Stories, culture & place

Thailand Culture and History

14 Articles

Stories, places and cultural details worth looking a little closer at.

14 articles

Thai Khon Masks Explained: Characters, Colours and Craft Thai Khon Masks Explained: Characters, Colours and Craft Read the story Who Is Thotsakan? Thailand's Ten-Faced Demon King Who Is Thotsakan? Thailand's Ten-Faced Demon King Read the story Hanuman and Suvannamaccha: The Mermaid Story From Thailand's Ramakien Hanuman and Suvannamaccha: The Mermaid Story From Thailand's Ramakien A white monkey dives into the sea because somebody keeps stealing his rocks. He finds an underwater army doing it. Their leader is a mermaid and, to make... Read the story Who Is Hanuman in Thailand? The White Monkey Warrior of the Ramakien Who Is Hanuman in Thailand? The White Monkey Warrior of the Ramakien If you have seen a white monkey with a wide open mouth in Thai murals, masks or classical performance, there is a very good chance you were looking... Read the story Ramakien vs Ramayana: What's Different in Thailand's Version? Ramakien vs Ramayana: What's Different in Thailand's Version? Calling the Ramakien "Thailand's Ramayana" is a useful way to explain it quickly. Phra Ram is Rama. Nang Sida is Sita. Thotsakan is Ravana. The central rescue story... Read the story What Is the Ramakien? Thailand's National Epic Explained What Is the Ramakien? Thailand's National Epic Explained If you have travelled around Thailand, there is a good chance you have already seen the Ramakien before anyone explained the name to you. That was certainly true... Read the story Why Does Durian Smell So Bad? Why Does Durian Smell So Bad? You can smell a durian before you see it. I am not exaggerating. Open one and the smell can fill a room fast. Some people say onion, some... Read the story How Many Temples Are There in Thailand How Many Temples Are There in Thailand How many temples are there in Thailand? Explore official 2025 statistics, province rankings, regional totals, royal temples and abandoned temple data. Read the story How Many People Visit Thailand Every Year? How Many People Visit Thailand Every Year? How many people visit Thailand each year? See the latest annual tourist arrival figures, 2015-2025 data, top markets, revenue and COVID recovery trends. Read the story 10 Cultural Facts About Thailands White Elephant 10 Cultural Facts About Thailands White Elephant 10 Culturally Interesting Facts About Thailand’s White Elephants Written by Jack Cyphus | Founder of CITTRA Collective Travel Enthusiast & Cultural Lover There are many things special about... Read the story Where is Thailand Where is Thailand Where is Thailand and why do so many backpackers start there? Discover Thailand’s location, why it’s so popular, and what makes it such an exciting first trip. Read the story History of Pad Thai History of Pad Thai Discover how Pad Thai rose from wartime street food to Thailand’s national dish — politics, rice shortages, propaganda, and culture behind the plate. Read the story History of Wat Arun History of Wat Arun Go beyond the architecture. Uncover how trade scraps became sacred art and why Wat Arun remains the spiritual anchor of the Chao Phraya. Experience a deeper side of... Read the story The White Elephant of Thailand The White Elephant of Thailand Learn about Thailand’s sacred white elephants and why the Chang Phueak is such a powerful symbol of royal history, Buddhist tradition, and Thai culture. Read the story