Thailand
Thailand
- Capital
- Bangkok
- Population
- 69,799,978
- Region
- Asia
- Languages
- Thai
Every year in Lopburi, the local community hosts a massive feast known as the Monkey Buffet Festival to thank the long-tailed macaques for bringing in tourism. Thousands of kilograms of fruits, vegetables, and sweets are laid out on long tables for the monkeys to enjoy. This unique event highlights the deep cultural respect for wildlife rooted in local folklore. It has become a world-famous spectacle that celebrates the harmonious, albeit chaotic, coexistence between humans and primates.
Currency
The national currency is the Thai Baht, identified by the ISO code THB. It originally began as a unit of weight for silver, and until the late 19th century, the currency was issued in the form of unique silver spheres known as 'bullet coins'.
Flag symbolism
The Thai flag, known as the Trairanga, consists of five horizontal stripes in red, white, and blue. The outer red stripes represent the land and the blood shed by the people to maintain their independence. The white stripes symbolize the purity of the country and the Buddhist faith which guides national life. The central blue band, which is twice the width of the other stripes, stands for the monarchy and is considered the auspicious color of the King.
Emblem history
The national emblem of Thailand is the Phra Khrut Pha, depicting the mythical Garuda which serves as the mount for the Hindu god Vishnu. This divine creature symbolizes the sovereign power of the Thai monarch and was officially adopted in its current form by King Vajiravudh in 1911. The figure of Garuda has been a symbol of royalty in the region for centuries, predating the formal establishment of modern heraldry. It is used on government documents, currency, and as a sign of royal appointment for distinguished businesses.