Mind-Blowing Facts About Thailand To Impress Your Friends

1) The real name of Bangkok is something else:

Yes, you will be surprised to know that the favorite destination for bachelors, Bangkok has its real name, which is Krung Thep, but wait, do you want to know the actual official name? Here it is, "Krung Thep Mahanakhon Amon Rattanakosin Mahinthara Ayuthaya Mahadilok Phop Noppharat Ratchathani Burirom".

2) The phrase "land of smiles" refers to Thailand:

"The Land of Smiles" is a common nickname for Thailand. Because a smile in Thailand is more than simply a simile, it has earned this label. It is a delicate kind of communication between people. Thailand's inhabitants appear to always have a smile on their faces. They are peaceful people who value harmony over conflict. A Thai individual may smile in at least 13 different ways, and each one conveys a very distinct sense.

3) Thailand never experienced European colonization:

Thailand was never colonized by Europeans, unlike its Southeast Asian neighbors Laos, Vietnam, Myanmar, Cambodia, & Malaysia. Thailand is called Prathet Thai in Thai, which exactly translates to "Land of the Free." This accomplishment alone is enormous given how few nations have been able to resist European control worldwide.

4) In Thailand, there is an annual event just devoted to monkeys:

An annual Lopburi Monkey Banquet is held in front of the Pra Prang Sam Yot temple in the province of Lopburi in November. Over 600 monkeys are invited by the villagers to partake in a buffet of more than two tonnes of delectable cuisine that has been beautifully prepared by the locals. Rice, salad, tropical fruits, grilled sausages, and yummy ice creams are on the monkeys' menu. The celebration is held in the hope that respecting monkeys may bring good fortune.

5) Respecting the royal family is a serious business:

Thailand's populace loves and reveres the royal family dearly, and it is totally forbidden by law to criticize any monarch. Because of the nation's lèse majesté law, anyone found guilty of committing an act of disrespect toward the monarch, queen, or royal heirs faces a prison sentence for treason. Thailand's population observes Mother's Day and Father's Day as occasions to honour the monarch and queen rather than one's own mother and father.

6) In the past, all men became Buddhist monks:

In the past, all Thai young males under the age of twenty, from all social classes, including princes and monarchs, became Buddhist monks for at least a brief period of time during their existence. Although it was never required by the government, it was almost certainly done if you were from a Buddhist family. Becoming a monk is regarded as a very fortunate event, and it is thought that by giving some of one's life to Buddhism, good karma will be given to the man's family. There are substantially fewer Buddhist men who follow the monastery lifestyle today.

7) Thailand was formerly referred to as the "Venice of the East":

This was caused by the fact that many of Bangkok's initial structures were constructed on stilts over the Chao Phraya River and that the city's commerce activity heavily relied on the numerous meandering canals. Although there are still a good number of charming canals in the city's center where visitors and locals can take boat rides, most of the canals were filled in and paved over time as Bangkok got larger, turning them into the streets and sidewalks we see today.

8) The top exporters of orchids worldwide:

The orchid is Thailand's national flower. You'll be happy to know that 1,500 different varieties of orchids may be discovered blooming wild in Thai forests if you enjoy exotic flowers. It is one of the top exporters of orchids in the world for a reason.