10 Interesting Facts About Thailand

1. Land of the Free

Thailand, formerly known as Siam until 1939, translates to "Land of the Free". This name reflects the country's history as it is the only Southeast Asian nation that was never colonized by Europeans. Thailand, home to over 66 million people, is a popular tourist destination in Asia.

2. Longest City Name, Bangkok

Bangkok, the capital city of Thailand, holds the record for having the longest name in the world. The full ceremonial name is 168 letters long and includes elements from Pali and Sanskrit languages:

Krung Thep Maha Nakorn Amon Rattanakosin Mahinthara Ayutthaya Mahidol Pop Noppharat Ratchathani Burirom Udomratchawiwet Mahasathan Amon Phiman Awatan Sathit Sakkathattiya Witsanukam Prasit.

This lengthy title translates to mean "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". However, locals simply refer to it as Krung Thep for convenience.

3. Siamese Cats Are Native In Thailand

Siamese cats come from Thailand, once known as Siam, and are famous for their blue eyes and dark fur on their ears, face, paws and tail. They are very vocal and friendly. The Korat cat is another breed that originates from the north-east province of Nakhon Ratchasima in Thailand. These elegant cats were traditionally given as wedding gifts and are considered good luck. They're also celebrated locally with references around town and even a football team named after them called 'Swat Cat'.

4. Thai Tradition of Associating Each Day of the Week with a Specific Colour

In Thailand, each day of the week is linked with a specific colour. People used to wear the colour of the day, but this practice isn't as common now. However, most Thais still know their birthday’s "lucky" colour. Monday is yellow, Tuesday is pink, Wednesday is green, Thursday is orange, Friday is blue, Saturday is purple and Sunday is red.

5. Muay Thai: Thailand's National Sport

Muay Thai, also known as 'The Art of Eight Limbs', is the national sport of Thailand and holds significant cultural importance. It involves using fists, elbows, knees, and shins in combat. The sport reflects Thai values like discipline and respect and attracts people worldwide to train in it. National Muay Thai Day is celebrated annually on March 17th to honor this traditional martial art.

6. Sacred Heads and Lowly Feet

In Thai culture, the head is seen as very sacred and important, so you should never touch someone else's head or hair. If you do this accidentally, it's important to apologize.

Feet are considered less clean and lowly in Thai society. Therefore, don't put your feet on a table or point them at anyone or anything. Shoes are considered even dirtier than feet in Thailand, which is why people take them off when entering homes, temples or some shops.

7. Thailand Hosts Annual Feast for Monkeys

Every year, the city of Lopburi in Thailand hosts a massive feast for thousands of macaque monkeys to thank them for attracting tourists. The banquet is held at the Pra Prang Sam Yot temple and includes two tons of meat, fruit, vegetables, and ice cream.

8. Respect for Thai Royal Family

Speaking badly about the Thai royal family is against the law and can result in jail time, no matter where you're from. Thai people deeply respect their royals. They even celebrate Mother's Day and Father's Day on the Queen and King's birthdays respectively. Also, stepping on Thai money is seen as disrespectful to the king because his face is printed on it. This could lead to a 15-year prison sentence.

9. Songkran: The Thai New Year Water Festival in April

Songkran is a unique Thai New Year festival celebrated in April where people splash water on each other for good luck. It involves respecting elders and visiting temples, combining tradition with fun. The festival takes place from April 13-15 every year and includes locals and foreigners who participate by soaking everyone with water guns, buckets, and hoses.

10. Smallest Mammal and Largest Fish Both Found in Thailand

The smallest mammal in the world called the bumblebee bat or Kitti’s hog-nosed bat, can be found in Thailand. It weighs less than two grams and lives in limestone caves near rivers.

The largest fish in the world, the whale shark, is also found in Thailand's waters. It can grow up to 40 feet long and weigh about 20 tons.

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