Thailand may be one of Singaporeans’ top travel spots but how much do you really know about this kingdom of joy?
Many know and love Thailand as the Land of Smiles. After all, with an endless trove of bargain items, delicious street food, and relaxing massages, wouldn’t you be smiling away too?
But there are many hidden facts about this modern empire of enjoyment that have remained little known – until now. Here are six things about Thailand that we bet you didn’t know.
1) Bangkok’s real name is…
We believe that the name “Bangkok” was conceived for purposes of brevity, because, boy, is its original name a mouthful. Bangkok is known to locals as Krung Thep Maha Nakhon.
If you think that’s long, the city has an even longer ceremonial name: Krungthepmahanakhon Amonrattanakosin Mahintharayutthaya Mahadilokphop Noppharatratchathaniburirom Udomratchaniwetmahasathan Amonphimanawatansathit Sakkathattiyawitsanukamprasit.
It wouldn’t even fit into a tweet – we tried!
2) Siamese cats are native to Thailand
No, they aren’t named “Siamese” because they are all born as twins! This beautiful feline species is actually native to Thailand, which used to be called Siam.
Siamese cats are one of the first recognised breeds of the Oriental Shorthair family. In Thai, they are called “wichen-maat”, meaning “moon diamond”.
3) The term “Siamese twins” also comes from Thailand
The term “Siamese twins” also originated from the Thais. The famous Thai-American brothers Chang and Eng Bunker were born joined at the chest, in 1811 in Thailand (then Siam).
There is even a musical based on their story.
“Siamese twins” has since fallen out of use, and siblings with this condition are now more widely known as conjoined twins.
4) Heads are very important in Thai culture
There are a lot of unspoken rules and taboos surrounding the human head in Thailand. For example, all locals must keep their head lower than that of anyone senior to them, age- and work-wise.
For us tourists, keep in mind not to touch anyone – even a child – on the head. It’s also very disrespectful to pass objects over their heads.
We’re guessing that head placement is a matter of hierarchy, and no one likes to be out-ranked by inanimate objects.
5) Feet are also very important
You must also be mindful of your feet in Thailand, but for different reasons than the head. Conversely, feet are considered lowly as they symbolise contact with dirt and human suffering.
So when you visit any temple or eatery here, never sit with your feet directly pointing at a statue or another person.
To be safe, tuck your feet underneath your body.
6) Don’t do this! It’s illegal!
Every country has weird laws but this one truly astounded us. In Thailand, it’s illegal to leave the house without your underwear on!
We wonder how officials can even catch people in the act. By enforcing this law, wouldn’t they be breaking a multitude of privacy or harassment laws?
It’s also illegal to…
If you knew all that, we bet you still don’t know this: It’s also against the law to step on Thai currency!
Can you imagine if someone tossed a handful of Thai notes or coins on the ground during rush hour? Would the locals scatter like panicked birds, or dive straight in for the money?
As much as I’d like to know, I don’t recommend you try this during your next trip!
By Pamela Chow
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