Thailand is known as the Land of Smiles, but there is much more to it than beaches, temples, and pad thai. It is the only Southeast Asian country never colonized by a European power, its capital has one of the longest place names in the world, and its monkeys get their own annual buffet. Here are 25 fun facts about Thailand that will make your trip even richer.
Culture and Customs
1. Thailand was never colonized
Thailand is the only country in Southeast Asia that was never colonized by a European power, which Thais are rightly proud of. Until 1939, the country was called Siam.
2. The wai is more than a greeting
Thais greet each other by pressing their palms together in a prayer-like gesture called the wai. The higher the hands and the lower the bow, the more respect is shown, so a wai to a monk is very different from a wai to a friend.
3. The head is sacred, and the feet are not
The head is considered the most sacred part of the body, so never touch someone's head, even a child's. The feet are the lowest, so avoid pointing them at people or Buddha images, and never step over someone.
4. Never step on money
Thai banknotes and coins carry the image of the king, and the monarchy is deeply respected. Stepping on money, even to stop a note blowing away, is considered extremely disrespectful.
5. Everyone has a nickname
Thai first names are often long, so almost everyone goes by a short nickname given at birth, such as Nok (bird), Ice, or Beer.
6. The national anthem stops the country twice a day
At 8 AM and 6 PM, the national anthem plays in public places, such as parks and train stations, and people stop and stand still until it ends.
Food and Drink
7. Pad thai was promoted by the government
In the 1930s and 1940s, the government promoted pad thai as a national dish to build a sense of national identity and encourage people to eat rice noodles.
8. Thais put ice in their beer
In the tropical heat, it is perfectly normal to drink beer over ice.
9. Durian is banned in many hotels
The spiky "king of fruits" has such a strong smell that many hotels and public transport systems ban it, with signs showing a crossed-out durian.
10. Soup comes in a plastic bag
Street vendors sell takeaway soups, curries, and drinks in tied plastic bags, often with a straw.
11. Rice has its own goddess
Mae Phosop is the goddess of rice. Farmers make offerings to her, and leaving rice uneaten is seen as disrespectful.
Religion and Beliefs
12. Monks collect alms every morning
At dawn, monks walk barefoot through towns and villages, and locals offer them food to make merit. Visitors should watch respectfully from a distance and avoid using flash.
13. Spirit houses protect homes
Many homes, hotels, and offices have a small, ornate spirit house outside, where daily offerings of food, flowers, and drinks keep the guardian spirits of the land happy.
14. Nine is a lucky number
In Thai, the word for nine sounds like the word for "progress," so the number is considered very lucky and is popular for phone numbers and license plates.
15. Astrology picks the dates
Many Thais consult monks or astrologers to choose auspicious dates for weddings, moving house, or opening a business.
Nature and Wildlife
16. Monitor lizards live in Bangkok's parks
Giant water monitors, some over two meters long, roam Bangkok's Lumphini Park and canals.
17. The elephant is the national animal
Elephants are a national symbol, and white elephants have long been associated with the monarchy.
18. There are fish that can walk
The walking catfish, found in Thailand and across Southeast Asia, can wriggle across land to move between ponds.
19. Fireflies light up the rivers
On evening boat trips near Amphawa, west of Bangkok, you can see trees along the riverbanks twinkling with fireflies.
20. Some beaches close every year
To let nature recover, Maya Bay on Phi Phi Leh closes to visitors for part of each year, and some marine national parks close during the monsoon.
Geography and Fun Trivia
21. Bangkok has a very long name
Thais call their capital Krung Thep, short for a ceremonial name that is one of the longest place names in the world, with well over 150 letters when written in the Latin alphabet.
22. Thailand has more than 1,400 islands
From famous Phuket and Koh Samui to tiny, uninhabited islets in the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand.
23. Tuk-tuks were inspired by Japan
Thailand's iconic three-wheelers developed from small Japanese three-wheeled vehicles imported in the mid-20th century.
24. Monkeys get an annual buffet
Every November, the town of Lopburi throws a Monkey Buffet Festival, laying out tables of fruit and treats for the hundreds of macaques that live among its temple ruins.
25. A famous energy drink started here
Krating Daeng, a Thai energy drink created in the 1970s, inspired one of the best-known energy drink brands in the world.
See Thailand for Yourself
Ready to experience the Land of Smiles? Plan your trip with our Thailand travel guide, time it for Songkran or the lantern festivals, and stay connected with an egoViet Thailand eSIM.
FAQs: Fun Facts About Thailand
Why is Thailand called the Land of Smiles?
Thais are known for their friendliness and for smiling in many situations, from greeting strangers to easing awkward moments.
What is Thailand most famous for?
Thailand is famous for its food, temples, beaches and islands, Thai massage, Muay Thai, and festivals such as Songkran and Loy Krathong.
What is the national animal of Thailand?
The elephant is Thailand's national animal.
What was Thailand called before?
Thailand was called Siam until 1939, and again briefly from 1945 to 1949.