So you decided to travel to Thailand? Great choice! Thailand is an amazing and diverse country and no matter where you go – to the tropical south or to the cultural north – you’ll be charmed by its beauty.
There are a few basic things that everyone should know before visiting Thailand, like when to go, where to visit or what to pack. You can read all about them in my: “Useful things to know before visiting Thailand” blog post.
But there are also a few interesting facts about Thailand that you won’t find in blog posts or articles. Except from this one!
Did you know that Thais are currently living far in the future, that Bangkok’s real name is actually quite long or that you should never talk about…?
No? Then keep reading because everything will be revealed in this blog post and these interesting facts will make your trip to Thailand even more attractive…or a bit more scary. So let’s dig in to:
21 fascinating facts about Thailand that will surprise you!
Starting with…
1. Thais live in a different year.
Yes, the year in Thailand is different. Thais use the Thai Lunar Calendar which is based on the Buddhist Era. So when you come to Thailand you’ll live 543 years in the future. How cool is that?
So don’t be surprised when doing research on Google and seeing a number everywhere: 2565. That’s 2022.
Although Thais know Gregorian Calendar dates too and you can easily use them in official documents.
2. The King is off limits.
The king and his royal family are admired by Thai people. You’ll quickly realize that after seeing the photos of the king and his wife all over the country. Making jokes about the king and his family will not only be frowned upon, but it can actually put you in jail! Offending and threatening the monarchy in any form is a crime in Thailand. So do yourself a favour and don’t mention him at all.
3. You could get scammed.
Just like anywhere in the world, there are always people trying to make an easy buck (or baht) off your ignorance. But during my almost 4 months in Thailand, I experienced a scamming attempt only once: by tuk tuk drivers in front of the Royal Grand Palace and Wat Phra Chetuphon (Wat Pho) in Bangkok.
What did the scam involve? There are a lot of tuk tuk drivers around this area and when they spot tourists, they tell them that today the Royal Grand Palace is closed and they can take you on a private tour showing other great places. Or that there’s currently breakfast/lunch/dinner break in Wat Pho and you’ll do better if you visit another temple with them during this time.
None of that is obviously ever true. They just want you to pay them for a private tour. So be aware of those scams and always check Google for the opening hours. Google is always right! Ok, not always, but usually.
I personally haven’t experienced any scams at Patong in Phuket or at Khao San Road in Bangkok, but I’d be also super careful in those places.
4. The national anthem is played daily.
Well, some sources with facts about Thailand say even twice a day, but I never heard the afternoon one.
8 am one is a sure thing though. First time I experienced it, it was at a market. When 8 am struck, everyone stopped what they were doing to pay their respects and sing along. Apparently, Thai National Anthem is broadcast across all television and radio stations as well as public places like schools, train stations, shopping malls and yes, markets. You’ll also have to listen to it in the cinema. It’s played before every screening.
5. Bangkok’s real name is incredible.
Did you know that Bangkok is not really called “Bangkok”? Its actual full name is the longest city name in the world and you have to learn how to say it, because otherwise no-one will know which city you mean.
Ok, gotcha! That’s obviously not true. I don’t think there are many foreigners who could actually pronounce: Krung Thep Mahanakhon Amon Rattanakosin Mahinthara Ayuthaya Mahadilok Phop Noppharat Ratchathani Burirom Udomratchaniwet Mahasathan Amon Piman Awatan Sathit Sakkathattiya Witsanukam Prasit.
Easy, right?
But if you want to impress your Thai friends, you can call Bangkok: Krung Thep, which translates to ‘City of Angels’,
6. Being a pedestrian is dangerous.
If I had to name the one thing I hated about Thailand it would be traffic. Or plastic usage…I can’t decide. But the fact is, that traffic in Thailand is insane. And constant. It doesn’t take a break. And the worst part is, that as a pedestrian you have no rights! No-one will stop when you want to cross the street. You just have to go for it and pray for the best. What is more, in most places you won’t find any pavements, or if they are there, they’re very narrow. So walking is very difficult.
Luckily, if you actually drive a scooter or a car, it’s pretty safe. It might seem that Thai people drive like “crazy”, but in my experience it’s all quite controlled.
7. Chinatown in Bangkok is the biggest in the world.
That’s a useful fact about Thailand for pub quizzes. Chinatown in Bangkok is in fact the biggest Chinatown in the world. Weirdly enough, because Chinese are not the biggest foreign community in Thailand. But visiting Bangkok’s Chinatown was definitely a highlight of my Bangkok stay.
Yaowarat Road is the main route through the neighbourhood. At night it becomes a heaven of street food (not for vegans though) and glowing neon sings. By day, the connected streets and alleyways are a shoppers paradise with everything and anything you could want.
8. As a tourist you’ll definitely pay more.
That’s one of the not so budget friendly facts about Thailand. When visiting most of the tourists attractions you’ll quickly notice two prices: for Thai people and for tourists. Guess which one is higher.
Well, it kind of makes sense that tourists pay more as most tourists have higher incomes than locals. So get your cash out, suck it up and pay the price.
9. SIM cards are super simple.
Wifi is available in hotels and cafes throughout the country, although hotels still seem to have lower speeds and the quality reduces the further you are from major cities. But when you’re out and about in the streets looking for that next Insta location you’ll do yourself a favour by getting a Sim card for your phone. You can get them directly when you land at any of the airports, although I found that the prices were lower if you bought from a mall or kiosk in the town where you start your trip.
I can highly recommend AIS, I used their service for the 3 months I stayed in Thailand and very rarely was out of service and the data was fast and completely unlimited.
10. Apps are essential.
Speaking of technology, there are a few apps that you absolutely have to download after you land in Thailand. Ok, you don’t have to, but they will make your life easier. Starting with:
- Grab – Grab is the Asian Uber that covers taxis, food deliveries, parcels, groceries and almost anything you can imagine. I personally don’t think you can survive in Thailand without the Grab app.
- Line – Line is an Asian instant messenger (like WhatsApp). It might not seem essential, but it “saved our lives” a few times as majority of Thai people and companies use it as their main method of communication.
11. You will find a new best friend.
7-Eleven will be your best friend in Thailand!
What is 7-Eleven you ask.
7-Eleven is a chain of convenience stores/mini supermarkets, that are literally on every corner of every street in Thailand. If you can’t spot a 7-Eleven, you must be…not in Thailand. Ok, or on the beach or in the jungle. But they are literally everywhere and despite being of smaller size, they are pretty well equipped. They can satisfy your every whim. In some of them you can even find vegan microwave meals that are pretty tasty.
12. Food will blow your mind and your taste buds.
It takes some time to get used to, but in my opinion Thai cuisine is one of the best in the world. There are a few dishes that you absolutely must try during your time in Thailand. So let’s dig in!
Khao Soi is a curry noodle soup from the North of Thailand. Comprised of Noodles, a coconut based liquid and topped with fried noodles, mustard pickles and shallots. It’s full of deep, rich flavours and delightful textures.
This is my forever favourite Thai dish, and there was a week or two, when I had it almost every night. And I’m still drooling when thinking about it.
Pad Thai is supposedly the national dish of Thailand, but it’s not that old. It was created in the 1930s to counteract a shortage of rice. Now there are hundreds of Pad Thai variations, but all use noodles and beansprouts. It’s a popular and tasty dish you can find anywhere in Thailand.
Tom Yum is a hot and sour soup normally made with shrimp or pork. It uses the classic Thai staples of lemongrass, chilies, galangal and kaffir lime leaves.
Green Papaya Salad is an incredible spicy salad in which the main ingredient is unripe green papaya. It is often made fresh, in front of you on street food stalls with the chef preparing all the ingredients in a large pestle and mortar.
Funny note
What was a bit shocking to me in the beginning was, that a lot of Thai dishes include what I’d call: cheap supermarket noodles, but they’re always made fresh and taste amazing.
13. Thais eat with a fork and a spoon.
Speaking of food, if it’s your first time in Thailand, you might be surprised by the fact that a knife won’t be a part of your cutlery set. Not even chopsticks. When having a traditional Thai dish, you’ll be handed a spoon – as your main utensil (you keep it in your right hand) and a fork to push the food onto your spoon.
14. There can be hidden costs to your meal.
Actually a few hidden costs, but let’s start with service charge that is usually added to your bill and can be as high as 10%. It’s obviously not everywhere, but be aware that a fee like that exists. Luckily tipping is not really a thing in Thailand, so you don’t have to worry about it.
Another hidden cost comes with paying by card. Most of the places, where you actually can pay with card (there’s not many) will charge you 3% fee. One fee, second fee…it’s better to stick to street food.
15. Food is not as cheap as you think.
Well, Thai food is cheap. Especially Thai street food. But if your favourite breakfast includes avo toast, baked beans, or anything that’s “western”, you’ll pay “western” prices. Basically, everything that is imported will cost you more. The same with the prices in the supermarkets. You love cheese, camomile tea or Lindt chocolate – be ready to pay a small fortune for these and all the similar products. So do yourself a favour and fully embrace Thai food.
16. Alcohol is expensive.
Ok, I don’t mean a “beer bucket” on Khao San Road (a backpackers street) in Bangkok. If you don’t know what a “beer bucket” is, count yourself lucky. But the fact is, that all the classic and in-house special cocktails will cost you the same as in “western” countries. The same with wine and craft beer. But oh well, if you pick a place with a view, like Mahanakhon Bangkok Skybar, the price is totally worth it.
17. Thais respect their money.
Money in Thailand must be treated with respect. Mainly because it bares the face of the king. Stepping on Thai Baht can actually put you in jail. But tossing and playing with money is also considered rude and disrespectful. Money should be handed unfolded, with either both or a right hand.
18. Girls can encounter some difficulties.
Ok girls, don’t be scared, that’s nothing serious. Well, depending how serious waxing is to you, because you might have trouble finding somewhere to get it done. Or if you do find it, it won’t be the cheapest. Finding waxing products in supermarkets can also be difficult. The same with tampons. Well, yes, you’ll find all those things in bigger cities, in larger supermarkets with imported sections, but small, local stores won’t be selling tampons. Another thing, pay attention to the type of lotion you want to buy. Apparently Thai girls like to have their skin brightened, because there are a lot of lightening lotions out there. So read what you’re buying.
19. You might be disgusted by one thing.
That’s one of the weirdest facts about Thailand…
If you haven’t travelled to Asian countries before, you might be slightly repelled by the fact, that in most places you’d be ask to throw your used up toilet paper to the bin instead of the toilet. Yeah…I found it a little bit disgusting in the beginning, but apparently the pipes that carry the waste from the toilet can easily get blocked with toilet roll, so you gotta do what you gotta do.
tip!
Speaking of toilet paper, always carry it with you. Ok, maybe not a roll of a toilet paper, but at least some tissues. Most of the public toilets have no toilet paper.
20. Thai massages are for the brave.
I’m ashamed to admit it, but during my almost 4 months in Thailand, I didn’t go for a Thai massage. Listening to my boyfriend’s painful stories successfully put me off from getting one myself. Obviously it all depends on the place you go to, on the person who gives it to you and on your definition of what’s pleasant, but from what I heard, classic Thai massages are not very relaxing. The fact that you have it done with clothes off, should be the first warning.
21. You’ll still see tourists riding elephants.
One of the sad facts about Thailand is that riding elephants is still a popular tourist attraction. Why shouldn’t you ride elephants? Because it’s evil and it’s animal abuse. Those are my arguments, but I advise you to read a blog article that explains what cruelty makes it possible to ride the elephants (since they are WILD animals) and why bathing with them or feeding them isn’t any better. Read it and don’t do any of those.
Warning: if you’re a normal (by normal I mean, not like putin) person, this blog post will make you cry.
Uff, ok, again, that’s a lot facts about Thailand to remember. But combined with my: Useful things to know before visiting Thailand blog post, you get a full guide on what to expect and how to behave during your trip to this fascinating country.
Which of the 21 facts about Thailand was the most funny/shocking to you?
Leave me a comment.
If you have any questions, post them in the comments or hit me up on Instagram.
Hi, it’s Aga, the author of this blog. If you found this blog post interesting, entertaining or useful, please think of buying me a virtual coffee to support the site’s running costs. But if you know me, I might actually spend it on coffee 🙂 Thanks!
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