Sawadee kha! Thailand, nestled in the heart of Southeast Asia, is a country that effortlessly blends tradition with modernity. It’s a place where you can find serene temples standing tall amidst towering skyscrapers, and bustling markets sharing streets with quiet, leafy parks. But what truly sets Thailand apart is its people. Known for their friendliness and hospitality, Thais have a relaxed and easy-going attitude that is infectious. This laid-back approach to life, combined with the country’s natural beauty and cultural richness, has an undeniable allure for foreigners. In particular, “farang” from Western countries are driven to the country for the stark contrasts in their daily lives compared to back home.
As a study abroad destination, Thailand offers not just academic opportunities, but also a chance to experience a different way of life. Here, learning extends beyond the classroom walls and into the vibrant streets, lush rice fields, and tranquil temples. Here are 30 interesting facts to get you more familiar with this Asian hotspot.
1. Land of Golden Smiles
Thailand’s nickname, “Land of Smiles,” isn’t just a catchphrase; it’s a reflection of the genuinely warm and friendly nature of its people. You’ll find the hospitality here unmatched.
2. The Unconquered Southeast Gem
Thailand is the only country in Southeast Asia that has never been colonized by a European nation, which speaks volumes about its independence and cultural resilience.
3. Solid Gold Buddha
Thailand proudly houses the world’s largest solid gold Buddha statue, weighing a staggering 5.5 tons, tucked away in the Wat Traimit temple in Bangkok.
4. Floating Markets
Though there are a few traditional floating markets left today, Thailand’s canals and waterways have historical significance as they were once the country’s main mode of transport and trade. At the markets, many vendors were skilled artisans who inherited their trades from generation to generation.
5. Thai Zodiac
Thailand has its own zodiac system based on Vedic astrology, which is slightly different (and arguably more accurate) from the traditional Western zodiac system. Western astrology uses tropical zodiac, which is based on where the stars were around 0 AD, sun from the perspective on Earth. Vedic astrology uses sidereal zodiac, based on the position of the constellations right now. Though both zodiacs have 12 signs and were aligned until around 285 AD, sidereal astrology takes other crucial factors into account, such as the tilt of the Earth and changing distances between stars.
6. Monarch’s Majesty
Thai people hold immense respect and reverence for the monarchy. Criticizing or disrespecting the royal family is culturally taboo and also against the country’s lese majeste laws. Thailand’s King Rama IX reigned for an unprecedented 70 years from 1946 until his passing in 2016. His lengthy reign made him the world’s longest-reigning current monarch at the time.
7. Spirit Houses
Many Thai homes, businesses, and public spaces have miniature spirit houses to offer shelter, protection, and offerings to guardian spirits who are believed to reside on the premises. Thai people believe that these spirits can bring both blessings and misfortune, so they maintain the spirit houses to maintain a harmonious relationship with them.
8. Muay Thai: More Than Sport
Muay Thai, a popular Thai martial art that’s also known as ‘The Art of Eight Limbs’, holds deep cultural significance in Thailand as it embodies the nation’s martial heritage and traditional fighting techniques. Thai boxing is art form that reflects Thai values of discipline, respect, and honor. This cultural tradition also attracts people from all over the world who often spend a month or more in Thailand just to train in Thai boxing.
9. Protection of Elephants
Historically, elephants were associated with royalty and symbolized power and strength. Elephants played a vital role in Thailand’s economy, particularly in forestry and transportation. Due to concerns about the welfare of elephants in the tourism industry and habitat loss, there is growing awareness and conservation efforts to protect and care for elephants. Their population has plummeted, with concerns about the survival. There were thought to be 100,000 elephants in 1990. Today, the population is estimated to be around 3,700 in the wild and 4,000 in captive.
10. The White Temple
Wat Rong Khun, also known as the White Temple, is a famous Buddhist temple located in Chiang Rai, Thailand. It is renowned for its stunning and unconventional white exterior, adorned with intricate mirror work and pop culture figures and symbols. The temple is a contemporary masterpiece created by Thai artist Chalermchai Kositpipat and is known for its unique blend of traditional Buddhist art and modern artistic expressions. Wat Rong Khun is not only a place of worship but also an iconic cultural and artistic landmark, attracting visitors from around the world.
11. Free Local Education
Thailand provides free education for children up to the age of 15, including basic and secondary education. This is part of the country’s commitment to providing equal educational opportunities to all citizens. In addition to public schools, Thailand has a significant number of private schools, including international schools that offer curricula from various countries, such as the British, American, or International Baccalaureate (IB) systems.
12. The Elusive Thai Alphabet
Thai is a tonal language with a unique script of 32 vowels and 44 consonants, making it a fascinating linguistic journey for language enthusiasts. Thai is written just as it is pronounced, with no spaces between the words in a sentence. 
13. Belief in Spirits
Belief in spirits is deeply ingrained in Thai culture and spirituality. In Thai folklore, spirits, known as “Phi,” are believed to inhabit various aspects of the natural world, such as trees, rivers, mountains, and even household objects. Different regions and communities in Thailand may have their own unique spirits and belief systems.
14. Mystical Phi Ta Khon Festival
The Phi Ta Khon Festival celebrated in Thailand’s Dan Sai district, is a lively and colorful event known for its masked participants and vibrant parades. During the festival, locals don intricate masks made of woven bamboo, wear colorful costumes, and engage in joyful processions accompanied by traditional music and dance. It also holds religious significance, incorporating beliefs in spirits and ancestral reverence.
15. Full Moon Party
The infamous Full Moon Party that attracts hundreds of thousands takes place on the small island of Koh Phangan, in the Gulf of Thailand. What’s interesting is that it originally started as a small gathering of backpackers in the late 1980s and has since grown into one of the world’s largest and most renowned beach parties, attracting thousands of revelers from around the globe each month. The party features music, fire shows, and neon body paint, creating an electric atmosphere that has become an iconic part of Thailand’s nightlife scene. However, the vibe is completely flipped around elsewhere on the island, which boasts an introspective hippie culture with yoga retreats, meditation centers, and stunning beaches.
16. Wai: A Gesture of Greeting & Respect
The Wai is a traditional Thai greeting and gesture of respect. To perform a Wai, one places their hands together in a prayer-like position with palms touching and fingers pointing upwards. The position of the hands and the depth of the accompanying bow can convey different levels of respect.
17. Siamese Cats
Siamese cats are believed to have originated in Thailand, which was formerly known as Siam. These elegant and distinctive cats have a long history in the region and were once associated with Siamese royalty and temples. They are known for their striking blue almond-shaped eyes, short coat with color points (darker fur on the ears, face, paws, and tail), and vocal and affectionate nature. Siamese cats have become one of the most popular and recognizable cat breeds worldwide.
18. Sak Yant Tattoos
If you’ve seen the tattoos on Angeline Jolie’s back, you’ll know what a traditional Thai tattoo look like. Traditional Thai bamboo tattoos, known as Sak Yant, are not just decorative body art but carry deep spiritual significance. Administered by Buddhist monks or skilled tattoo masters, these tattoos use a hand-poking technique with a bamboo needle to create intricate designs. Each tattoo design has unique meanings and is believed to offer protection, luck, or blessings to the wearer. The process often involves rituals and blessings, making it a sacred and culturally significant practice in Thailand.
19. The Lost City of Ayutthaya
The Lost City of Ayutthaya, located in Thailand, was the second capital of the Siamese Kingdom (now Thailand) from the 14th to the 18th centuries. It was a flourishing and powerful city, known for its grand temples, palaces, and a complex network of canals. However, in 1767, the city was razed by the Burmese army, leading to its abandonment and earning it the designation of a “lost city.” Today, the Ayutthaya Historical Park preserves the ruins of this once-great city, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
20. Thai New Year: A Nationwide Water Fight
One unique festival in Thailand is “Songkran,” the Thai New Year festival. Celebrated in April, it’s known for its water fights, where people playfully splash water on each other to wash away the past year’s misfortunes and bring luck for the new year. It also involves paying respects to elders and visiting temples, making it a harmonious blend of tradition and fun.
21. Thailand’s National Flag
Thailand’s national flag features horizontal stripes of red, white, and blue. The red symbolizes the nation, the white represents Buddhism, and the blue stands for the monarchy. It represents the unity between the nation, religion, and monarchy, serving as a powerful symbol of Thai identity and heritage.
22. Ancient Khon Masked Dance
The Ancient Khon Masked Dance is a traditional Thai dance-drama that incorporates intricate masks, elaborate costumes, and graceful movements. It often depicts episodes from the Ramakien, Thailand’s national epic, which is based on the Indian epic, the Ramayana. This art form has deep cultural and historical significance, often performed at royal and religious ceremonies. The masks worn by performers represent characters from the epic and convey emotions and traits through their elaborate designs.
23. Annual Thai-Chinese Vegetarian Festival
Thailand’s annual Vegetarian Festival, also known as the Nine Emperor Gods Festival, is a religious event celebrated by Thai-Chinese communities. During the festival, participants abstain from consuming meat and adhere to a strict vegetarian diet to purify their bodies. It involves vibrant processions, elaborate costumes, and various rituals, including acts of self-piercing and firewalking, believed to demonstrate spiritual strength and cleanse participants of evil spirits.
24. The Legend of Naga
The Legend of Naga is a prominent myth in Thailand and other Southeast Asian countries. Naga is a serpent-like mythical creature believed to inhabit water bodies, especially rivers and lakes. In Thai folklore, the Naga is often depicted as a benevolent and protective being associated with water and fertility. Statues and images of Naga are common at temples and water-related sites across Thailand.
25. Secrets of the Golden Triangle
The notorious Golden Triangle is a region in Southeast Asia where the borders of Northern Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar converge. It is historically known for opium production and illegal drug trade, although in recent years, Thailand has taken measures to combat these issues. Today, the Golden Triangle is a tourist destination, offering visitors a glimpse into its complex history and cultural diversity.
26. Thai Food Differs by Province
In the northern region, dishes are characterized by milder flavors and an emphasis on vegetables, herbs, and sticky rice, with dishes like Khao Soi and Sai Oua sausage being popular. The northeastern Isan region features spicier and more heavily fermented dishes, such as Som Tum (green papaya salad) and Larb (minced meat salad). In the central region, including Bangkok, you’ll find a balance of flavors, with iconic dishes like Pad Thai and Green Curry. The southern provinces are known for their fiery curries and seafood-based dishes like Massaman Curry and Tom Yum Goong.
27. Diverse Ethnic Landscape
Thailand is home to a multitude of ethnic groups, reflecting its rich cultural diversity. The largest ethnic group is the Thai people, who make up the majority of the population and are primarily found in the central and southern regions. In the northern hills, various hill tribes, such as the Karen, Hmong, and Akha, have distinct languages and cultures. In the northeast, the Isan region is predominantly inhabited by the Lao-speaking Isan people. Additionally, there are significant Chinese, Malay, and Indian communities, particularly in urban centers, contributing to Thailand’s vibrant multicultural landscape.
28. Floating Boats at the Loy Krathong Festival
Loy Krathong is a traditional Thai festival celebrated annually on the full moon night of the twelfth lunar month, typically in November. During this enchanting festival, people release small, beautifully decorated floats onto rivers, lakes, and water bodies, as an expression of gratitude to the water goddess and a way to symbolically float away their troubles and bad luck. The festival is marked by candle-lit processions, cultural performances, and fireworks.
29. Fried Insects are a Delicacy
Eating insects, or entomophagy, is relatively common in Thailand and has been a part of the traditional diet for centuries. Insects like crickets, grasshoppers, silkworms, and various types of beetles are popular snacks and ingredients in Thai cuisine. They are often deep-fried or seasoned with spices and served in street markets or as bar snacks.
30. Bangkok has the Longest Name in the World
The real name of Bangkok is incredibly long and holds the Guinness World Record for the longest place name in the world. It is known as “Krung Thep Mahanakhon Amon Rattanakosin Mahinthara Ayuthaya Mahadilok Phop Noppharat Ratchathani Burirom Udomratchaniwet Mahasathan Amon Phiman Awatan Sathit Sakkathattiya Witsanukam Prasit.” This name, often shortened to “Krung Thep,” has 169 letters in the Thai script and 76 syllables when pronounced! There is a famous song that helps many Thai people remember the name today. In English, it translates to “City of Angels, Great City of Immortals, Magnificent City of the Nine Gems, Seat of the King, City of Royal Palaces, Home of Gods Incarnate, Erected by Visvakarman at Indra’s Behest.”
Did you learn something new? These interesting anecdotes only scratch the surface of Thailand’s allure. If you choose to study abroad in Thailand, consider the countless opportunities this country offers, where ancient traditions coexist harmoniously with modern innovation, friendly local Thais mingle with the ever-increasing expat population, and the food is packed with flavour and heat.
So if you’re considering studying abroad in Thailand, get ready for it’s a kaleidoscope of experiences. Browse the programs and universities in Thailand through our platform, and click Apply Now when you’re ready.
