Facts About Thailand
Thailand Basic Facts
- The capital of Thailand is Bangkok.
- The official name is the Kingdom of Thailand and formerly known as Siam. In Thai, it is Prathet Thai, which means, “Land of the Free.”
- Maha Vajiralongkorn is the current King of Thailand.
- Thailand is located in southeast Asia
- Thailand borders 4 countries: Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, and Myanmar.
- Thai is the official language of Thailand.
- The currency in Thailand is the baht. $1 USD ~ 31 baht.
- Thailand has three official seasons – hot, cool, and wet. The hot season runs from March through to June. April and May are the hottest months of the year.
- 95% of the Thailand is Buddhist, about 4.6% is Muslim and 0.7% are Catholic Christians. The remaining ~1% are Jewish, Hindu and Sikh.
- Major Industries include: tourism, textiles and clothes, and light manufacturing.
Fun Facts About Thailand
- Thailand is the only southeast Asian country that has never been colonized by Europeans.
- There is a monkey festival every November.
- It is against the law to criticize a member of the monarchy.
- All young men used to become Buddhist monks for at least a short time.
- Bangkok’s ceremonial name is one of the longest in the world: Krungthepmahanakhon Amonrattanakosin Mahintharayutthaya Mahadilokphop Noppharatratchathaniburirom Udomratchaniwetmahasathan Amonphimanawatansathit Sakkathattiyawitsanukamprasit. The name means, “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.”
- King Bhumibol Adulyade, who ruled from 1946 to 2017, was the longest-reigning head of state in the world. He also composed Thailand’s national anthem.
- Bangkok was named the world’s hottest city.
History Video About Thailand
Map of Thailand
Color in Thailand on this map of Asia!
Thailand Flag Activity
Flag from HERE
HERE is a fun printable Thailand flag coloring sheet!
Famous Thailand Landmarks
Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn)
Wat Arun is a Buddhist temple along the river in Bangkok. In the morning, the temple showcases beautiful reflections of the sun. It also has stunning colored tile!
Wat Pho (Reclining Buddha)
Wat Pho is a Buddhist temple in Bangkok. It is one of the most important temples in Thailand. It became the main temple of King Rama I, and some of his ashes are placed there. The temple is considered the earliest place of public education in all of Thailand, and is also one of Bangkok’s oldest temples. The reclining Buddha is over 150 feet long!
Krabi
Krabi is an area in Southern Thailand filled with stunning beaches. Many love its beautiful longboats there! There is excellent snorkeling and wildlife, and many nature-oriented activities.
Other Thailand Landmarks:
- Grand Palace in Bangkok
- The Emerald Lake
- Wat Prathat Doi Suthep
- Wat Rong Khun (White Temple)
- Ko Ta Pu
- Damnoen Saduak Floating Market
- Haew Suwat Waterfall
Featured Important Thai Person: Therdchai Jivacate
Therdchai Jivacate is an orthopedic surgeon who is also an active humanitarian. He has provided free prosthetic limbs to many who could not otherwise afford them. He has also developed techniques to make prosthetic limbs from local materials, including using plastic yogurt bottles. By doing this, he was instrumental in developing limbs that were much less expensive but still high quality. He also has made prosthetics for elephants who were injured in landmines!
