{"product_id":"100-things-you-probably-didnt-ferdinand-astley-9798189427206","title":"100 Things You Probably Didn't Know About Thailand: Surprising History, Culture, Food, and Curiosities from the Land of Smiles","description":"\u003cp\u003eThailand is a kingdom of contradictions: the only Southeast Asian nation never colonized by a European power, a devoutly Buddhist society where spirit houses and astrology thrive alongside temple offerings, and a country whose street food vendors have earned Michelin stars.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003e100 Things You Probably Didn't Know About Thailand\u003c\/i\u003e takes you far beyond the beaches and temples of the average guidebook. Across ten chapters and one hundred bite-sized entries, you'll discover: \u003c\/p\u003eHow two 19th-century kings out-maneuvered European empires to keep Siam free\u003cbr\u003eWhy Thai Buddhism coexists comfortably with spirit houses, sacred trees, and astrology\u003cbr\u003eThe real story behind Pad Thai, a dish deliberately invented by government decree\u003cbr\u003eWhat actually happens during the world's largest water fight\u003cbr\u003eWhy Thailand has survived roughly twenty coups since 1932\u003cbr\u003eThe strange law that makes disrespecting a banknote a criminal offense\u003cbr\u003eHow a tiny street stall selling crab curry earned a Michelin star\u003cp\u003eWhether you're planning a trip, love trivia, or simply want to understand one of Asia's most fascinating countries on a deeper level, this book delivers one hundred genuinely surprising, well-researched facts - no filler, no fluff, just Thailand's history, culture, food, and quirks distilled into an entertaining read.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eAuthor:\u003c\/b\u003e Ferdinand Astley\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eISBN-13:\u003c\/b\u003e 9798189427206\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003ePublisher:\u003c\/b\u003e Independently Published\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eLanguage:\u003c\/b\u003e English\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003ePublished:\u003c\/b\u003e 07\/27\/2026\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003ePages:\u003c\/b\u003e 234\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eFormat:\u003c\/b\u003e Paperback\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eWeight:\u003c\/b\u003e 0.70lbs\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eSize:\u003c\/b\u003e 9.00h x 6.00w x 0.53d","brand":"Ferdinand Astley","offers":[{"title":"Paperback","offer_id":49084366061823,"sku":"9798189427206","price":12.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"url":"https:\/\/www.whiterainbookhouse.com\/products\/100-things-you-probably-didnt-ferdinand-astley-9798189427206","provider":"WR Book House","version":"1.0","type":"link"}