As most well-travelled individuals would readily know, Thailand is undoubtedly one of the most fascinating and breath-taking nations, not just in Asia, but the entire globe. It boosts of intriguing flora and fauna that continually pulls millions of foreign guests each single year. As well been home to numerous captivating manmade attractions that are universally known for their uniqueness and beauty.

The following is a short list of some top ten surprising facts about Thailand you probably never heard of before.

1. To begin with, the capital Bangkok effortlessly stands out from the rest of the pack when it comes to the fact that it is also known to Thais as Krung Thep Maha Nakhorn. However what is more amazing is that its full ceremonial name runs more than 169 characters that would be too long to insert in this article.

2. Bangkok also happens to be the world’s most visited cities, when it comes to the total number of foreign guests who pay it a visit. According to the global destinations cities index, Bangkok registered more than 15 million international arrivals in 2013.

3. One of Thailand’s most singular festivals happens to be the monkey buffet that is held each year right in front of the Pra Prang Sam Yot temple located in the province of Lopburi. More than 600 monkeys are welcomed to partake on at least 2 tonnes of grilled sausages, ice cream, fresh fruits and many other culinary treats. The local population deems this festival as a show of gratitude to these creatures that inhabit the surrounding villages and draw thousands of tourists annually.

4. This nation also makes home for the world’s ninth tallest statue; the great Buddha that is found in the Wat Buddhist monastery located in the province of Ang Thong.

5. Thailand is also home to the world’s tallest stupa; the Phra Pathom Chedi that stands at an imposing 127 metres above the ground.

6. Elephant polo happens to be one of the most popular sports in this country, and the King’s Cup is one of the major events in Thailand’s sporting calendar. The beach resort of Hua Hin is one of the 3 venues where this game is held, the other 2 being in Nepal and Sri Lanka.

7. The town of Kanchanburi is universally famous for its bridge over the Kwai River, which is also part of the Burma- Siam railway. It is estimated that approximately 80,000 to 100,000 individuals forfeited their lives during the course of its erection.

8. Coming back to the capital Bangkok, this city was once upon a time crisscrossed with dozens of canal or “Khlongs” as the local population calls them. And most buildings here once stood on stilts. This fact went on to earn Bangkok the epithet “The Venice of the Far East”.

9. Buddhism happens to be the main religion in Thailand and it is estimated that approximately ninety five per cent of this nation’s population actively practice it.

10. Finally, Thailand also goes down under the world’s records as the only South East Asian country that was never colonized by any European power.

There are many other elements but; the above is an insight with this respect.