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1. Thailand is the only Southeast Asian country that was never colonized by a European country. A century-long diplomatic strategy has kept its sovereignty intact.
2. The country was known as Siam until 1939 (and again from 1945 to 1949). The name Thailand means "land of the free."
3. Thailand is home to the world's smallest mammal, the bumblebee bat.
4. It's illegal to leave your house without underwear in Thailand.
5. Thailand has over 1,430 islands, including the famous Phi Phi Islands, which gained international fame through the movie "The Beach."
6. The Thai language has its own alphabet, derived from the Khmer script and consisting of 44 consonants and 32 vowels.
7. Bangkok's full name is one of the longest place names in the world: "Krung Thep Mahanakhon Amon Rattanakosin Mahinthara Ayuthaya Mahadilok Phop Noppharat Ratchathani Burirom Udomratchaniwet Mahasathan Amon Piman Awatan Sathit Sakkathattiya Witsanukam Prasit."
8. Thailand is the world's leading exporter of rice, and about half of its land area is dedicated to paddy fields.
9. The traditional Thai greeting, the "wai," involves a slight bow with the palms pressed together in a prayer-like fashion.
10. Thailand's national symbol is the elephant, an animal that has played a significant role in Thai culture, history, and royal ceremonies.
11. The King of Thailand, Maha Vajiralongkorn (Rama X), is the world's richest monarch.
12. The country is known for its strict lese-majeste laws, under which criticizing the monarchy can lead to imprisonment.
13. Thailand is one of the world's top tourist destinations, known for its tropical beaches, opulent royal palaces, ancient ruins, and ornate temples displaying figures of Buddha.
14. Muay Thai, a combat sport that uses stand-up striking along with various clinching techniques, originated in Thailand.
15. The Thai New Year, Songkran, is celebrated from April 13 to 15. It's famous for its nationwide water fight.
16. Thailand was the location for the historic 1976 movie "The Man with the Golden Gun," which contributed to the fame of James Bond Island in Phang Nga Bay.
17. Thai cuisine is renowned for its enthusiastic use of fresh herbs and spices, balance of five fundamental tastes in each dish or the overall meal - sweet, sour, salty, bitter, and spicy.
18. Wat Arun, a Buddhist temple in Bangkok Yai district of Bangkok, is named after Aruna, the Indian God of Dawn, and is one of Thailand's best known landmarks.
19. The Golden Buddha in Wat Traimit, Bangkok, is the world's largest solid gold statue, weighing 5.5 tons.
20. In 2019, Thailand began transitioning from a military junta to a civilian government, though the military retains significant influence in politics.
21. Thailand's Lopburi province hosts an annual Monkey Buffet Festival, where over 2,000 kilograms of fruits, vegetables, and other treats are offered to the local monkey population