71. The well-known slang word for a gay, ladyboy-like guy 'toot' is English in origin. The word in fact, entered the Thai language after the success of the 1982 movie 'Tootsie' starring Dustin Hoffman.

72. The Thai lese-majeste law also applies to foreign heads of states. So, if you come to Thailand and say something patronizing or insulting about the likes of the Queen of England or George W Bush, you can, in theory, be sentenced to imprisonment!

73. The popular Thai dish 'Phat Thai' (Thai-style fried noodles) was believed to have actually been invented by the wife (La-iad) of anti-Chinese PM dictator Field Marshall Phibulsongkram at the beginning of the Second World War. According to a biography of La-iad, her husband had asked her to "Dish up a tasty noodle dish (with Vietnamese origins) and call it Thai and not bloody Chinese".

74. King Chulalongkorn the Great (Rama V), in the late 19th century, banned the act of crouching (bending down low in servility) in front of members of the royal family in public. The practice of crouching to royalty was only revived by Field Marshall Sarit Dhanarajata during his stint as prime minister (1957-1963).

75. The name Bangkok is in fact Thai, meaning 'Village of Olives’. In the past, before the name was changed to Krungthep - Bangkok referred to the eastern side of the Chao Phraya and Thonburi on the west. Foreigners didn't like the word Krungthep and stuck to saying Bangkok. In the Thai southern dialect, they still say Bangkok (Bang – gawk) instead of Krungthep.

76. Khao Kheow in Sri Racha in Chonburi Province is the only visible mountain from Bangkok. Have a look for it the next time you are on an expressway in the capital and especially going in the Bang-na/Suvarnaphumi Airport direction!

77. Contrary to popular belief, Thailand does not mean 'Land of the Free'. It does in fact mean 'Land of the Tai/T'ai Peoples'. The original name Siam was changed to Thailand by FM Plaek Phibulongram as part of his plans to re-conquer what Siam had lost in the past. A completely far-fetched idea as the Tai/T'ai peoples are spread throughout Southern China, North-eastern India and as far east as Vietnam. Unfortunately, FM Plaek hadn't realized that.

78. Meaning "one hundred and one", Roi Et is a province in the north-east of Thailand named after the city's gates and satellite cities. However, there are only eleven city gates and satellites cities. The province should have been called "Sip Et" but to exaggerate the importance of the place it was decided to call it "Roi Et".

79. Published originally in the 1940's, So Sethaputra's “New Model English-Thai Dictionary” is recognized as the most famous Thai-English dictionary written. Sethaputra, did however, compile the dictionary during his 11 years in prison as a political prisoner soon after the events of 1932.

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61. The most viewed directly Thailand related video posted on YouTube is the clip of the un-edited fight sequence in the movie Tom Yum Kung. The video has been viewed, as of 21 September - just short of 3,500,000 times. Some movie experts have claimed it to be the greatest fight scene in the history of films.

62. Thailand's first strip-shows were in Had Yai in 1953. They were ordered by none other than FM Phibunsongkram himself as part of a drive to Westernization he began that year. Worried the strip-shows may be just too intoxicating for the natives if left to their own devices, Phibun made it law they must be located in temple grounds under the auspice of monks.

63. The well-known Thai-English word 'Butterfly' widely used in bar-beers for people that 'play around', was not originally imported by Westerners. It is believed that the word was in fact imported by the Japanese during their WW2 occupation. The word 'Butterfly' in Thailand derives from the name of the 15 year-old Japanese Geisha (nickanamed 'Cho-Cho' = 'Butterfly') in the opera 'Madame Butterfly' who marries an American sailor. The Japanese also imported the bar-beer/go-go bar word ‘mama-san’ meaning the ‘big boss’ (or owner of a brothel!)

64. Thanon Mittraphap (Friendship Road) in the north-east of Thailand, was built with financial assistance from the U.S. It is the first highway in Thailand to meet international standards, and use both asphalt and concrete.

65. The most valuable Thai Baht banknotes ever printed were the special edition 500,000 Baht ones issued in the year 2000 to commemorate HM The King and Queen's 50th wedding anniversary.

66. Grandfather and grandson - King Chulalongkorn (Rama V) and King Ananda Mahidol (Rama VIII) share the same birthday - September 20.

67. Thailand's Kings - Top 5 Fathers (number of children)
1. King Mongkut (Rama IV) = 82
2. King Chulalongkorn (Rama V) = 77
3. King Loertla (Rama II) = 73
4. King Nangklao (Rama III) = 51
5. King Phutthayotfa (Rama I) = 42

Others: King Rama VI had just one, Rama VIII & Rama VII had none and King Rama IX has four.

68. The Late Princess Galyani was born in London on May 6 1923. On Her UK Birth Certificate she is named, ‘May’.

69. The world’s largest ever cremation took place in Bangkok over 7 days in December 1997 when over 21,000 bodies were burned. The bodies were those of people killed in road accidents or other fatal incidents and left unclaimed over the previous 10 years.

70. According to the latest up-dates from Forbes, Chaleo Yoovidha the founder and co-parter of Red Bull energy drink is Thailand's richest man with a fortune of approx. 4 Billion USD.

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51. Now, most folk know that the movie about King Mongkut, 'The King and I' is banned in Thailand. In 1985 however, HM The King and Queen went to see 'The King and I' on Broadway! (Stephen)

52. In November 2005, during an official trip to India, HRH Princess Sirindhorn was denied entry to a famous Hindu temple in Bhubaneshwar in Eastern India because she was a foreigner and a Buddhist! (Stephen)

53. The Mien are the only hill tribe to have a written language.

54. The most expensive Buddhist Amulets are 'Somdej Wat Rakhang'. Some of them, around 150 years old, are valued at more than 30 million baht.

55. Thailand sent a 1300 strong expeditionary force to France in 1918.This act gave Siam a seat at the Versailles Peace Conference which was used as a platform to regain its full sovereignty in the 1920's- including the right to impose its own laws on foreigners and set import tariffs.

56. Former actress Jim Sara, is Thailand's very first ladyboy that is officially registered as 'Miss' in Thailand. But she is also the very first Thai ladyboy to ever get legally married - in New Zealand. Read her story here

57. The Marxist historian, author and finally Communist - Jit Poomisak, was the first person to refuse to attend his graduation ceremony to receive his degree from HM The King.

58. The Thai Royal Anthem (Sansoen Phra Barami) was composed by a Russian, Pyotr Schurovsky. Prior to the 1932 revolution, it was the Thai National Anthem.

59. Queen Sunandha, First Consort to King Rama V (and a daughter of King Mongkut!) was killed in a tragic boat accident on the Chao Phraya River. It is said that no-one dared rescue her while she was drowning, as it was strictly prohibited that no commoner touch such a high-ranking royal! King Rama V was supposed to have been terribly upset that no-one rescued her and ordered in a new regulation that allowed commoners to touch a high-ranking royal in times of such incidents!

60. Thailand's Loy Krathong (in its present form) is not what it is taught, an ancient festival originating during the Sukhothai era, 700 years ago. It is in fact, a newly invented tradition, made up by the Department of Fine Arts at the end of the 19th century.

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41. Even though he was the 13th Prime Minister of Thailand, M.R. Kukrit Pramoj is more famous for his artistic skills; not only was he an established writer, he also wrote the legendary novel 'The Four Reigns', was once named 'National Artist' for literature and even founded The Siam Rath newspaper. On top of all that, M.R. Kukrit, 12 years prior to becoming the Prime Minister, played the part of the 'Prime Minister of Thailand' alongside Marlon Brando in the movie 'The Ugly American'.

42. After the revolution of 1932 and the overthrow of absolute monarchy, the monarch of that era King Rama VII abdicated and moved to England. For the last three years of his life in England prior to his death in 1941, King Rama VII a fervent gardener, was glad to spend his time happily helping other neighbours with their gardening duties.

43. The Thai greeting Sawatdee (or Sawasdee) is derived from the Sanskrit - Svasti. Svasti, meaning 'well-being' is called in English 'Swastika'. The word Sawatdee is Hindu in origin.

44. In the late 17th century, the country's most powerful man second only to the king (King Narai) was a Greek.Constantine Phaulkon was Thailand's Foreign Minister and played the part of Prime Minister.

45. Thailand's national anthem was composed by a German, Peter Feit.

46.Roundabout July 22’ Ask any Bangkokian to the origins of the name of this well-known roundabout and there is a big chance that he won't have a clue. It was in fact, named after the date in which Thailand entered World War I and declared war against Germany and Austria-Hungary - in 1917.

47. Thai soldiers were killed in World War I. It is claimed that Thailand's nurses were the only women to have served in the trenches of the Western Front. In January 1920, Thailand became a founding member of The League of Nations.

48. There's a square near Harvard Square dedicated to the King's Honor. It is the only such square in the United States that honors a foreign monarch.

49. Before The King married Queen Sirikit, it was decided that HM too, in accordance to official procedures, had to sign a register stating his actual 'occupation'! At first some government officials wished that his occuption be listed as 'King' but others wanted simply 'Government Official'. After a long debate, it was decided that HM's occupation be described as 'Ruler of the Country'.

50. As you will probably know, Thailand's white elephants have always been considered auspicious and used in numerous traditional ceremonies. One discontinued tradition however, is feeding white elephants from the bare breasts of young women.

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31. Suvarnabhumi also holds the record for 'longest airport project in history!' First planning of the new Bangkok airport dates back to 1960.

32. The original name for the new airport, before it was changed to Suvarnbhumi, was 'Nong Ngoo Hao'. The name was changed as the original
1. Didn't have a very good meaning (superstition) and 2. No foreigner would ever be able to pronounce it properly!Say that again - Nong Ngoo Hao - what a tongue twister!

33. Thailand is the only country in the world where Scouting was directly founded by a monarch.

34. In 2005, Bumrungrad Hospital treated 400,000 foreign patients—the highest of any hospital in the world—from more than 150 countries.

35. Just one kilometre north of Ko Tao is the beautiful island of Ko Nang Yuan, the only place in the world where three islands are joined together by a sandbar.

36. 'Victory Monument' in Bangkok was built in 1941 by PM Phibulsongkran to celebrate a brief defeat of the French in Indochina the previous year. The name of the monument however, does not live up to much of a victory. Just four years later and with the defeat of the Japanese, Thailand was forced to hand, what it had won - back to the French!

37. Ancient City (Muang Boran), south of Bangkok, is billed as the largest open-air museum in the world.

38. In 1939 the country changed its name from Siam to Thailand. In 1945 the country changed its name from Thailand back to Siam. In 1949 the country changed its name again from Siam to Thailand. It is the only country in the world to change its name 3 times in 10 years.

39. Thailand is the largest producer of pineapples in the world.

40. In 1955, it supposedly snowed in Chiang Rai!

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21. It is illegal in Thailand for men (and women of course) to go bare-chested in public. You must wear a top at all times!

22. It is illegal in Thailand, to leave your house if you are not wearing underwear.

23. After spending the night together (unmarried couple) the female is entitled to ask the man to marry her - and give a dowry. If the man doesn't want to get married, the women is entitled to seek compensation ie....money.

24. The man is entitled to sue his new wife in a court of law and get his dowry back, if it is found that the bride had had sex with another man before, and so - not a ‘virgin’ at the time of marriage. (Stephen)

25. Since 1939, it has been illegal to NOT stand-up for the national anthem.

26. The tablet form of the drug 'Methamphetamine' is known as Ya-Ba (Crazy Medicine).More popular though, is its original name 'Ya-Ma' which translates as 'Horse Medicine' Contrary to popular belief that the slang came from 'having the power of a horse', the name did in fact come from the logo which was printed on the pill when it was once legally sold over the counter in Thailand (banned in 1972). Methamphatamine, sold in its original form and distributed by the pharmaceutical company 'Wellcome' had its logo of a horse's head stamped on each tablet.

27. "Red Bull", the popular energy drink found in many places throughout the world, is based on the Thai soft drink "Krating Daeng" much favoured by Thai Tuk-Tuk drivers.

28. King Mongkut (King Rama IV) was the first Asian monarch to be fluent in English, both spoken and written.

29. The first ever shower in Thailand (as most may think of a shower anyway) can be found at Vimanmek Mansion in Bangkok.

30. Built on a marsh known as Cobra Swamp, 15.5 miles east of Bangkok, Suvarnabhumi (pronounced "Su-Wana-Poom") boasts the world's biggest passenger terminal under a single roof and the tallest control tower.

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Love it or loathe it, our nation’s capital is a kaleidoscope of colours, crowds, crack-pots and characteristics which are sure to have a serious effect upon anyone’s nervous-system and leave them with a flurry of upbeat emotions. To say that Bangkok is not Thailand is like summing-up that London is not England or Paris is not France.

Everyone knows that Bangkok ranks right up there in the world’s top five for a series of innumerable feats, including for example, the amount of taxis per person, drivers fleeing the scenes of accidents and the excruciatingly long-time length of its red-lights. A while back, while watching one of me favourite morning chat shows, us viewers were informed that Bangkok now ranks third in the world for the amount of Billboards that plaster the city like the plaque.

For all the women in search of the perfect man there is an assortment of advertisements telling them what is needed: ‘get a nose job’, ‘use armpit whitening lotions’ and ‘have a zitless forehead’. Then for us lonely men needing a wife and two kids, it is statutory that we buy ‘a new house’, ‘a flashy new car’ and ‘a thoroughly fancy set of new furniture’, stressed-out cause of the finances involved? Nevermind, there are dozens of billboards advertising ‘Bury yer problems! Big loans o-the-spot – guaranteed!’

The major concern, concerning the billboards is the darned awkward size of them and so a major public safety concern - should one fall down! Countless times over the past couple of years has it hit the news headlines to the likes of ‘Sidewalk beggar banged on head and hospitalized by big billboard’. I remember a couple of years back after a series of recent accidents, the former PM decided that all ‘dangerous and over-sized’ billboards be taken down in one month! More than 2 years later we’re still waiting!

The same was said about the now near legendary New World Department Store in Banglamphu. Almost a decade ago now, after parliamentary deliberation, it was decided that this shopping centre was a serious health risk and that the owner had illegally added 7 floors without building permission. After a floor collapsed and a couple of dodgy deaths, the owner was ordered to knock-down the top seven floors immediately. Rather short-of-cash, the owner just didn’t have enough money and prolonged the demolition by taking the matter to court. Then about 3 years back, the infamous New World Department Store hit national headlines yet again with the likes of ‘8th floor of New World collapses, lots injured and one fatally’. Today, the dangerous wreck is still there to the fear of the Banglumphu populace with warnings plastered around the building with the likes of ‘Darned dangerous place, enter at you own risk’.

Nearly every foreigner on arriving at Bangkok’s Don Muang airport and on riding into town has been perplexed to those enormously useless concrete pillars which stretch for miles on the right-side of the highway. They are of course the ‘Stone Henge’ of Bangkok and are the ruins of a once Hope-Well Co, Ltd. construction project, who on having run into a stream of contractual problems half way through completely gave the project up to the eye-sore of the capital. They will probably be there for the next ten thousand years.

My dear award for ‘mega-mission construction cock-ups’ is afforded to the company that built Thonburi’s tallest condominium blocks. For all of you familiar with the areas surrounding Pinkalo bridge may well have wondered why on earth those two soaring twin-towers are and always have been virtually unoccupied for the past decade. Well, the condo company on having spent billions of baht completing the project didn’t have the brains to realise that the top 30 floors looked over the Grand Palace and most importantly The Emerald Buddha! The Ministry of Culture soon declared it a virtual-sin for any Thai wishing to relax with a beer and have their feet swung over the balcony with the nation’s most revered Buddha Image in view!

One Bangkok feature that certainly isnt in any ‘Unseen Thailand’ brochure has to be the precarious condition of Bangkok’s buses. Every year the government is out there on national TV advising all the capital’s 'supposedly selfish car owners' to ‘use public transport’ and that includes the buses! Well, I’m sure a darned lot more people would use the buses if all the passengers weren’t so squeezed on with rough looking bus-conductresses constantly bellowing to the likes of ‘Chit Noi, chit noi’ (Move-up, we can fit another hundred people on!).

The capital’s bus drivers, famous not only for their consumption of ‘Energy drinks’, falling asleep at the lights and driving like lunatics are also famed for fleeing the scene after a passenger has been run-over by the buses’ back-wheel after they fell off the bus when the driver decided to take off before the passenger had actually got safely into the thing. I’ve heard governments raving and ranting over the years about the so-called deadly drivers that curse the roads but all the end results have been ‘Well… what else do you expect when employing the drunks at 200 baht a day? Michael Schumacher?

Tortured at the furnace-like heat of a Bangkok bus and red-lights that change once every quarter hour, there have been more than just a few people who have certainly ‘lost their rag’ and that includes the capital’s traffic police. One, a few years back, who on trying to manage the hellish Silom/Rama IV junction literally ‘blew his nut’ and turned all the lights green at the same time and left for home! So, there for the next hour is complete chaos at this downtown junction with half the cars piled on top of each other! This certain traffic police officer soon struck it lucky and was immediately transferred to one of those most enviable of job positions ‘inactive duty’, where he has nowt else to do but sign-in and read a cartoon-book all day long.

Then, there was one traffic police officer a few years back who decided to put on a bit of a show for all those infuriated drivers stuck at the red-lights. So, there he was dancing around for a few months juggling his gun in the middle of the road and being interviewed by all the news stations about this certainly ‘unique act’. The gun-juggling officer was so popular with the local drivers that a bunch of other so-called officers impressed by his skills were soon out there copying the likes of him all over the capital. That was until the Head of Bangkok’s Traffic cops put an end to it all after he declared that ‘just one too many accidents had occurred’ what with the drivers more interested in the cops juggling skills than the car actually in front of him!

Not only famed for scolding the capital’s taxi drivers parked illegally outside of shopping malls all day, the officers have made quite a name for themselves by helping the local motorists pay their traffic violation fine ‘on-the-spot’ instead of all that hassle of paying the fine at the station. Realizing that this can be quite a ‘money-making-scam’ I can remember the story of two villains over the past few years (one just last month) who had been arrested for ‘impersonating a cop’. Supposedly, the cop-wanna-bes had taken it upon themselves to buy a cop outfit and then flag-over as many motorists as they could possibly do in order to sucker money out of them. That was until one of them unfortunately tried to score some money out of the district police chief’s wife!!