15 Things You Didn't Know About Thailand

“Good Boys Go to Heaven & Bad Boys Go to Pattaya”. Thailand is not about this cheesy hoo-ha anymore. This Southeast Asian destination is for everyone now- good, bad, and saint-like. Geographically located in the central region of the Indo-Chinese Peninsula, Thailand is one magical place indeed. Do you know that this country has one of the world’s most diverse ecosystems? Quite hard to ignore the idyllic landscapes, amazing beaches, fauna, and beautiful sunsets. Look beyond the fish fries, sunny beaches, and you will find stories, culture, and more.

Know about Thailand from a different perspective:

1. Colonization

When you look at Thailand, it is not only the Asian culture that you see but a lot of history pertinent to its military rule and monarchy rule that lasted till 1932. Thailand is the only region in Southeast Asia that never got colonized. It was somewhere between 19th and the 20th century when Europe (called then) decided to keep Thailand as a neutral region or a peaceful borderline between their colonies. This was also a move to keep confrontations at bay.

2. Hollywood’ Connection

A small island country and so much fame - it has to be Thailand. So, if you think that only travelers and Yogis approbate it as a fun place. Leonardo DiCaprio’s ‘The Beach’ which was directed by Danny Boyle was shot in the beautiful island country of Thailand. Out of approximately 1400 islands, the gorgeous Koh Phi Phi was featured in the movie the most. No doubt, the beaches, and the exotic locales that complete beauty is some of the reasons why Thailand feels like heaven in real life.

3. Grateful to Monkeys!?

Monkeys play a huge role in entertaining and attracting tourists who come from all over the world. No doubt, why the Monkey Beach in Krabi is loved and is famous amongst many other tourist attractions. Thai people host a separate festival as a token of appreciation and gratefulness. Known as the ‘Monkey Buffet’, this festival is hosted in Lopburi province, right outside the Pra Prang Sam Yot temple and is enjoyed by all. The locals offer meat, veggies, and ice-creams to these beings.

4. Rare Fauna

Apart from Monkeys, there is more to the fauna in Thailand. Do you know that a rare species of Bats is only found in Thailand and nowhere else in the world? Yes, you will be amazed to know that the world’s smallest mammal is seen in western Thailand only. The Kitti’s bat with a hog-like nose is merely and roughly 3 centimeters long and weighing around 2 grams only. These species are known to dwell beneath the limestone rock and happily feed on insects.

5. Buddhism

The preaching of Buddha influences the people of Thailand and forms a big part of their culture. No wonder, this destination is popularly recognized as a Buddhist Nation. With more than 90% of the population following Buddhism, you will find a lot of its influence on the food, traditions, retreats like Yoga and spiritual ones, and even ethics. Witness the amazing facet to Thailand and visit the Buddha temples here that exude beauty in its every carving and amazing architecture.

6. Bangkok’s Beauty

The capital city of Thailand is located near to the coastal areas, which makes it an apt destination for urban travelers looking out for a perfect blend of modernity and culture. Not many of us know that Bangkok is known as the “Venice of the East” owing to the canals that pass through the entire city. The canals give the city it’s very modern look and accounts for its urban commutation.

7. Red Bull

The caffeine loaded energy drink Red Bull got its share of inspiration from a popular traditional Thai drink called Krating Daeng. Even though some of the ingredients would not match as such, the drinks share a number of similarities. Changing consumer demands and urbanization are two of the important reasons why this Thai drink was tweaked a little and re-branded as red Bull by a company.

8. World-Class Yoga

Yoga is a popular form of exercise these days but you must see it as an art to experience the greatest of benefits. The city of Bangkok and Phuket are popular for world-class Yoga studios, Yoga Teachers Training programs, and best of Yogis and Gurus. If you are traveling for health, then you will be surprised to have access to some of the cheapest Thailand Yoga retreats and spiritual classes led by some good troop of experienced teachers.

9. Devour Insects

Dreaming about eating insects is a dreadful one, right? Not for some parts of Asia though. Thailand has more than 20,000 registered insects’ farming facilities that work towards meeting consumer demands. According to the Food & Agriculture Organization operating under the United Nations, Insect farming and consumption of the same is responsible for total revenue of more than 30 million USD alone.           

10. Trans’ Beauty Contest

There is nothing more beautiful than equality for all. Thailand hosts an exclusive beauty pageant for transgenders that allows contestants from all walks of life and professions. Every year, this contest named Miss Tiffiany’s Universe attracts millions of viewers and audiences from all over the world. You can see the contestants competing for crowns for Miss Sexy Star, Miss Congeniality and Miss Popular.

11. Unusual Food Market

There is a food market in Thailand that sets up near a train track and is one of its kinds. The market puts everything for sale on display whenever there is a signal for an arriving train or a train that stops-by for track change or passenger loading. The sellers get everything outside the warehouse every day for the display and then put them back in as soon as the train leaves. This market is all functional till the time trains pry on the track.

12. Naga Fireballs

Watch the amazing view of Nature’s grandeur in Thailand - Naga fireballs. Every year, a magical phenomenon wherein balls of fire explode over the waters of the Mekong River is a sight to watch and store in your heart forever. There have been a lot of scientific studies being made but none of them explains the exact reason behind the unnaturally natural phenomenon. People in Thailand associate a couple of mythological stories with this amazing sight.

13. The Islands

We all know that Thailand is a region full of Islands but do you know exactly how many of them? Yes, it’s more than a whopping 1400 islands that constitute this prominent travel destination and an exotic Asian locale. Each island is famous for its own set of traveler activities, for instance, Koh Phangan for popular Thailand Yoga retreats and parties, Koh Samui for spiritual retreats and small-scale gatherings and so on. Thailand is home to beautiful islands and rare species of both flora & fauna that attracts millions of travelers.

14. Nature’s Bounties

Speaking of flora & fauna, Thailand is home to some of the rare species in the world. It is estimated that 10% of the animal species exist in Thailand, which accounts for a unique traveling experience. Apart from this, Thailand has bumblebee bats, whale sharks, rare bird species, and elephants that are mostly domesticated. This island country has a huge range of orchids and this is why this is the national flower of the country.

15. Warmest Welcome

If you are visiting Thailand for the first time, here is a tip - “have you eaten yet” is something you will hear from the locals. Thai people are considered as some of the happiest people in the world and this radiates on their faces and in behavior. Instead of “how are you”, you may hear a lot of “have you eaten yet” as a way to welcome you in their land. People in China, Thailand value their food a lot and therefore put in a lot of efforts in the preparation.