2. THAI LANGUAGE
Thai, also known precisely as Siamese or Central Thai,
is the national and official language of Thailand
and the Native language of the Thai people and the
Vast majority of Thai Chinese. Thai is a member of the Tai group of
the
Tai-kadai language family.
Over half of the words in Thai are borrowed from Pali, Sanskrit and
Old Khmer.
It is a tonal and analytical language. Thai also has a
complex orthography and relational markers. Spoken Thai is mutually
intelligible with Lao; the two languages are written with
slightly different scripts, but linguistically similar.
3. THAILAND’S CURRENCY
Thailand, Baht The Thai Baht is the currency of
Thailand. Our currency rankings show that the most
popular Thailand Baht exchange rate is the THB to
EUR rate. The currency rate for Baht is THB, and
the currency symbol is ฿. Below, you'll find Thai
bhat rates and a currency converter.
4. BANGKOK
The capital and the most populous city of Thailand. It is known in Thai as
Krung Thep Maha Nakhon ( listen) or simply Krung- Thep The city occupies 1,568.7
square kilometers (605.7 sq mi) in the Chao praya river delta in Central Thailand, and
has a population of over 8 million, or 12.6 percent of the country's population. Over
14
million people (22.2 percent) live within the surrounding Bangkok region, making
Bangkok an extreme primate city, dwarfing Thailand's other urban centres in terms of
importance.
Bangkok traces its roots to a small trading post during the Ayutthaya kingdom in the
15th century, which eventually grew in size and became the site of two capital cities:
Thonburi in 1768 and Rattanakosin in 1782. Bangkok was at the heart of Siam's (as
Thailand used to be known) modernization during the later 19th century, as the
country
faced pressures from the West. The city was the centre of Thailand's political
struggles
throughout the 20th century, as the country abolished absolute monarchy, adopted
constitutional rule and underwent numerous coups and uprisings. The city grew
rapidly
during the 1960s through the 1980s and now exerts a significant impact among
5. FLAG
The flag of the Kingdom of Thailand shows five horizontal
stripes in the colors red, white, blue, white and red, with the
central blue stripe being twice as wide as each of the other
four. The design was adopted on 28 September 1917,
according to the royal decree issued by Rama VI that year.
The colors are said to stand for nation-religion-king, an
unofficial motto of Thailand, red for the land and people,
white for Theravada Buddhism and blue for the monarchy, the
last having been the auspicious color of Rama VI. As the king
had declared war on Germany that July, some note the flag now
bore the same colors as those of Britain,France,and
the United States.
6. GOVERNMENT OF THAILAND
The Government of Thailand, or formally the Royal Thai Government (RTG)
is the unitary government of the Kingdom of Thailand. The country emerged as a modern nation
state after the foundation of the Chakri Dynasty and the city of Bangkok in 1782. The Revolution of
1932 brought an end to absolute monarchy and replaced it with a system of constitutional monarchy.
From then on the country was ruled by a succession of military leaders installed after coups d’etat,
the
most recent in May 2014 and a few democratic parentheses. The 2007 constitution (drafted by a
military-
appointed council, but approved by a referendum) was eventually annulled by the 2014 coup-makers
who
run the country as a military dictatorship.
Thailand has so far had seventeen constitution; however the basic structure of government has
remained the same. The Government of Thailand is made up of three branches: the executive, the
legislative, and the judiciary, the system of government is modeled after the Westminster system. All
branches of the government are located within Bangkok, the capital city of Thailand.
Since May 2014 Thailand has been ruled by a military junta , the National council in peace and order
,
which has partially repealed the 2007constitution, declared martial law and nationwide curfew,
banned
political gatherings, arrested and detained politician and anti-coup activists, imposed internet
cencorship and taken control of the media.
7. THAI TRIVIA
1. Thailand’s name in the Thai language is Prathet Thai, which means
“Land of the Free.” It is the only country in Southeast Asia that was
never colonized by a European nation.
2. Thailand is home to the world’s largest gold Buddha, the largest
crocodile farm, the largest restaurant, the longest single-span
suspension bridge, and the world’s tallest hotel
3. In the past, all Thai young men including the kings became Buddhist
monks for at least a short period of time before their 20th birthday.
Today, fewer young men observe the practice.
4. The world’s smallest mammal, the Craseonycteris thonglongyai (the
bumble bat), is found in Thailand
5. Medicine man Hoo Sateow from Thailand has the world’s documented
longest hair at 16′ 11″ long
6. In 1996, two rare “diamond-eyed cats,” Phet and Ploy, were married in a
lavish $16,241 Thai wedding, the most expensive pet wedding in the
world.
8. THAILAND ROUTE 401
Thailand Route 401 is a highway
in southern Thailand. It starts from the west coast of
the Thai- Malay peninsula at an intersection
with Route 4 near Amphoe Takua Pa, Phang Nga
Province.
The route runs eastward through Surat Thani
Province to
the east coast, then southward to Nakhon Si
Thammarat
Province. It ends at Ban Tha Pae, about 10 km north
of Nakhon Si Thammarat town. Route4012then
connects
Ban Tha Pae to Nakhon Si Thammarat town.
9. SUVARNABHUMI AIRPORT
also known as (New) Bangkok International
Airport, is one of two international
Airport serving Bangkok, Thailand. The other
one is Don Maueang international airport
10. GEOGRAPHICAL FEATURES OF THAILAND
There are three main features in Thailand’s terrain: high mountains, a central plain and an upland
plateau. Much of northern Thailand is covered in mountains which extend along the Myanmar boder
to
the Malay Peninsula. The central plain is a lowland are drained by the Chao Phraya River and its
tributaries. This is the country’s principal water systems, which feed into the delta at the head of the
Bay
of Bangkok. The northeastern part of the country consists of the Khorat Plateau. This region is full of
rolling low hills and shallow lakes, which drains into the Mekong through the Mun River. The Mekong
system empties in the South China Sea.
The Chao Phraya and Mekong river systems sustain Thailand’s agricultural economy by
supporting rice
cultivation and providing waterways for transportation. Peninsular Thailand has very different natural
features and is characterized by long coastlines, offshore islands and mangrove forests.
Area
Total: 514, 000 sq. km
Land: 511,770 sq. km
Water: 2,230 sq. km
Thailand uses a unit of land area measurement called the rai, which is 1,600 sq. m
Elevation
Lowest point: Gulf of Thailand 0 m
Highest point: Doi Inthanon 2,565 m
11. CHAO PHRAYA
The Chao Phraya is a major river in Thailand,
with its low alluvial plain forming the centre of
the country. It flows through Bangkok and
then into the gulf of Thailand.
12. MEKONG RIVER
The Mekong is a trans-boundary
river in southeast Asia. It is the world's 12th-
Longest river and the 7th-longest in Asia. From the Tibetan Plateau
the river runs through China’s Yunnan province, Myanmar, Laos, Thailand,
Cambodia and Vietnam. In 1995, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam
established the Mekong River commission to assist in the management
and coordinated use of the Mekong's resources. In 1996 China and
Burma (Myanmar) became "dialogue partners" of the MRC and the six
countries now work together within a cooperative framework.
The extreme seasonal variations in flow and the presence
of rapids and waterfall the Mekong make navigation difficult. Even so, the
river is a major trade route between western China and Southeast Asia.
13. CHIANG RAI
The northernmost city in Thailand, Chiang Rai serves
as the main commercial hub of the Golden Triangle,
which contains the borders of Thailand, Laos and
Myanmar. A busy town offering something for
everyone, Chiang Rai is often used as a base for
exploring the surrounding region. The town itself is
quiet during the day, when most of its package
tourists are out on day trips, but at night the neon
lights flash on and souvenir stalls and restaurants
spring into action.
14. PAI
Once just a quiet village in northern Thailand, Pai is
now a booming town that is part of the Mae Hong Son
Loop stretching between Chiang Mai and Mae Hong Son.
Noted for its picturesque valley and relaxed atmosphere,
Pai is a favored destination among backpackers and
tourists wishing to explore the region. With Pai’s location in
the foothills of the mountains there are several options for
trekking and visiting hill tribes. Also just outside the city
are elephant camps, hot springs and beautiful waterfalls.
Additionally, the Pai River offers tubing and whitewater
adventures.
15. PHANOM RUNG
Sitting on an extinct volcano in northeastern Thailand, Phanom
rung is a Hindu shrine complex regarded for its outstanding
architecture. Located near the village of Nang Rong, this temple
sanctuary was built by the Khmer culture between the 10th
and 13th centuries as a dedication to the Hindu god, Shiva.
Constructed of sandstone and laterite, Phanom Rung was built
to represent Mount Kailash, the sacred home of Shiva. The
complex faces east, and four times a year the sun shines
through all 15 sanctuary doorways. During these events the
park extends its hours, and locals celebrate the Phanom Rung
Festival around the April alignment, with ancient Brahmin
ceremonies and modern sound-and-light shows.
16. RAILEY
Railay (or Rai Leh) is a small peninsula that is only
accessible by boat due to the high limestone cliffs
cutting off mainland access. These cliffs attract rock
climbers from all over the world, but the area is also a
popular attraction in Thailand due to its beautiful beaches
and quiet relaxing atmosphere. Almost every patch of
buildable land fronting in the eastern and western part of
the
peninsula has been taken over by bungalow resorts, and
development is creeping up into the forest behind. But
atleast
there are no high-rise buildings, and much of the
construction
is hidden among trees or set amid prettily landscaped
gardens.
17. CULTURE
Thai Culture in Bangkok Thailand is a country with a long
and rich
history. Thailand is also one of the countries that have
traditions that modern times have fortunately not affected.
Thailand is well known for its unique culture that has been
notorious throughout the world. Thai Culture is best
known known
for its distinctive character. E 'should also be noted
that the
Thai culture has traditionally been delivered from one
generation to the next.
18. THAI CLASSICAL DANCE
The Thai culture includes inspirational music exciting and beautiful
local Thai dances. The culture also includes, of course, the root of
the
Buddhist religion, martial arts, handicrafts and fine clothes.
Thailand Visitors can experience the Thai culture to witness one of
the Thai classical dance. This classical dance Benefits are usually
performed by a pretty lady with beautiful Thai costumes.
These special Thai dances are fortunately still popular in Thailand
and
with the current younger generation of Thai. Most of the tourist
areas
on, and many hotels often offer these special Thai cultural dance
shows
for foreign visitors.
19. THAI GREETING
Unique Thai gesture of greeting other Persons who is Wai,
especially one of the major aspects of culture. The WAI is
when a person takes with both hands on the head or
chest, while slightly bending the tip of their hands.
This type of greeting is done, especially when a younger
person to address an elderly person and is a sign of
respect for the elderly. Officials also Wai their superiors,
even if the supervisor or manager is younger than him, as
the seniority of a person would be respected.
20. TOM YAM GOONG
his is the national aroma of Thailand, thanks to
the generous use of fragrant herbs. Lemongrass,
lime leaves, galangal, and shallots provide the
memorable smells, with chili's and fish sauce
providing the kick. Substance comes in the form of
jumbo shrimp (goong) and mushrooms. The flavor
is a unique combination of spicy hot and sour and
makes for an ideal start to a meal, or - when paired
with rice - a worthy main dish
21. PAD THAI
Thailand's calling card to the rest of the culinary
world, pad Thai doesn't need an introduction. There
are an infinite number of variations on this timeless
tradition, but usually noodles are dressed up with
tofu, bean sprouts, onion, and the brilliant final
touch: peanuts ground to near dust. Pad Thai is a
diner-participation meal; you put on the finishing
touches of fish sauce, sugar, chili powder, and
crushed peanuts to suit your taste.
22. KUAY TIEW (NOODLE SOUP)
Brush up on your chopstick skills and get your
slurping muscles ready, noodle soup is a quick-and-
easy staple of the Thai eating experience. Variations
in ingredients mean ten different vendors could
serve it ten different ways ' making it nearly
deserving of its own top ten list. Noodles ' usually thin,
occasionally broad ' are served up in a broth with just
about any edible meat: pork, chicken, beef, duck, and
seafood being the most popular. One sample and you may
not stop until you've tried them all.
23. SOM TAM
Som tam ' spicy papaya salad ' comes from
northeast Thailand, but it's reached near-cult status
throughout the rest of the country. Slight regional
differences in ingredients means placement on the
sweet-or-sour scale may vary greatly between
restaurants. Common to all recipes is shredded
green papaya and a healthy dose of heat. Barbequed
chicken and lumps of sticky rice are the perfect
companions.
24. GAI MED MA MOUNG (CHICKEN CASHEW NUTS)
Roasted cashew nuts. Sweet soy sauce. Honey.
Garlic. And, of course, chilis ' it would be Thai food
without a little enjoyable pain. Three cheers for the
clever soul that figured out nuts and chicken were a
good mix. A dish this popular must be more than a
little good. Phuket raises the standard with a vast
supply of some of the world's best cashew nuts, and
they're grown locally.
25. GENG KHEAW WAN GAI (GREEN CURRY
CHICKEN)
So what gives green curry its colour? Green curry
paste. Sorry, not an exciting answer, but it is an
exciting dish. Of all the curries, and there’s plenty
of them, the one that’s the colour of American
money is among the spiciest. It’s also the least
like Indian curry; Thailand has a way of making
borrowed food distinctively Thai. The proof is in
the coconut milk.
26. TOM KHA GAI
Possibly the world's most refreshing soup, tom
kaa gai (boiled galangal chicken) combines
coconut milk with lemongrass, galangal ' ginger's
Asian sister ' and chicken. It's a sweet, tame twist
on tom yam goong. On a table filled with
delectable Thai dishes, tom kaa gai stands out;
your spoon will return to this bowl time and again.
27. KAO PHAD (FRIED RICE)
Ah, good old fried rice. On first sight, kao phad
appears to be little more than a big heap of rice;
you call that a meal? But try it. Augmented with
your choice of meat ' shrimp and chicken being
the most popular ' and egg, onion, cilantro, garlic,
and tomatoes, this is rice with hidden secrets.
Spice to taste with chili sauce and enjoy.
28. MASSAMAN CURRY
Massaman is the Thai word for "Muslim", which is
the community to heartily thank for this
concoction of coconut milk, potatoes, roasted
peanuts, bay leaves, sugar, cinnamon, and
tamarind sauce. The meat of choice is often beef
or chicken, but because it's been embraced by
the Buddhists, pork can also be found.
29. KHAO MAN GAI - CHICKEN AND RICE
This is Thailand’s answer to British fish and chips
– an ubiquitous meal served mostly during the
daytime (while stocks last) at special khao man gai
dedicated stalls and restaurants. The chicken is
gently boiled until it is tender then the water is used
in boiling the rice. This means that khao man gai –
apart from being delicious – is high in cholesterol.
Served with a chicken broth and delicious sweet and
spicy sauces, it’s the perfect midday snack.
