Ten Foot Square Asia

For a country that has a history that dates back to thousands of years and has assimilated some of the cultural influences of its neighboring countries as well as the westerners that inhabited, Thailand is filled with many cultural distinctions and facts that make it a great topic for conversation and discussions. Below are some fun cultural facts that should initiate a great start to conversations with friends and fellow tourists when you are in Thailand.

1. The capital of modern day Thailand is Bangkok, but the ancient capital of the country is actually Ayuttaya
2. When it comes to cooking the very delicious Thai cuisine, the locals use fish sauce instead of salt
3. Wat Po is one of the most revered as well as the oldest temple in the whole of Thailand but what most people do not know is that you can also have a very relaxing traditional Thai massage at the temple at very affordable prices
4. In the coastal resort of Hua Hin, one can choose from over 40 different tailoring shops when ordering suits
5. The actual Thai name for the capital of Bangkok is Krung Thep. But it is also known as the City of Angels
6. The Thai people put great respect and reverence to the Royal Family, particularly the King of Thailand. He is so revered that a person who makes even a passing joke about the Monarch can be put to prison.
7. The Thais are averse to being touched on the head, even a child should not be touched on the head. This is because they believe that the soul resides on the head and is thus very sacred.
8. One of the rudest things that a person can do in Thailand is to point with their feet
9. Another cultural quirk and taboo in Thailand has something to do with objects, that is, it is not polite to throw an object at a person across the room. This means that you should present an object carefully to the other person (with both hands if possible), even if it means you having to walk across the room to do so.
10. The reverence of the Thais extend to all statues of the Buddha. These statues should be treated with the utmost respect. When you are approaching a statue that is situated in the open you should remove your shoes. You are also required to remove your shoes when entering any temple
11. When entering a house always remove your shoes, this becomes more important and imperative when you visit houses in the rural parts of the country because the locals there will have lesser understanding of your social faux pas if you do accidentally go inside their house with your shoes on.
12. The Hollywood movie The Beach that starred Leonardo di Caprio was actually filmed in the exotic Thai island of Phi Phi. This beautiful island was devastated by the deadly tsunami that happened last December 2004.
13. One important Thai word that a tourist should know is Mai Pet, this is what he should tell the waiter if he does not want his food to be too hot or spicy.