10 fun and interesting Thailand facts

1. The tallest waterfall in Thee Lor Sue

Standing an estimated 250 meters (820 feet) high, the Thee Lor Sue waterfall is the highest waterfall in Thailand. Unfortunately, its exact height has never been studied, leaving its true height a mystery. Located in the Mae Hong Son province, the Thee Lor Sue waterfall is a popular tourist destination, offering visitors a chance to experience the beauty of Thailand's natural landscape.

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2. The Land of the Free: Thailand's Independence and Freedom

Thailand is known as the "Land of the Free" due to the fact that the word "Thai" in the Thai language translates to "free man". This phrase is deeply rooted in the country's culture and history, and is a source of pride for the Thai people. It is a reminder of the country's independence and freedom, and is a symbol of the strength and resilience of the Thai people.

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3. The Unofficial Name Change of Siam to Thailand

. In 1939, the country formerly known as Siam changed its name to Thailand, though this change was seen as unofficial and was reversed in 1945. However, the name change was not to last, and only a few years later, in 1949, the country was officially renamed Thailand, a name which has remained ever since.

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4. The King of Thailand's Diamond Jubilee

The King of Thailand, Bhumibol Adulyadej, is estimated to have a net worth of an astonishing 30 billion US dollars, making him the world's richest king. His presumed treasury chest includes the Golden Jubilee Diamond, the largest faceted diamond in the world, weighing in at an impressive 545.67 karats. This diamond is a symbol of the King's immense wealth and power, and is a testament to the grandeur of the Thai monarchy.

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5. The History of the Baht

In Thailand, the currency is the Baht. Initially, the Baht was fixed on a silver basis, with 1 Baht being equal to 15 grams of silver. However, in 1902, the Thai government decided to increase the value of the Baht, thus changing the silver-based system. This decision was made in order to make the Baht more valuable and to help the country's economy.

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6. Doi Inthanon: The Roof of Thailand

Standing tall at 2565 meters (8415 feet), Doi Inthanon is the highest peak in Thailand and is aptly nicknamed "The Roof of Thailand". This majestic mountain is a popular tourist destination, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape and a variety of activities such as trekking, camping, and bird watching. It is also home to a variety of flora and fauna, including rare species of birds, butterflies, and plants.

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7. The Vanishing Elephants of Thailand

Once upon a time, Thailand was home to an estimated 100,000 elephants, but today, due to poaching and habitat destruction, that number has dwindled to a mere 5,000. This is a drastic decrease in the elephant population, and it's a tragedy that has been occurring for the past century. The Thai government has taken steps to protect the remaining elephants, such as creating sanctuaries and increasing penalties for poaching, but more needs to be done to ensure that these majestic creatures don't become extinct in Thailand.

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8. 69 Years of Life, Beauty, and Fun in Thailand

The average life expectancy of a person living in Thailand is 69 years, providing them with a good quality of life and a chance to experience the beauty of the country. Thailand is known for its stunning beaches, lush jungles, and vibrant culture, and its citizens are able to enjoy these wonders for an average of 69 years. With a strong healthcare system and a focus on healthy living, Thailand is a great place to live and enjoy life.

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9. The Vibrant Display of Thai National Identity

The Thai flag is a vibrant display of the country's national identity, with five horizontal bands of red, white and blue. Red stands for life, white for the Buddhist faith, and blue for the monarchy, symbolizing Thailand's unofficial motto "Nation, Religion, King". This motto is a reminder of the importance of the three pillars of Thai society, and the flag is a powerful symbol of the country's unity and pride.

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10. The Orchid Paradise of Thailand

Thailand is the world's leading exporter of orchids, with a staggering value of 33.47 billion US dollars in 2014 alone. This is no surprise, considering the country is home to an estimated 1,500 different species of orchids, making it a veritable paradise for orchid lovers. With its diverse climate and rich soil, Thailand is the perfect place for orchid cultivation, and its orchid exports are a testament to the country's horticultural prowess.