Uncover 11 Hidden Fun Facts About Thailand

Thailand is a Southeast Asian country famous for its beaches, mountain ranges near Chiang Mai, Buddhist temples, and cultural icons like Siamese cats, Pad Thai and Muay Thai. It has 156 national parks (as of 2025), including Khao Yai National Park, home to 350+ rare species like elephants and gibbons.

Rustic Pathways has operated in Thailand for nearly 40 years with local experts like our Southeast Asian Regional Manager Keegan in Chiang Mai.

Before you trade your Thai currency and buy a ticket to join a service trip with us, let’s explore 11 fun facts about Thailand

Rustic Pathways student Olivia Venneman enjoys the rain outside Mahathat Temple in Ayutthaya, Thailand.

1. Thailand is Called the Land of Smiles

Thailand is called the “Land of Smiles” because Thai people greet others with warm smiles. In Thai culture, smiles are a way of communicating, with over a dozen variations, including joyful, teasing, and disagreeing smiles. Visitors often find Thai people welcoming and friendly.

Copyright: © 2013 Rustic Pathways

2. Elephants Play an Important Role in Thailand’s Economy and Culture

Elephants are revered in Thailand and are considered the country’s national animal. Elephant images are incorporated in many art works and were featured on the Thai flag until 1917. White elephants in particular are significant in the country, since they are associated with royalty and symbolize strength and power.

Northern Thailand is particularly known for its elephant sanctuaries and conservation efforts, where visitors can learn about and interact with these majestic animals.

A Rustic Pathways student enjoys enrichment activities with an Asian elephant in Thailand. Copyright: © 2017 Rustic Pathways

A Rustic Pathways student enjoys enrichment activities with an Asian elephant in Thailand. 

The elephant population was large in Thailand in the early 20th century. It’s estimated there were about 400,000 elephants in the nation. Then the human population boomed and the logging industry exploded, leading to tremendous habitat loss.

Elephants were used as tractors to pull the logs, effectively destroying their own environment. That deforestation took a major toll, leading to mudslides and causing the elephant population to dwindle to less than 7,000.

In 1989 the government responded by putting a moratorium on logging. Conservation centers were created to support the elephants that had been negatively affected by the logging industry.

Today, nonprofits like Rustic Pathways Foundation provide support to these conservation centers. And student travelers can help with care taking duties during specialized travel programs.

3. Bangkok is a City with Unique Characteristics

Bangkok, Thailand’s capital, is a great city that holds the Guinness World Record for the longest place name: Krung Thep Mahanakhon Amon Rattanakosin… meaning “City of Angels.” Known as the “Venice of the East,” it has 1,682 canals, originally used for transportation and markets. In 2021, Bangkok was the world’s most visited city.k was the most visited city in the world in 2021.

Part of its charm is that the city has a series of canals called khlongs. Its 1682 canals gave the city the title “Venice of the East.” Bangkok was built on swampland, so a number of the canals serve as drainage conduits. Also, many buildings in the region were constructed on stilts because of the water.

4. Buddhism Plays a Major Role in Thailand

Buddhism is central to Thai culture, with about 35,000 temples and over 200,000 Buddhist monks. Around 93% of Thailand’s population follows Buddhism, influencing traditions, symbols, and artwork. The Thai flag’s white represents religion, and the Great Buddha of Thailand, over 300 feet tall, is the country’s largest Buddha statue.

Visitors should respect Buddhist customs, such as removing shoes before entering temples and avoiding touching others’ heads, which are considered sacred.

5. Thailand is the Only Southeast Asian Country That was Never Colonized

Thailand is the only country in Southeast Asia that was never colonized by any European nation, unlike other Southeast Asian countries. Its name, Prathet Thai, means “land of the free” in the Thai language.

A key reason was the country’s role as a neutral zone between British and French colonies. King Chulalongkorn’s reforms in the late 1800s, including centralizing power and creating a standing army, helped maintain independence.

6. Muay Thai is a Cultural Treasure

The ancient martial art of Muay Thai, also referred to as Thai boxing, has helped shape the image of Thai warriors. Thailand’s national sport instills discipline and practical self-protection skills and is steeped in the history and culture.

Muay Thai is called the “art of the eight limbs.” The reference refers to the hands, feet, knees and elbows. The martial art is traced back to the Sukhothai dynasty around the 13th century. Soldiers were taught the practices so they could defend the country in cases of unarmed combat.

The practice spread across the country, so that men, women and children learned its techniques. Muay Thai focuses on a commitment of mind, body and soul with a focus on respect and honor.

Rustic Pathways students learn Muay Thai during their student travel program.

In the 1930s, Muay Thai spread as a sport and rules were created. Safety gear like boxing gloves were also added as Muay Thai competitions grew. Today travelers to Thailand can take Muay Thai lessons. The country also celebrates Muay Thai Day every year on March 17th.

7. Social Graces are Important in Thailand

Social graces are highly valued in Thailand. Visitors should dress conservatively, especially in temples, and remove shoes before entering homes or temples. Avoid touching people’s heads, using feet to move objects, or making certain hand gestures.

Greetings often involve a respectful wai gesture. Criticizing the monarchy is both rude and illegal, and standing still for the national anthem is expected.

8. Thailand has some unusual celebrations

Thailand hosts unique celebrations, including the Songkran Festival (April 13-15), famous for nationwide water fights marking the Thai New Year. The Lopburi Monkey Banquet Festival (November) offers two tons of food to sacred monkeys. The Surin Elephant Round-Up showcases elephants playing soccer, painting, and performing tricks.

9. You Can Easily Test Your Taste Buds with Thai Cuisine

Thailand is known for its diverse Thai food, offering 5,000 rice varieties, including jasmine rice. Popular Thai dishes include mangoes, fresh coconut milk, Pad Thai, and Pad See Ew.

Adventurous eaters can try fried crickets, which taste like salted chips, or durian, a controversial fruit known for its strong odor and unique flavor.

10. Legend has it that Bangkok’s Airport is haunted

Bangkok’s airport is believed to be haunted due to its construction on former swampland and a graveyard. Locals claim spirits of snakes and a former caretaker linger there.

Despite a nine-week cleansing ritual by 99 monks, workers still report ghost sightings. Some visitors even credit spirits for lottery wins.

11. Astrology, Folklore and Spiritual Beliefs are Widespread in Thailand

Many Thais consult fortune tellers using astrology, palm readings, and tarot cards. The country has royal astrologers, and King Maha Vajiralongkorn’s 2019 coronation included a horoscope reading.

Thai people believe in spirits, with miniature spirit houses offering shelter to guardian spirits. Folklore describes “phi” spirits in nature and the Naga as a water guardian. Offerings are made for blessings and protection.

If you want to learn more interesting facts about Thailand, join us on a student travel program. You can visit the Rustic Pathways Thailand page for more details or contact one of our travel advisors.