Interesting facts about Thailand

Each country is unique in its traditions and, of course, Thailand is no exception. After some time spent here, we tried to find the most interesting facts about Thai culture and history, habits and customs. It seems to us that the Thai way of life differs significantly from the western one. That’s why we decided to write a short article about the features of this country.
1. Thailand is now 2555
Their summer calculus does not begin with the birth of Christ, but from the day of the death of the Buddha in 543 BC. A number of other Asian countries adhere to the same principle, but all have a time variation.
2. Thais celebrate the new year twice
The first – as usual, January 1. And the second from April 11 to 14. Thai New Year is called Songkran. These days it is customary to drench water from buckets, cannons and water pistols, driving around the city in pick-ups with blocks of melting ice. The most carbonic Songkran takes place in Chiang Mai (where we are now). Here it will last more than a week!
3. The full name of Bangkok is the longest name of the city.
The original name of Bangkok is listed in the Guinness Book of Records. The city is briefly called Krung Tep (“City of Angels”), and its full name is Krung Tep Makhanakon Amon Rattanakosin Mahintarayutthaya Mahadilok Phop Nopparat Ratchatani Burir Udomratchani Makhasatan Amon Piman Avatan Satit Sakkathatiya Vitsanukamkatkamkatkam All this is translated as “City of Angels, great city, city – eternal treasure, impregnable city of God Indra, majestic capital of the world, endowed with nine precious stones, happy city full of abundance, grand Royal Palace, reminiscent of the divine abode, where reincarnated god reigns, city donated by Indra and built by Vishnukarn. ”
4. Red Bull is derived from the Thai energy drink.
The world famous energy drink “Red Bull” is based on the Thai drink “Krating Daeng”, which is popular with tuk-tukers. Cratering Deng means Red Bull (red bull) and was originally called Red Kaur.
5. Thailand ranks first in the number of monks per capita.
In Thailand, more than 32700 Buddhist temples, which are home to about 370,000 monks and novices. It turns out about 1 monk per 170 inhabitants of the country. This ratio is not in any country in the world.
6. Thailand has always been an independent country.
Thailand is the only country in Southeast Asia that has never been a colony. Thais have always lived freely and were not dependent on anyone.
7. Phuket
Phuket is the largest island of Thailand, its length from north to south is 51 km, the greatest width from west to east is 21 km. The island is one of the 77 provinces of the country. The capital of the province is the city of Phuket. According to one version, the name “Phuket” comes from the Malay word “hill”, 70% of the island’s territory is occupied by hills. The ancient name of the island is Jangzeylon. Phuket is a seaside resort of world importance thanks to 35 magnificent beaches located on the island. The top five most popular among tourists include Patong, Karon, Kata Noi, Bang Tao, Nai Harn.
8. Foreigners in Thailand are called “farang”
The word does not bear a negative connotation and came to us from the old old kingdom of Siam, where the French mercenaries were called “kun farangset”. Subsequently, the word was reduced to “farang” and the Thais began to refer to all white foreigners. By the way, the same name in Thai has a Thai green fruit – guava.
9. Thailand – the land of smiles
In Thailand, there are even thirteen officially recognized ways to smile. In Thai smile – yim.
10. Bangkok – the main center of plastic surgery for sex change in the world
In Thailand, plastic surgery is very developed. This was largely due to the “Kato”, or transsexual. Transsexuals from all over the world come to Thailand for this very purpose.