There are about 237,639 Thais that call the United States home. Many of which have made their home in communities where other Thai people live. This has created micro-communities where Thai culture is celebrated and passed down to future generations.
This could be having Thai catering from one of our Thai restaurants in Seattle at an event, celebrating holidays, or performing other traditions. There are many wonderful parts about Thai culture that many people are unaware of.
Check out these five fun facts about Thai culture that you may not be aware of.
1. The Food
Did you know that some of the best Thai food in Seattle won’t be found in Thailand? Several foods were invented in Thailand but are now only found in the United States. This includes American fried rice, Kanom Krok Singapore, Kanom Jeen, Kanom Tokyo, and Lod Chong Singapore.
2. Thai Dowry System or Sin Sord
Traditional Thai weddings include a dowry process. The amount paid depends on the family’s agreement, social status, and financial ability.
Things have changed in modern times, with many families not requiring this part of the marriage ceremony. Other families will return the dowry to the married couple after the wedding.
3. Take Your Shoes off
If you’re ever invited to someone’s house before going out to eat Thai food in downtown Seattle, take your shoes off. Leave your shoes at the entrance of the home. This is considered polite because your shoes pick up dirt and grime from walking around on the street.
4. Beer With Ice
It’s common to see people drinking beer with a bucket of ice when you grab Thai food in Thailand. The weather in Thailand is sweltering, so it’s standard to bring a bucket of ice when someone orders drinks.
5. Longest City Name in the World
You probably know the capital of Thailand as Bangkok. But this isn’t the actual name of the city. Locals refer to it as Krung Thep, but even this isn’t the officially recorded name.
The official name of the city is the longest name of a city in the world. It’s 169 letters long.
“Krungthep Mahanakhon Amonrattanakosin Mahintharayutthaya Mahadilokphop Noppharatratchathaniburirom Udomratchaniwetmahasathan Amonphimanawatansathit Sakkathattiyawitsanukamprasit”
This translates to: “The Great City of Angels, the Supreme Repository for Divine Jewel, the Great Land Unconquerable, the Grand and Prominent Realm, the Royal and Delightful Capital City full of Nine Noble Gems, the Highest Royal Dwelling and Grand Palace, the Divine Shelter and Living Place of the Reincarnated Spirit”
Celebrate the Thai Culture
The easiest way you can celebrate the Thai culture is by enjoying a delicious meal with friends and family. Check out our local restaurants in the Seattle area and try some of the traditional Thai foods.
You can even order Thai food at one of our restaurants and eat Thai food tonight!