Facts About Thailand

Posted by Mari Nicholson Dec 21, 2006

1. Ayuttaya is the ancient capital of Thailand.

2. The Thais use fish sauce instead of salt.

3. You can have a traditional Thai massage at the oldest and most revered temple in Bangkok, Wat Po, for less thatn £10.

4. There are over 40 tailor shops in the coastal resrt of Hua Hin.

5. "The Beach" starring Leonardo di Caprio was filmed on Phi Phi Island which was badly affected by the tsunami in December 2004.

6. The Thai name for Bangkok is Krung Thep but it is also known as City of Angels.

9. The King of Thailand is regarded with great reverence and even a passing jokey remark can result in a term in prison.

10. Never touch a Thai on the head, even a child. This is where the soul resides and is considered sacred.

11. Never point with your feet, probably the rudest thing you can do.

12. Never throw something across the room. Even if it means walking across the room with it, do so and present it (in both hands if possible) carefully.

13. Treat all Buddhist statues with great reverence. Remove shoes if approaching an open-air statue. You will have already removed your shoes if you are in a temple.

14. If you don't want your food too hot, tell the waiter you want it "Mai Pet".

15. Always take your shoes off before entering a house, especially in the poorer parts of the country where they will have less understanding if you don't.