Thailand is a country most widely known for its elephants, breathtaking beaches, friendly people and Buddhist temples. I present some interesting facts and curiosities about Thailand, the Southeast Asian wonderland. I had the opportunity to visit Thailand twice, and I will definitely go again in the near future. See now 30 curiosities about Thailand and learn a little more about the habits and customs of the country.
Curiosities about Thailand
- The red color of the flag of Thailand symbolizes the nation and the blood of life, white represents the purity of the Buddhist religion and blue represents the monarchy.
- Thailand has a very old history.
- There are 5 UNESCO Sites In Thailand.
- Thailand is the only country in Southeast Asia that has never been colonized by a European power.
- Thailand is located in the central region of the Indochina peninsula in Southeast Asia.
- Approximately 10% of the world’s bird species are found in Thailand.
- Thailand’s population is 69 million.
- 100 years ago, more than 100,000 elephants lived in Thailand, while today there are only about 5,000.
- 75% of people in Thailand are Thai, 14% are Chinese and 11% are of other ethnicities.
- Thailand has the largest poisonous snake in the world, the royal snake. The snake can reach more than 6 meters in length and a bite can kill an elephant.
- Thailand is home to the largest fish in the world that can reach 12 meters, also known as whale shark.
- Thailand was known as Siam until 1939.
- Thailand is known as the “land of smiles” because its people always seem to be ready to smile.
- Thailand has the largest gold Buddha in the world.
- Thailand is made up of 1430 islands.
- Thailand has the oldest monarchy in the world, dating from the 12th century.
- The current form of Buddhism practiced in Thailand is the Theravada school, which offers everyone the possibility of achieving nirvana without the help of saints or gurus.
- Thailand has more than 35,000 Buddhist temples.
- In Thailand it is illegal to drive naked.
- Thailand is the world’s largest rice exporter.
- One-tenth of Thailand’s entire population lives in Bangkok.
- Bangkok, the capital of Thailand has the longest city name in the world: Krung Thep Mahanakhon Amon Rattanakosin Mahinthara Ayuthaya Mahadilok Phop Noppharat Ratchathani Burirom Udomratchaniwet Mahasathan Amon Piman Awatan Sathit Sakkathattiya Witsanukam Prasit.
- The national flower of Thailand is the orchid.
- The first Siamese twins were born in Thailand.
- It is considered disrespectful to touch someone on the head, even if they are children.
- Monarchy and religion are the two most sacred things in Thailand.
- Socially, it is the duty of every Thai man to spend at least three months of his life as a monk in a monastery.
- Thai is a complicated language and has its own alphabet.
- Traditional Thai art is imbued with Hindu and Buddhist religious symbols.
- Classical dances have been an integral part of Thai culture for centuries. Each region of Thailand has its own dance form.
- Thai cuisine is spicy, and seasoned with a lot of garlic, peppers, and a mixture of lemon, herb-prince and fresh coriander juice.
