Thailand is, as it is called and means, “the city of angels,” one of those places that top the bucket list of almost every traveler looking to travel the world. In this Theravada land, you will find magnificent and sacred temples, beautiful beaches, and all the religious and aesthetic relics that are unique that make this country one of a kind, but what adds to this exclusivity are some fantastic facts about Thailand that will get you hooked to visit this city with all your might. More. Let’s start with the facts about Thailand when European countries were busy conquering nations worldwide.
Also called ‘SIAM.’
Have you ever wondered if a country has another name? Thailand was called “Siam” before 1949. On June 24, 1939, the name of Siams was officially changed to Thailand as part of the country’s development strategies. From 1946 to 1948, the name was changed again to Siam. Finally, in 1949, it was renamed back to Thailand, which has remained so to this day. “Siam” derives from a Sanskrit word meaning “Syam.”
Always Free
Well, that’s one of the facts about Thailand that sets it apart from many other countries. It is the only country in Northeast Asia that was never colonized by a European power. Over the years, Thailand has always negotiated with two high authorities of the time, England and France. The British influenced Burma, and the French-influenced places like Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia. Thailand was caught between these two countries that wanted to own it.
Apart from that, even King Chakkri of Siam had excellent diplomatic skills and caution, which helped them take the necessary steps to convince the western powers to keep Siam out of their rule. However, Thailand lost many territories now called Laos, Cambodia, Myanmar, and Malaysia. After World War II, Thailand became an ally of countries like the United States and Japan and was, therefore, never conquered.
Crowded Bangkok
The current population of Thailand is approximately 65 million people, of which almost 1/10 of Thailand’s population live in Bangkok. Most people in Thailand come from rural class families, but they are always concentrated in metropolitan areas. The ‘UN’ classifies Thailand as an ‘aging society’ with almost a fifth of the population aged 60 or over.
Venice of the East
This is one of the facts about Thailand that everyone knows. In the 19th century, Bangkok was called the “Venice of the East” due to its magnificent, well-carved, managed, and maintained canals of the time. The city’s most famous canals are Khlong Saen Saeb, located in the center of the town. Khlong Phadung Krung Kasem, one of the original canals surrounding the Grand Palace, and Thonburi, the city’s narrow waterways. Even though Bangkok is famous for its road transportation, like tuk-tuk, the channels add a lot to the importance of vehicles in the city.
Hottest City
When it comes to temperature and very hot and humid weather conditions, consider the Thai capital Bangkok as one of them! Bangkok doesn’t have the warmest highs, but there are average highs and lows year-round, making Bangkok one of the hottest cities in the world. It averages around 82 degrees Fahrenheit year-round with very high humidity. The weather remains uncomfortable all year round.
