Thailand is a country located in Southeast Asia. Thailand is a wonderful country to visit with its amazing beaches, temples, and more to see and do. But like any other country in the world, it has its little quirks, unusual laws, and some interesting facts. What are some of the fun facts about Thailand?
Thailand’s fun facts range from prostitution being technically illegal, this seems to surprise people. Or that Red Bull was created in Thailand, or technically it is illegal to leave your house in Thailand if you are not wearing underwear, and there is more.
In this post, we will go through fun facts about Thailand. Let’s get started!
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- Fun Things To Do in Bangkok Thailand
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- Reasons Not To Visit Thailand
Fun Facts About Thailand
There are fun facts about Thailand that center around some unusual laws and little quirks. Either way, they are nice to know if you are visiting Thailand so as not to offend anyone.
Here is our list of fun facts about Thailand.
Prostitution Is Technically illegal
Yes, Prostitution is technically illegal in Thailand, but the law is not enforced, this depends on the mood of the police officer. The Thai police don’t have the best reputation.
Pattaya alone has over 27,000 sex workers and estimates for all of Thailand range up to over 1 million sex workers.
Sex Toys And Internet Porn Are Illegal
Yes, as the heading suggests sex toys and internet porn are illegal.
Thai Means ‘Free’
In the Thai language, the word “Thai” means “free”. So, Thailand means “Land of the Free”.
Thailand Was Once Called Siam
Thailand was called Siam throughout its history until 1939 and again between 1945 and 1949. In 1949, by official proclamation, the name changed to Thailand.
Never Been Colonised By The Europeans
The European powers never colonized Thailand. All of the other Southeast Asian countries like Vietnam and Cambodia were colonized by the French and Malaysia and Singapore were colonized by the British.
Red Bull Was Created In Thailand
Red Bull, the popular energy drink, was originally a brand in Thailand. In 1976, a local man called Chaleo Yoovidhya created a drink called Krating Daeng in Thailand, which means “red gaur” in English.
It became popular with truck drivers and laborers. In 1984, Mateschitz co-founded Red Bull GmbH with Yoovidhya and turned it into an international brand.
Bangkok’s Full Name
Although the city is known as ‘Krung Thep Maaha Nakhon’ in Thai, its full ceremonial name is:
“Krungthep Maha Nakhon Amon Rattanakosin Mahintharayutthaya Mahadilok Phop Noppharat Ratchathani Burirom Udomratchaniwet Mahasathan Amon Phiman Awatan Sathit Sakkathattiya Witsanukam Prasit”.
I think Bangkok is a lot easier to say. This is in the Guinness Book of World Records for the longest name of a place.
Elephants In Thailand
Today there are approximately 5,000 elephants in Thailand with 20% of all elephants in Thailand who are believed to live in the northern province of Chiang Mai.
But 150 years ago there were an estimated 100,000 elephants living in the country.
Do NOT Touch A Person’s Head
In Thailand, you cannot touch a person’s head. Thais consider the head as a very sacred part of the body. You can only touch the head of a person who is within your immediate and extended family.
Otherwise, touching the heads of others would only bring you trouble.
It Is A Crime To Step On Thai Currency
Yes, standing on Thai currency is a very serious offense as all their money features the Thai monarchy, and it is a crime to disrespect the Thai royal family and is taken very seriously.
Beware Where You Booze
Don’t booze in places of worship or temples, public offices, education institutions, gas stations, hospitals, and public parks.
Without authorization, those who break this law can receive up to six months of imprisonment and no more than a 10,000 baht fine.
You Should NOT Drive A Car Shirtless
It is illegal to drive a car in Thailand topless. So if planning on driving a car in Thailand, it is worth bearing this in mind.
Do Not Offend The King!
The King of Thailand is idolized and revered by everyone in Thailand, almost as a god-like symbol. Thailand has some of the strictest lese majeste (injured majesty) laws in the world.
Defaming or insulting the king is a criminal offense and you risk several years of imprisonment under Thai law. This applies to foreigners as well.
You risk being arrested if you deface or even step on the currency (which has The King’s image on it).
Thai People Do Smile A Lot
Thai people do smile a lot but sometimes they smile because they are embarrassed or they don’t understand you.
Don’t take the smile the same way as you would at home.
Do Not Raise Your Voice
Simply, don’t raise your voice in anger. In doing so, it is seen as an act of violence and could end up in a fistfight or worse.
The Underwear law
Technically it is illegal to leave your house in Thailand if you are not wearing underwear. Not sure how they would enforce this. Although I haven’t had any stories of people being arrested for this offense.
This is properly one of the more unusual fun facts about Thailand.
The National Flag Of Thailand
Thai people love their country and their king. The national flag of Thailand is raised every morning at 8 am and lowered every evening at 6 pm. Twice a day the national anthem is played in the entire country.
Its two horizontal red stripes symbolize the land and its people. The white horizontal stripes represent the purity of Buddhism, the country’s main religion.
With, the wide blue band across the center stands for the monarchy.
Buddhism Is The Main Religion
With more than 90 percent of the population being Buddhist. You can tell when traveling through the country because there are wats (temples), Buddha statues, and mini offerings everywhere.
Vaping Is Illegal
E-cigarettes or vaping is illegal and can land you in jail for a few hrs or days plus a substantial fine.
Mother’s Day
While Mother’s Day is held dear in many cultures throughout the world. Mother’s Day in Thailand is doubly special.
Mother’s Day is on the 12th of August to commemorate the birthday of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, the Mother of all Thai people.
Songkran Celebrates the Country’s New Year
Songkran is a Thai festival that celebrates the country’s new year. Thai New Year is from the 13th to the 15th of April each year.
In Bangkok, they have probably the biggest and best water fight of your life on Khao San Road. And anyone can get involved.
USEFUL TRAVEL RESOURCES
Book Accommodation
Booking.com has a large range of properties from hotels, hostels, guesthouses, and resorts where you will find the best deals. Airbnb and Hostelworld also have a good range of places to stay at good prices.
Booking Flight
Skyscanner is a flight search comparison website that searches millions of flights all at once. Ultimately it is the best flight comparison website online at the moment.
Booking Transportation & Things To Do
Rome2rio and 12Go are useful to plan how to get anywhere by searching train, bus, car, and ferry routes. Especially useful in countries like Vietnam or Thailand. While Klook is great for exploring things to do in each place.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is cheap and more than likely you will never need to use it but you will have peace of mind if something does happen, you are covered in case of an emergency. World Nomads have great customer service and competitive prices.
Check out our resource page for the best companies to use when you travel.
Wrapping Up
Finally, the fun facts in Thailand range from prostitution being technically illegal, this seems to surprise people. Or that Red Bull was created in Thailand, or technically it is illegal to leave your house in Thailand if you are not wearing underwear. Like any trip, you’ll get the most out of it by learning all you can before you arrive.
And that’s it for now! I’d love to know if this post on some fun facts about Thailand has helped you. Let me know if you have any questions and let me know if there is more to add.
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