Thailand seems to bring about surprises each time you visit this place no matter whether you are a first-time visitor or a seasoned tourist. There are some amazing things you did not know about Thailand which would definitely make your jaw drop. Thailand is one of the friendliest countries in the world for tourists. A huge tourist population plan their Thailand holidays and enjoy this beautiful island country. Thailand has many attractions which vary at either end of the spectrum, so you do not need to worry about anything when you indulge in Thailand travel. We have listed some amazing Thailand facts which will compel you to visit this country and also give you some valuable Thailand travel information.
Fascinating Thailand Facts that will Make You Travel to this Destination Today
1.Buddhism is the main religion in Thailand
Buddhism is practiced by a majority of the population (93.6% to be precise). Buddhism which was introduced in many Southeast Asian countries between the 5th and the 13th century from India is now a part of the local folk religions and has heavy influences from the Theravada school.
2.Thailand has never been colonized by European powers
The British and the French regime had colonized many Southeast Asian countries in the 19th and early 20th century, but they somehow decided not to colonize Thailand. It was served as a neutral colony which would prevent conflicts between their individual colonies. Thailand had monarchy until the year 1932 and sixty years of military rule before attaining democracy.
3.Thailand consist of 1430 islands
Can you believe you can explore over a thousand of islands with a Thailand visa from Dubai? Thailand beaches and islands are an exotic collection which is integral to tourism in the country. Some of the popular islands include the popular Koh Lipe, Koh Phi Phi, Phuket, and much more. Koh Phi Phi has featured in a popular Hollywood movie The Beach by Danny Boyle. The islands in Thailand come in three main categories namely the east of Bangkok island group, the Andaman Sea island group, and the southern Gulf of Thailand island group.
4.You do not revere your mother on Mother’s Day
On Mother’s Day, you have to pay your respect to the Queen, who is considered the spiritual mother of the nation. Obviously, one would pay respect to their own mother on Mother’s day, but the day belongs to the Queen.
5.Bangkok has an extremely long ceremonial name
Bangkok has a very long ceremonial name which translates into the City of Angles, the great city of immortals, the magnificent city of the nine gems, the seat of the king, the city of royal palaces, the home of gods incarnate. The King Mongkut gave this name to Bangkok. The name is derived from 2 languages – Pali and Sanskrit.
6.There is a monkey’s festival in Thailand
One of the most unusual Thailand festivals and events, the Monkey Buffet Festival is held annual and is hosted at Prang Sam Yot Temple. 2 tons of food are laid down for the 2,000 monkey population who reside in and around the temple. You may not have heard of anything so strange before. But Thailand’s monkey festival is a testimony to it. It is estimated that close to 4,000 kilograms of fruit are laid down for these monkeys. This is a thanksgiving ceremony to the monkeys who are actively involved in attracting tourists in Thailand.
7.There is a version of the Taoist Nine Emperor Gods Festival called the Vegetarian Festival of Thailand
The dedicated devotees practice ritualistic mutilation in a trance-like state. This festival is dedicated to paying homage and respect to their gods and ancestors. This mutilation is done with using any anesthetic and the trance-like state which is experienced by the devotees helps in keeping their calm and staying focused days after.
8.There is beauty contest for transgender named Miss Tiffany’s Universe which is held annually
Miss Tiffany’s Universe is a beauty contest exclusively for transgender which attracts close to 15 million viewers on the National Thai television. The contestants come from a wide variety of cultural and professional backgrounds including engineers, pharmacists, doctors, and university students. The titles awarded include Miss Sexy Star, Miss Congeniality, Miss Photogenic, and Miss Popular. This contest helps in promoting equality and rights among the transgender community residing in Thailand.
9.Thailand is home to the smallest mammal in the world
Kitt’s hog-nosed bat is found mostly in the western parts of Thailand is on records the smallest mammal in the world. In length, it is just 2-3 centimeters and weighs a meager 2 grams. One of the key features of these bats is their pig snout-like nose. They reside in the limestone caves set along the rivers and feed on insects in the surrounding forests. Due to its small size, it can give birth to only one offspring at a time. In addition, habitation destruction is also causing the extinction of the smallest mammal in the world.
10.Thailand consumes an incredible amount of edible insects
The demand is so huge that close to 800 tons of edible insects have to be imported each year from neighboring countries such as Myanmar, Cambodia, China, and Laos. There are close to 20,000 registered cricket breeding and farming facilities in Thailand and they are responsible for generating close to 30 million insects according to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. Some of the other insects which are consumed are giant water bugs, caterpillars, and grasshoppers.
11.Thailand is home to a fish which can walk on land
The mudskipper is a fish found in Thailand which is as comfortable in the water as it is on land and can even walk on land. It is also said to climb on trees.
12.Thailand has an open food market along a train track
The food market in Maeklong is placed on a train track and each time a train passes by the vendors or shopkeepers take the food display inside and put it back once the train leaves. This is one of the most active food markets in Thailand. This popular food market is referred as Talat Rom Hup which means An Umbrella pull down market.
We offer you an exciting Thailand holiday package which is designed by our panel of travel experts who have years of experience of catering to various needs of our customers. Get in touch with them today to experience the beautiful atmosphere of Thailand.