Joanna James
Famous around the world for its unique sights smells, and easy-going locals, Thailand also carries fascinating peculiarities and quirky rituals that succeed in attracting the attention of its many visitors. Here are five fun facts about Thailand that you have to know.
On the 11th of May 1811, the first-ever conjoined twins, Chang and Eng Bunker were born in a province near Bangkok. Their conjoined status did not keep them from getting married to two different women, who were also sisters. One couple bore ten children while the other had eleven. Initially, the two couples lived together while sharing a big bed that was made for four. However, after many years of marriage, two separate households were established. The Siamese twins ended up spending three consecutive nights at each home until their demise in the 1870s.
Bangkok is not only Thailand's largest city, but it also houses one-tenth of the country's entire population. However, these facts are rivalled by Bangkok's ceremonial name, 'Krungthepmahanakhon Amonrattanakosin Mahintharayutthaya Mahadilokphop Noppharatratchathaniburirom Udomratchaniwetmahasathan Amonphimanawatansathit Sakkathattiyawitsanukamprasit.' The name roughly means 'City of angels, the great city of immortals, magnificent city of the nine gems, the seat of the king, city of royal palaces, home of gods incarnate, erected by Visvakarman at Indra's behest.'
Yet another fascinating and fun aspect of Thailand is its Lopburi Monkey Banquet that is held annually in November. During this festival, locals pile up mountains of fruit platters, rice, salad, and even ice-cream, which is then offered to over 600 monkeys to feast until they're full. The reason behind this festival is a belief that good luck will follow if one treats these furry creatures of the jungle with respect. The locals also interpret this as a form of gratitude to the monkeys, who attract tourists to the city, bringing a lot of revenue into the country. If you're staying at a serviced apartment in Bangkok the likes of Chatrium Residence Riverside Bangkok during November, head over to the area where this festival is held for a memorable experience.
The swiftlet nests, which are made from the strands of the saliva of the male cave-dwelling swiftlet bird, have a unique briny flavor. These are used to make one of the most mind-blowingly expensive and coveted delicacies in the world. These nests are collected from Thai caves and are sold at exorbitant rates, probably at more than 900 USD per pound. It is said that this dish offers a long and extensive list of health benefits to those who can afford it.
The Cryptotora thamicola, also known as the blind, waterfall climbing cavefish, doesn't behave like a normal fish. It actually uses its two front fins and back fins to propel itself up a waterfall. As if that isn't strange enough, it also uses its fins to crawl on land the same way other four-footed animals do. This fish a remarkable skeletal adaptation that has never been observed in any other fish before.
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