Thailand Interesting & Amazing Facts
Some of the facts are strange, peculiar, and downright amazing!
Thailand is home to the World's Largest Flower
The world's largest flower is the Rafflesia which can be found in the Khao Sok National Park's unique habitat. This tropical plant's varieties produce the world's most enormous flowers, measuring up to 90cm in diameter and weighing up to 7kg. Unfortunately, Rafflesias is one of the stenchiest flowers on the earth, with an odor like rotten meat since flies pollinate them.
The Capital City Bangkok's Long Ceremonial Name
Bangkok is the foreign title for the capital; however, Thai people call Bangkok "Krung Thep," the shortened version of the city's full name. Bangkok's real name comprises Pali and Sanskrit root words.
Thailand is home to The World's largest Mammal
Thailand has both the smallest and the largest animals. The whale shark, which can grow up to 40 feet long and be the size of a school bus, can be found deep beneath the ocean nearby. So if you visit the islands in April, you might catch a glimpse of whale sharks.
Thailand is home to The World's Smallest Mammal
Craseonycteris thonglongyai, the world's tiniest mammal, is found only in Thailand. This bat is about an inch long and weighs about two grams. It is also known as Kitti's hog-nosed bat or the bumblebee bat.
Thailand is home to the World's Largest Solid Gold Buddha
Wat Traimit in Bangkok has the world's giant gold Buddha. Phra Phuttha Maha Suwana Patimakon's 15-foot-tall golden statue is a magnificent sight. The 5.5-ton statue costs millions.
Thailand is 543 Years Ahead
Thailand is 543 years ahead of most other countries. Thailand uses the Western calendar too, but the Buddhist calendar is official. Buddha died and entered Nirvana in 543 BC. Therefore, 2022 is 2565 in Thailand. Thai ID cards and 7-Eleven receipts use the Buddhist calendar, so that you may notice this difference in the year in some places.
Every Thai Person is Called by Their Nickname
Thais have long, intricate names. Instead of their formal name, they are given a ('chue len') nickname at birth. It may be an abbreviation of their legal name or a short name the parents enjoy. International names like Beckham, Beer, and Mint have become more widespread in recent years.
The First Conjoined Twins to Gain International Attention
Why are conjoined twins called Siamese twins?
Chang and Eng Bunker were conjoined brothers born in 1811 in Siam. When they first arrived in England to be shown in a circus, they were called "The Siamese Twins." They were connected at the breastbone by a small piece of cartilage, a type of connective tissue.
Relevant
Go to kidsenglishthailand.org/teacher-training-program-thailand to read about Meaningful Work and Travel Teaching Positions starting in May 2023 with teacher training in April 2023.
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