31 Random Facts About Thailand Showing It Is Unlike Any Other Place on Earth

Birthplace of the famous pygmy hippo Moo Deng (born on 10 July 2024), Thailand is much more than sunny beaches and smiles. Just when you think you have a pretty good idea of the country’s structure, culture, customs and traditions, something new may just pop-up.

If you’re planning on moving to Thailand, relocating (maybe have already relocated as an expat), or simply researching for your next travel plan, here are some 31 random interesting facts about Thailand.

Firstly, Thais can be quite superstitious and there’s no lack of stories and beliefs that have been told through generations. So let’s start the first few items here with some common beliefs and superstitions that are good to know when traveling or living in Thailand.

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Monkey Town ‘Lopburi’

Lopburi is a city with a long history dating back over 3,000 years. It is also overrun by monkey bosses! Monkeys are practically everywhere in Lopburi, and there are often news about monkeys wreaking havoc for the locals. At one point, local authorities have even resorted to sending 2,500 monkeys to a so-called monkey jail. Monkey gang:

Cannabis is Legal

In 2022, Thailand became the first country in Asia to make cannabis legal. The market is still quite rocky with lack of regulation. But in terms of living and traveling in Thailand, especially in Bangkok, it has become a common sight to see cannabis shops and cafes literally everywhere.

There’s a “Color of the Day” Tradition

Many Thais wear a clothing item or accessory following a ‘lucky color’ guide for each day of the week. Others may even organize their entire wardrobe according to the tradition of ‘auspicious colors’ for each day of the week as follows:

• Sunday: Red
• Monday: Yellow
• Tuesday: Pink
• Wednesday: Green
• Thursday: Orange
• Friday: Blue
• Saturday: Purple

The Jasmine Flower 

Jasmine is widely used for various occasions in Thailand. Garlands made of jasmine flowers could be easily bought from street vendors and flower shops alike. The jasmine flower represents Mother’s Day in Thailand, but is also widely used as part of offerings to deities at various shrines across the country.

The Land of Smiles 

Smiling in Thailand isn’t just about being polite. In Thailand, smiling is a cultural value. Many people smile to show gratitude, but also to diffuse tension and maintain harmony. It’s a non-verbal gesture to say, ‘I’m okay, you’re okay, we’re okay’. 

Breakfast Street Food To-Go

No matter which city you visit in Thailand, you will most definitely see hawkers and food stands. For many Thais, street food is not just food; it’s a lifestyle. The most common street food to-go in the mornings for kids heading to school and commuters traveling to work are anything ‘roasted’ and ‘fried’. For example, ‘moo-yang kaow neow’, which is ‘roasted pork with sticky rice’, and ‘luk chin tod’, which is ‘fried fish balls’. It is almost like a daily ritual for the majority of Thais.

Learning Muay Thai (Thai Boxing) Means Getting a 5 Years Visa

Muay Thai dates back to over 2,000 years ago since ancient Siam. The sport, that involves close-up combat skills was originally practiced by the military and eventually evolved into an international sport. The martial art is also known as the ‘Art of Eight Limbs’, and often referred to as the ‘Eight Weapons of War’.

For those wanting to hone their Muay Thai fighting skills in Thailand, applying for the full training program would get you the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV). The DTV is a 5 years multiple-entry visa offered to professionals on workcation (work + vacation), those interested in learning Thai skills such as Thai cuisine or Thai boxing. And for dependent travelers such as spouse and children.

Beer Singha

Thailand’s oldest Thai beer was founded in 1933, Beer Singha. The word ‘Singha’ itself in Thai language means ‘Lion Guardian (or Custodian)’ and is probably one of the oldest known temple guardians in Thailand. In 1939, the beer was officially endorsed by King Rama VIII, hence the permission to use the royal Garuda symbol on the bottles.

Beer Singha contains 5% alcohol and can be bought from convenience stores, supermarkets and restaurants. However, it’s important to note that in Thailand, all alcoholic beverages can only be sold between 11:00 am to 2:00 pm, and again from 5:00 pm to 0:00 (midnight). Since 2015, alcoholic drinks have also been prohibited from being sold in the vicinity of schools, colleges and student dormitories.

King of Fruits

Durian! One of the smelliest fruits on planet Earth and a delicacy when it comes to Thailand. Besides being able to enjoy durian as a fruit, it is available in many other forms such as durian ice-cream, durian desserts, candies and chips. Because of its pungent smell, many hotels, household communities and public transport put a ban on the fruit. It’s always a good idea to check beforehand if durians are allowed and if not, what the violation penalties are. The fine is usually somewhere between 1,000 – 5,000  Thai Baht.

‘Mai Pen Rai’ Philosophy

The closest translation of ‘mai pen rai’ is probably, ‘that’s alright’, and ‘it’s not a problem’. In Thailand, this is a very common phrase that is used, as well as an attitude of being flexible and letting the other party know that everything is good on this side. It is similar to the concept of the Thai smile.

The Thai ‘Wai’

The Thai ‘Wai’ isn’t just a greeting like saying ‘hello’, but there are several levels to the ‘Wai’. 

• The first level is when the hands are clasped together at the chest and the head is bowed down until the eyebrow touches the thumb, which is to show the utmost respect when greeting monks, royalty and highly important individuals. 
• The second level is similar to the first, but the head needs only to be bowed down until the nose is touching the thumbs. This is to show respect to elders, teachers and seniors.
• The third level is a bit more casual and is a way to say hello and thanks. It is less strict with how it is given and received. This ‘Wai’ follows the same hands clasp together followed by a small bowing gesture of the head.

Coconuts Are a Big Deal

Coconuts are used for many things in Thailand, from food to essential oils and fashion items. Many desserts either have coconut milk or shredded coconut as part of the ingredient. Coconut milk is also used in many well-known dishes such as ‘Tom Yum Kung’ (spicy shrimp curry) and ‘Tom Kha Kai’ (spicy chicken coconut curry). The coconut shell is often made into bags and various accessories.

The World’s Largest Gold Buddha

The world’s largest golden Buddha is also found in Thailand, Bangkok, at Wat Traimit. ‘Wat’ means temple in Thai. The statue weighs over 5 tons and stands at almost 4 meters high.

Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/cRFHWeGVCRtHsw5s7

The Heart-Shaped Island

Thailand is home to the heart-shaped island Koh Kaeo Yai in Rawai Phuket. In the Thai language, ‘Koh’ means ‘Island’. From an aerial view, the island resembles a perfect heart shape. Besides its shape, locals as well as foreign visitors visit the island to see the golden Buddha monument on the island.

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Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/E4v6Qbz1z4pFMVgL7 

Nang Nark’s Undying Devotion

Mae Nark Phra Kanong, also known as Nang Nark is a Thai ghost whose story has been told through the ages and made into several movies. Nang Nark died in childbirth when her husband was at war, but she never crossed-over. Because of her undying devotion towards her family, she continued to care for them as though she was still alive. Her temple, Wat Mahabut Temple, can be found in Onnut.

Black Cats

There are black cats and then there’s the Nilarat cat. Nilarat cats are truly black cats with 100% black coats, nails and even their tongues are black. Thais believe Nilarat cats bring good luck, good health and fortune to their owners.

Child Car Seat

According to Thai laws, all children under 6 years old must be strapped into car seats for safety reasons. The fine for those who do not is 2,000 Thai Baht, with some exception for children with certain health conditions. Although, seeing an entire family of 4 riding a motorcycle scooter (potentially with no helmets on), is a rather common sight!

Short and Long Surnames

Why do some Thais have very long surnames while some are very short? Short surnames tend to belong to families of native Thais, while long surnames belong to newcomers such as Chinese families who immigrated to Thailand a couple of generations back. 

Cha Thai (Iced Tea)

The infamous bright orange colored iced tea! While tea is often thought of as a warming brown colored drink, Thai tea is orange pastel, super sweet and cold. ‘Cha Thai’ can be easily bought from street vendors, convenience stores, restaurants and even as bottled drinks. 

Everything With Ice

Practically all drinks you can think of can be ordered with ice in Thailand. Whether it’s soft drinks, beer, milk shake, tea, and even infused water, it is served with ice. Shaved ice with condensed milk, syrup and jelly is sold year round.

Sak Yant Tattoo

Locals get traditional Thai tattoos, called ‘Sak Yant’ for protection and blessings. ‘Sak’ in Thai means tattooing, and ‘Yant’ comes from the sanskrit word ‘Yantra’, which has to do with tantrism. One of the popular yant is the ‘Hah Teaw’ (5 rows), with each row representing a blessing or protection for a certain aspect of the person’s life such as fortune or ambition.

Fried Insects

Eating bugs is nothing out of the ordinary for most Thais including young children. Even in the capital of Bangkok, you can find fried insect snacks such as fried grasshopper and crickets. Insects are also found in a variety of food menus, for example the sour and spicy ant eggs soup!

Bangkok’s full name!

Bangkok city probably has the longest full name in the world: 

“Krung Thep Mahanakhon Amon Rattanakosin Mahinthara Ayuthaya Mahadilok Phop Noppharat Ratchathani Burirom Udomratchaniwet Mahasathan Amon Piman Awatan Sathit Sakkathattiya Witsanukam Prasit”

Or ‘Krung Thep’ for short. ‘Krung’ means city and ‘Thep’ means angels. So the capital of Thailand translates to ‘city of angels’.

Manners of Passing Items

Like every other society on Earth, Thailand has some common etiquettes, and unspoken social rules. Passing items happens multiple times a day, so it’s good to know these 2 unspoken rules to avoid offending anyone. 

Firstly, avoid passing anything over another person’s head. It’s considered bad manners and shows disrespect. As a general rule of thumb, the head is a sacred part of the body. Secondly, avoid handing items to another person using the left hand. This is just because the left hand is more likely to be dirtier than the right hand. So using the right hand to hand items over shows respect towards the other person.

Remove Shoes When Entering Homes

Always remove your shoes when entering Thai homes. In Thailand, children are taught from a very young age to always remove their shoes indoors. This happens at many Thai schools as well. Students remove their shoes before entering classrooms. Some schools let children wear indoor slippers in the classes. The reason for this practice is quite simple: for cleanliness, hygiene and keeping diseases at bay. 

Acknowledge a ‘Wai’ With a Return ‘ Wai’

If someone greets you with a ‘Wai’, acknowledge it by greeting back with a ‘Wai’. It’s a common courtesy that’s expected in Thailand. Especially for ‘Wai’s given from childrens and juniors to older people. Always receive them with a returned ‘Wai’. However, if you’re the adult, you do not need to greet younger children with a ‘Wai’. And children do not tend to use the ‘wai’ as a greeting among themselves. 

7/11 Dogs and Cats

It is a common sight to see several dogs and cats just laying around enjoying the cool breeze coming out of 7/11 stores throughout Thailand. It is also common to see someone sharing a piece of sausage or snack they’ve just bought from the store with some of the strays (although it is definitely not encouraged).

Gang of stray dogs:

Therapeutic Monk Chat sessions

Counseling sessions? The majority of locals head to the temple to have therapeutic monk chat sessions as opposed to getting hospital appointments to see a counselor or a psychologist. Monk chat sessions can happen in groups or individually as well as being scheduled ahead of time or unplanned.

Thai Massage

The traditional Thai massage is based on acupressure and can be extremely painful! However, it does loosen up muscle and joint stiffness and tightness. Pain and pressure points are identified which is then followed by a lot of stretching and kneading.

Three! New Years and Celebrations

In addition to new year celebrations, the Thai New Year (Songkran), which happens on April 13th to 15th, and Chinese New year is widely celebrated as well. Events are also held to celebrate Halloween, Christmas, Diwali and a multitude of other celebrations.

Dharma Centers and Meditation Retreats (Patibat Dham)

For many Thais, vacations do not always mean beaches, hikes, traveling and entertainment, but also taking dharma vacations. In Thai, this is called ‘Patibat Dham’. ‘Patibat’ in Thai means to ‘do’, and ‘Dham’ means ‘dharma’. Hence, ‘Pathibat Dham’ is basically a dharma or meditation retreat that happens at temples or dharma centers. 

And there we have it; a list of merely 30 random interesting things about Thailand. The country offers rich experiences for both short-term travelers as well as long-stay expats. There are also many types of visa options for Thailand, such as the long-term visa and the retirement visa. If you’re curious about what sorts of visas, driver license and other expat related applications are available, check out our detailed guide for getting a Thai visa and international driver’s license.