As literally as it is said and meant, 'the city of angels', Thailand is one of the places that hit the top bucket list of almost every traveler wishing to travel the world. In this Theravada land, you'll find magnificent and sacred temples, beautiful beaches, and all religious and aesthetic relics that are one of their kind, making this country unique, but what adds to this exclusivity are some bewildering facts about Thailand which will make you want to visit this city badly and madly all the more.
Here are some interesting and fun facts about Thailand:
1. The Land of Smiles
Thailand is often referred to as the "Land of Smiles" due to the warm and welcoming nature of its people.
2. Thailand was also called ‘SIAM’
Ever wondered if a country has one more name? Thailand was called ‘Siam’ before 1949. On June 24, 1939, the name Siam was officially changed to Thailand as a part of developing strategies for the country. From 1946 – 1948, the name was again changed to Siam. Finally, from 1949 onwards, it was renamed Thailand again, which has remained the same till this date. ‘Siam’ is derived from a Sanskrit word which means ‘Syam”.
3. Thailand had the longest-reigning monarch
King Bhumibol Adulyadej, also known as King Rama IX, reigned for 70 years, making him the longest-reigning monarch in the world's history.
4. Thailand is Land of the Free
Thailand is one of the few countries in the world that was never colonized by a European power. Its name, "Prathet Thai," means "Land of the Free."
5. Thailand is home to the Street Food Capital of the world
Bangkok is renowned as the street food capital of the world, with a vast array of delicious and affordable dishes available on the streets.
6. Bangkok was called ‘Venice of the East’
7. Bangkok is one of the hottest cities in the world
When it comes to temperature and very hot and humid weather conditions, consider the Thai capital, Bangkok, one of them! It doesn’t have the peak warm temperatures, but we believe the year-round average high-low temperatures; Bangkok is one of the hottest cities in the world. It has an average temperature of about 82 degrees Fahrenheit throughout the year, with very high humidity. The weather remains uncomfortable throughout the whole year. Thailand has three official seasons - hot, cold, and wet. The hot season runs from March through to June, with April and May the hottest months of the year.8. Thailand has no official religion
A fascinating fact about Thailand is it has no official religion. Every person in Thailand has the freedom to worship any God or any Religion. If looking into the religious characterizations, the main religion followed by the people is Theravada or Buddhist religion,; nearly 95% of the total population follows it. The remaining population follows Islam, which constitutes about 4.6% of the entire community. The Christians cover 0.7%, and the rest is divided between Hindus, Jews, Sikhs, etc. 9. Thailand has more than 35000 temples
This is not just a fact about Thailand, but also one thing that everyone visiting this beautiful country will know of. There are about 35,000 temples in Thailand, all of them having sacred religious importance. The most famous temples are Wat Phra Kaew in Bangkok as well as Wat Phra That Doi Suthep in Chiang Mai. The Buddhas are mainly made up of bronze, stone, terracotta, wood or ivory.
10. Thailand is home to the floating markets
If you ever visit Thailand, floating markets in Bangkok are one of the must-visit places. There's not just one or two, but many such markets in Thailand. One of them is the famous Damnoen Saduak floating market, where there are many boats and wooden houses selling different fruits, snacks, colorful home decor items, ornaments, etc. Others are Amphawa floating market, Talin Chan, and Khlong Lat Mayom floating market.
11. Thailand is the land of islands
Thailand is home to over 1,400 islands, including well-known destinations like Phuket, Koh Samui, and Phi Phi Islands.
12. It's Offensive to Touch Someone's Head in Thailand
The head of a person is considered the essential body part of Buddhism; hence, it seems very rude if somebody touches the head of a stranger or a statue. One is not supposed to click photographs of a Buddha statue or point feet towards the same as it is thought to be very disrespectful.
13. Thailand is home to the world's smallest mammal
Thailand is home to the bumblebee bat, considered the world's smallest mammal, with a wingspan of only 5.7 inches.
14. Most Expensive Cocktail in Thailand
Every country has its own special quirks. Thailand is the world’s fifth most significant consumer of alcohol per capita in the world. One of the World's Most Expensive Valentine's cocktails is available at the Amari Atrium Hotel in Bangkok. There go the cocktails of this drizzling city! A few of the most amazing drinks that one must try after going to Thailand are Passion Fruit Caipiroska, Tom Yum Siam, Lancastria etc.15. Thailand is the birthplace of Red Bull
16. Chatuchak Weekend Market is Thailand is the biggest in Asia
17. Monkey Buffet Festival in Thailand
Monkey Buffet is one of the famous festivals in Thailand where people offer more than four and a half tons of fruits, vegetables, and candies to the monkeys living around the ancient temple of Phra Prang Sam Yot. It is held every year in Lopburi, Thailand. More than 3000 monkeys live in this area, along with humans, offering a lot to the country's tourism as well.18. The city with the longest name is in Thailand
Not this fact about Thailand will amaze you. Did you know that Bangkok is just the short version of the grand name it had? It holds the world record for the longest name of a city - Krung Thep Mahanakhon Amon Rattanakosin Mahinthara Yuthaya Mahadilok Phop Noppharat Ratchathani Burirom Udomratchaniwet Mahasathan Amon Piman Awatan Sathit Sakkathattiya Witsanukam Prasit. No wonder they had to keep a small name for this city.19. Thailand has the World's Largest Crocodile Farm
It is exciting to know that in the Samut Prakan province in Thailand, there is Samut Prakan Crocodile Farm, which is the world's largest captive crocodile farm with over 60,000 crocodiles residing there and are of nearly 28 species. The park claims to hold the world's most enormous crocodile in captivity, named Yai, measuring 6 m (19 ft 8 in) and weighing 1,114 kg (2,456 lb).
20. Thailand holds the World Record for the Longest Line of Dancing Elvises
Thailand holds the Guinness World Record for the longest line of people dressed as Elvis Presley.
21. Floating Villages of Thailand
Thailand is home to several floating villages where people live and work on the water. The most famous is the village of "Ko Panyi" in Phang Nga Bay.
22. Thailand has two New Year celebrations
Thailand celebrates two New Year's. Besides the International New Year on January 1st, they also celebrate Songkran (Thai New Year) in mid-April.
23. Thailand hosts Elephant Polo tournament
Thailand hosts an annual Elephant Polo tournament in the city of Hua Hin, which combines the love for elephants and the sport of polo.
24. Some bars in Thailand serve Cobra Whiskey
Some bars in Thailand serve a unique drink known as "Cobra Whiskey," which is infused with a real cobra snake.
These fascinating facts about Thailand showcase the country's unique culture, traditions, and natural wonders. Thailand's diverse offerings, from its stunning temples to its spicy cuisine and warm hospitality, make it a captivating destination for travelers.