Country Spotlight: 5 Kid-Friendly Ways to Learn About Thailand
Where in the world…
Fun Facts
1. Thailand has over 1430 islands. That’s a lot of beaches!
With over 1400 islands, Thailand has plenty of beaches for building sand castles.
2. Tuk-tuks are a popular way to get around crowded cities in Thailand. Essentially three-wheeled motorcycles with a larger back seat and a roof (but no doors or windows), they’re a bumpy but fun ride.
Tuk-tuks are a quick and fun way to get around Thailand’s cities and towns.
3. The ceremonial name of the capital city of Bankok is: Krung Thep Mahanakhon Amon Rattanakosin Mahinthara Ayuthaya Mahadilok Phop Noppharat Ratchathani Burirom Udomratchaniwet Mahasathan Amon Piman Awatan Sathit Sakkathattiya Witsanukam Prasit. The name means “City of Angels” and is the longest name of any place in the world.
Bankok’s ceremonial name is the longest name of any place in the wold. Photo by Milei.vencel via Wikimedia.
4. Thailand’s national symbol is the elephant. A century ago there were 100,000 elephants in the country, now there are only an estimated 2,000 left in the wild.
Thailand’s national symbol is the elephant. Sadly, there are only an estimated 2,000 left in the wild.
5. Siamese cats are native to Thailand, which was formerly known as Siam. In Thai they are called wichen-maat, meaning “moon diamond.”
Siamese cats are native to Thailand, which used to be called Siam. Photo by Karin Langner-Bahmann via Wikimedia.
Read all about it!
This book provides a good introduction to the people, culture, food, animals and sports of Thailand.
How do you say…
Hello … Sa-wùt dee khrap/kha
Good-bye … Sa-wùt dee khrap/kha
Please … Ga-rOO-nah
Thank you … Kòrp-kOOn khrap/kha
You’re welcome … Mâi bpen rai khrap/kha
Yes … Châi
No … Mâi
A glass of red/white wine … Lao wai daaeng/khaao neung gaaeo
* Some of the phrases include two possible endings: the male and female versions. Males use the phrases ending in khrap and beginning in pǒm. Females use the phrases ending in kha and beginning di-chún.
A Taste of Thailand
