Kingdom of Thailand
Under several different names, the Kingdom has been around since 1238. It has previously been known as Sukhothai, Ayutthaya, Thonburi, and most recently as Siam.
The country is bordered on the west by Burma (Myanmar), to the north by Laos, to the east by Cambodia, and to the south by Malaysia. The Andaman Sea is also to the west, and the Gulf of Thailand to the east.
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About Thailand
Most Thai citizens practice Buddhism. Actually, about 95% of the population are Buddhists! In Buddhism, every male is expected to become a monk for a part of his life!
Thailand has a tropical climate, and is known for its monsoons. The country consists of many different rivers, including the Mekong. The tallest mountain is Doi Inthanon, at 8,415 ft!
Phuket was damaged during the 2004 Boxing Day tsunami. Several beaches were damaged and many lives were lost.
Thailand produces 6.5 million tons (13 billion pounds) of rice annually! Rice is the most important crop in the country!
There are currently 264 mammal species in Thailand. 41 of these are recorded as endangered species, including the Asian Elephant and the Lar Gibbon.
The most popular sport in the country is Muay Thai, or Thai Boxing. They also enjoy rugby, golf, and soccer.
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Thailand Money
Currency: Thai Baht
*$1 US will get you 30 Thai Baht
Denominations of the Thai Baht are:
Learn Thai Phrases!
Hello sa-wat dee
Thank You khorb koon
You're Welcome mai-prn rai
How are you? bpen yàang rai bâang?
Goodbye laa gòn ná
Excuse me kun kráp
Thai Numbers!
one nueng
two song
three sam
four see
five har
six hok
seven jed
eight bad
nine gao
ten sib
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Thai Script!
While many Thais can read the English alphabet, they use Thai Script to write the Thai language.
It has 44 consonants and 15 vowels! Also, it isn't known as an alphabet--its called an 'Ambugida'
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Animals
Asian Elephant: The males are up to 10 ft tall and weigh 12,000 lbs, and the females are 8 ft tall and weigh 9,200 lbs. They have been used for agriculture for centuries, and are very important in Thai ceremonies!
Indochinese Tiger: They live in secluded forests in hills and mountains. They can weigh up to 420 lbs!
Binturong: About the size of a cat, they make chuckling sounds when they are happy and utter a high-pitched wail if annoyed.
Asian Giant Tortoise: They are the largest tortoise in mainland Asia. Also, it is believed that they are the most primitive of living tortoises!
Burmese Python: One of the 6 largest snakes in the world, they are often found near water but can also be found in trees.
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Fun Facts
Bhumibol Adulyadej, known as Rama IX, is the King of Thailand. He has reigned as King since June 9, 1946, and is currently the world's longest-serving King! He is also the longest-reigning monarch in Thai history!
Bangkok currently holds the Guinness record for having the longest name of a place. Apparently “Bangkok” is just the short version because the city’s ceremonial name is “Krung Thep Mahanakhon Amon Rattanakosin Mahinthara Yuthaya Mahadilok Phop Noppharat Ratchathani Burirom Udomratchaniwet Mahasathan Amon Piman Awatan Sathit Sakkathattiya Witsanukam Prasit." This translates roughly translates to “Great City of Angels, Repository of Divine Gems, Great Land Unconquerable, Grand and Prominent Realm, Royal and Delightful Capital City Full of Nine Noble Gems, Highest Royal Dwelling and Grand Palace, Divine Shelter and Living Place of Reincarnated Spirits."
The energy boosting beverage Red Bull has its origins in Thailand and was originally called Krating Daeng, or Red Gaur (a type of ox).
All Thai money and stamps have the face of the King on it. It is considered offensive to lick a stamp, because you would be licking the face of the King!
Siamese cats are believed to originate in Thailand!
