etraveladmin Even if you’ve never been to Thailand, you’re probably aware that it has some of the world’s most beautiful beaches, friendliest people, and delectable cuisine. Thailand is officially known as the Kingdom of Thailand and is located in Southeast Asia.
Thailand’s Interesting Facts
1. Bangkok’s Full Name Is Quite Long
Bangkok, Thailand’s capital city, is only known to foreigners. Its full name in Thai is Krung Thep. However, even that is a condensed version of the city’s full name: Bangkok’s official name is one of the longest in the world! Amon Rattanakosin Mahinthara Ayuthaya Mahadilok Phop Noppharat Ratchathani Burirom Krung Thep Mahanakhon Try saying that after a couple of glasses of SangSom!
Krung Thep translates as “City of Angels,” whereas Bangkok means “village of wild plums,” so it’s easy to see why Thais prefer the former.
2. Bangkok Was Once Known as the “Venice of the East”
While we’re talking about Bangkok/Krung Thep, would you believe the city was once built on stilts overlooking canals? As in Venice, these waterways, or ‘khlongs,’ served as the city’s primary travel and transportation routes. Most of these canals have now been filled, but there are still floating markets on the outskirts of the city for tourists and locals to enjoy.
3. Thais Love Their Royal Household
Thai people adore and respect their royal family, which is fortunate because criticising or disrespecting any member of the monarchy is considered treason.
In Thailand, Mother’s Day is celebrated on the Queen’s birthday, while Father’s Day is celebrated on the King’s birthday, with both days celebrated by Thais across the country in honour of their beloved monarchs.
4. Approximately 95% of Thais are Buddhist.
Although Thailand does not have an official religion, Buddhism is practised by approximately 95 percent of the population. And, as the “guardian of the faith,” the Thai King must be Buddhist at all times.
5. Thailand is home to the largest solid gold Buddha in the world.
The 15-foot-tall golden statue of Phra Phuttha Maha Suwana Patimakon has to be one of Thailand’s most impressive sights. Despite the fact that looters stole from temples for centuries, this statue was protected by stucco. If you only see one Buddha statue, make it this one, especially since it is worth millions of dollars and weighs 5.5 tonnes. It can be found at Bangkok’s Wat Traimit.
6. The majority of Thais Have A Nickname
The majority of Thai people have two names: their full, official name and a nickname. However, unlike in other countries where a nickname is simply a shortened version of your given name, Thai nicknames are meaningful and chosen by your parents at birth. Thai parents will frequently choose names that have meaning in Thai or words that sound good in a foreign language. Boys’ nicknames include Bank, Neung (one), and Benz, while girls’ nicknames include Tangmo (watermelon), Chompoo (rose apple), and Nan.7.
7. There are 76 letters in Thai.
If you enjoy learning fun language facts, Thai has many unique and interesting features.
The Thai alphabet contains 76 letters, 44 consonants, and 32 vowels! Thai has five tones, which makes it difficult to learn. Many tones sound the same to our Western ears, but getting an inflection wrong can make all the difference.
8. Monkeys Rule! Lopburi, Thailand
Have you ever wanted to visit a monkey-run city? If so, go to Lopburi, where macaque monkeys rule the city’s old town district.
The monkey business gets even weirder in November, when the Pra Prang Sam Yot temple in Lopburi hosts the annual ‘Monkey Banquet Festival.’
While it may not be as exciting as the legendary Songkran festival, watching 600 monkeys feast on rice, salads, tropical fruit, sausages, and even ice cream is an absolute must-see! Locals hold it to thank the furry creatures for the tourists they bring to the city and to bring them luck if they treat the monkeys with respect.
9. Europeans never colonised Thailand.
As this impressive feat demonstrates, random fun facts can also be educational!
Thailand, unlike its Southeast Asian neighbours Laos, Myanmar, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Malaysia, was never colonised by Europeans. Thailand’s Thai name, Prathet Thai, translates as “Land of the Free,” which seems apt.
10. The National Anthem is performed twice daily.
If you’re in a public place at 8 a.m. or 6 p.m., expect to stand up, stop what you’re doing, and remain silent as the national anthem plays. These are the times when the Thai flag is raised and lowered, and it is considered impolite to speak or remain seated while the anthem is playing. Also, the Thai National Anthem is played before each film. Make sure to stand up, watch the accompanying video, and remain silent.
