7 things you might not know about Thailand
Thailand is full of small customs and stories that quietly shape everyday life. They are not always obvious at first glance, but once you notice them you begin to understand the country in a deeper and more meaningful way. These little details sit between history and daily routines, between spirituality and practicality. They are the things that make Thailand feel warm, unique and alive. Here are a few that many visitors do not always know, but each one reveals something beautiful about Thai culture.
1. Never step on Thai currency
Every banknote carries the portrait of the King and in Thailand the royal family is held in profound respect. Stepping on money is considered disrespectful not because of the paper itself but because of what it represents. You might see someone drop a banknote and gently pick it up instead of stopping it with their foot. It is a moment that shows how deeply respect is woven into everyday actions. Even small gestures matter.
2. The land of the free
Thailand is often called the land of the free because it is the only country in Southeast Asia that was never colonised. This independence shaped the Thai identity and helped preserve traditions, language and religion. When you walk through temples, markets or old neighbourhoods, you can feel a sense of cultural continuity that has lasted for centuries. Thai people are proud of this history, not loudly but quietly, in the way they protect their customs and carry their heritage forward.
3. Over 35,000 temples with their own character
Temples in Thailand are not just spiritual places, they are living spaces filled with daily activity. Monks sweep the grounds at sunrise, families bring offerings, children run around after school and neighbours come to talk or find a moment of calm. With over 35,000 temples across the country, each one feels different. Some are grand and golden, others are tiny and hidden behind houses. Some echo with chanting, others sit silently in the shade. Visiting different temples shows you the many layers of Thai spirituality and community life.
4. Chatuchak Market, a world of its own
Chatuchak is not just a market, it is an entire universe. One of the largest markets in Asia, it stretches endlessly through sections filled with everything you can imagine. Plants, clothes, ceramics, art, street food, vintage treasures, pets, notebooks, spices, furniture, souvenirs and everyday essentials. The heat mixes with smells from food stalls and the sound of sellers calling out to customers. Getting lost here is part of the experience. It is a raw and colourful expression of Bangkok’s personality.
5. Hands and feet tell their own story
In Thai culture the body carries meaning. Hands are used to greet with the wai, a gesture of respect, gratitude and warmth. When you offer something with two hands it shows sincerity. Feet on the other hand are considered the lowest part of the body and should never point at people, Buddha images or sacred places. This is why you often see people sit with their feet tucked politely to the side in temples. It is a small detail that shows how mindfulness and respect live in everyday movements.
6. Shoes left outside
Before entering a home, a massage shop, a café or even some restaurants, you take off your shoes. It is more than cleanliness. It is a way of keeping the inside space calm and respectful. It preserves the feeling of home. Many travellers find this custom surprisingly comforting. It slows you down and marks the transition from the busy outside world into a gentler, quieter moment. Once you get used to it, keeping shoes on indoors starts to feel strange.
7. The longest city name in the world
Bangkok’s official name is the longest city name on earth. Locals simply call it Krung Thep, the City of Angels. The full ceremonial name is a poetic string of ancient words describing a city of gods, temples and divine protection. Most Thai people cannot recite the whole name but everyone smiles when they hear it mentioned. It is a beautiful reminder that Bangkok is not just a modern city. Beneath the traffic and skyscrapers there is an ancient story, still alive in its language.
Thailand’s charm lives in these details. The more you notice them, the more the country opens up to you in a way that guidebooks can not explain.
