Thailand is known worldwide for its smiling people, scenic islands, marvelous foods, limestone cliffs, coastline, and beaches. The country comprises a 66.19 million population with a 90% Buddhist majority and covers an area of 513,120 sq km, with 77 provinces and 2815 km of coastlines. Siam was the country’s previous name, which was changed in 1939 to Thailand (land of the Free). Bangkok is the capital and administrative city, and Baht is Thailand’s currency.
There are numerous oddities and facts about this country. This article will present 20 fun facts about Thailand that make it a genuinely astonishing country worth visiting.
Table of Contents
1. Weekdays with color names
In Thailand, you find that every day of the week is attributed to the name of a particular color. People would wear clothes of different colors according to the weekdays. This old but vanishing tradition can also be seen on some occasions. The colorful week used to be:
- Monday (Yellow)
- Tuesday (Pink)
- Wednesday (Green)
- Thursday (Orange)
- Friday (Blue)
- Saturday (Purple)
- Sunday (Red)
2. Temporary Monk
In Thailand, several Buddhist males desire to become temporary monks for a few days a month or longer to make their families earnest and valued. They can become a temporary monk at any age; however, before reaching 20 years old or getting married, they are appreciated by society.
3. Thailand is 543 years ahead of the world
If you want to enjoy the new year’s celebrations repeatedly, Thailand will be your desired destination. The smiling people of Thailand first enjoy the festivities of New Year on December 31 with the rest of the world. On the occasion of the Songkran Water Festival, the traditional Thai New Year is celebrated in April. Similarly, 14% of the Thai population is of Chinese origin, and many Thai people celebrate the Chinese Lunar New Year from January 21 to February 20.
5. Monkey Banquet festival
On the last Sunday in November, Lopburi celebrates The Monkey Banquet Festival. This event was started in the 1980s by a local businessman to thank the monkeys who brought tourists to the town, and the locals earned excellent revenue. Hundreds of the macaques are entertained with fruit and food as a token of gratitude. This event is a vital attraction in promoting tourism. Thousands of international and local tourists eagerly reach the town to witness and enjoy the festival.
6. Criticizing the royal family is against the law
Thailand has a constitutional monarchy similar to that in England. The royal family is known for its essential political and cultural roles in the country. Thai people deeply respect and adore the royal family and its members. Thai law does not permit the people to criticize or disrespect the royal family if the culprit is imprisoned for treason. Even the Hollywood movie ‘The King and I’ was not allowed to play in the local cinemas; the government banned the film by considering it derogatory to the royal family.
Similarly, Father’s and Mother’s Day are celebrated nationwide for the King and Queen instead of one’s natural parents. Again, suppose a royal personage is passing beneath a platform in the capital city. In that case, overhead sidewalks and monorails are halted to avoid disrespect by ordinary people passing over the royal’s head.
7. Stepping on Thai currency is illegal
There is another fun fact about Thailand regarding its currency. Since the country’s currency notes and coins vividly display the images of the king, it is highly disrespectful to step on the currency. Legal action is also initiated against those who dare to step on the currency notes or coins.
8. The largest flower in the world
One of the 20 fun facts about Thailand is its largest Rafflesia flower, found in Khao Sok National Park. The flower is the largest in the world, as it can expand up to 90cm and gain weight up to 7kg. In addition, this flower omits the odor of rotting meat, as the flies pollinate it. This largest flower is known as one of the smelliest flowers in the world.
9. World’s largest orchid exporter
Thai people are flower lovers, and orchids are the national flower of Thailand. Flower lovers will find almost 1500 different species of orchids in the parks and forests of the country. You will find exotic flowers everywhere in markets, roadsides, shopping malls, and rooftops. Thailand exports 45% of its orchids and earns a considerable revenue; the remaining orchids are used in the local markets for various events and purposes.
10. Thailand is a land of walking fish
Though it sounds freak to see a fish walking, you will find this in Thailand. Thailand is considered the land of the Cryptotora thamicola, waterfall-climbing cavefish, or walking fish. The fish propels up waterfalls by using its front and back fins. The fish can also be seen to crawl on the land like a four-footed animal. The anatomy of this fish helps it to crawl on the surface.
11. The fighting fish of Thailand
Betta fish (Betta splendens) are the national aquatic animal of Thailand and are also called Siamese fighting fish. These beautiful fish are famous for being territorial and defending their patch, having warrior instincts, endurance, and being ready to fight each other. Fish fighting is an ancient game among the people in Thailand. These fish are hybridized to produce more endured and aggressive offspring for sporty purposes.
12. Homeland of Red Bull
Thailand is the natural homeland of the world-famous energy drink ‘Red Bull.’ The drink was based on Krating Deang, a sweet drink without carbonate. Chaleo Yoovidhy sold this drink in Thailand and across Asia since 1976. In 1987, Dietrich Mateschitz, an Austrian entrepreneur, modified the drink. He changed the drink’s ingredients to suit Western consumers’ tastes. Thus, Red Bull became famous.
13. Legal action for not wearing underwear and driving shirtless
Thai culture reflects the importance of modesty and individual hygiene. There is another fun fact concerning initiating legal action for not wearing underwear while leaving your house.
Regardless of the fact Thailand has a warm climate, it is compulsory to wear a shirt while you are driving or riding. The cultural values of Thailand promote modesty and aptness in attire. Though this law is rarely enforced, it shows the modest culture of Thailand.
14. Land of a highly expensive delicacy
Here is another fun fact about Thailand: It is the world’s most expensive and highly desired salty delicacy. The saliva of male swiftlet bird that dwells in the caves prepares the sea-salt briny flavoring swiftlet nests. These nests are gathered from the caves of Thailand and sold for more than USD 900 per pound. These nests are challenging to harvest and prepare. In traditional Chinese medicine, they are used in salty dishes, are of great value, and keep infinite healthy profits.
15. World’s longest city name
Bangkok is Thailand’s capital and biggest city; it has one-tenth of the total Thai population. Bangkok also enjoys the privilege of having the world’s longest name. The ceremonial name of Bangkok city is based on Pali and Sanskrit root words and read as Krung Thep Maha Nakorn Amon Rattanakosin Mahinthara Ayutthaya Mahidol Pop Noppharat Ratchathani Burirom Udomratchawiwet Mahasathan Amon Phiman Awatan Sathit Sakkathattiya Witsanukam Prasit.
16. Floating markets
There used to be many historical floating markets in Thailand. Today, they are left with a few. The vendors sell their products at these markets, which commonly house fruits and daily commodities. In the olden times, many floating markets served as the country’s primary mode of trade and transportation. The sight of these remaining floating markets is spectacular.
17. Muay Thai is more than a National sport
Muay Thai or Thai boxing is the national sport of Thailand, and March 17 is celebrated as the national Muay Thai Day every year. This is also an identity of the country and its history. This sport is also known as The Art of Eight Limbs’ and involves traditional fighting techniques. People worldwide come to Thailand to train themselves in this art of fighting and learn discipline, honor, and respect.
18. The White Temple
Wat Rong Khun, or White Temple, is a renowned Buddhist temple located in Chiang Rai, Thailand. The Temple is famous for its white exterior, which is spectacular and modern, decorated with mirror work and religious figures and symbols. The Thai artist Chalermchai Kositpipat, by employing his matchless technique, has synthesized Buddhist and contemporary expressions. The White Temple, being a cultural and artistic center, attracts visitors and tourists worldwide.
19. Sak Yank Tattoos
Sak Yank Tattoos are traditional Thai decorative tattoos with profound spiritual importance. These tattoos are made by the Buddhist monks or the masters skilled in this art while performing rituals and making the whole process sacred.
They use a bamboo needle and hand-poking technique to administer the complicated designs. Such a tattoo has also been made on the back of the film star Angeline Jolie. Every design communicates its unique meaning. These tattoos are believed to protect, bless, and make the wearer lucky.
20. Loy Krathong Festival and floating boats
Among the 20 fun facts about Thailand, Loy Krathong is another traditional festival held on moon night, mainly in November. People gather on the banks of rivers, lakes, and ponds; they release tiny but beautifully decorated floats. This colorful festival includes candle processions, fireworks, and cultural rituals. This practice is a gratitude to the water goddess, believing to float away their bad luck and miseries.
Conclusion
This remarkable land cannot be covered with only 20 fun facts about Thailand. Though this article gives some authentic, fun facts about the country, there is plenty to discover and enjoy in this land of smiling people and scenic islands. The depth of Thai culture, customs, and history demands you to place the country in your priority list of visiting places.
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