Thailand

Notable facts

• Thailand is the only Southeast Asian country never colonised by a European power; its old name, Siam, changed in 1939.
• Bangkok’s full ceremonial name is the longest place name in the world.
• The Thai calendar counts Buddhist Era years, currently around 543 years ahead of the Gregorian year.
• Thailand is one of the world’s largest exporters of rice and natural rubber.

World Heritage 9 sites

• Historic City of Ayutthaya 1991 · Cultural
• Historic Town of Sukhothai and Associated Historic Towns 1991 · Cultural
• Thungyai-Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuaries 1991 · Natural

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National dish

Pad thaiผัดไทย Rice noodles fried with tamarind, fish sauce, egg, tofu and dried shrimp, with peanuts and lime.

Promoted nationally in the 1940s as part of a campaign to modernise Thailand. Tom yum and som tam are more common on Thai tables.