in the culture and sporting landscape of Thailand. Muay Thai is a martial art and combat sport that utilizes the entire body as a weapon, incorporating punches, kicks, knee strikes, and elbow strikes. 

It combines physical prowess, technical skill, and cultural significance, making it an integral part of Thailand’s identity and a thrilling sport to take part in or watch. 

Those are the 20 fascinating facts about Thailand. From its rich cultural heritage to its breathtaking natural landscapes, Thailand stands as a testament to the boundless wonders of this remarkable planet. Do not let a chance to visit The Land of the Free pass you by.  

Check out these best Beach Resorts in Thailand.