Animals in Thailand - Animal Species in the Land of Smiles

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Thailand's wildlife and marine life are among the most diverse in the world. In Thailand you will find many animal species that are foreign to us in Europe. These include elephants, monkeys, flying foxes, snakes, reptiles and even tigers. Thailand is also bordered by two seas - the Andaman Sea to the west and the Gulf of Thailand along the east coast. There you will find marine animals such as sharks, dolphins, manta rays and turtles. Below I have put together the most important information about animals in Thailand with the most important animal species. Because I have had my own experiences with exotic creatures in the past.

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On my last visit to Thailand I stayed in a particularly idyllic hotel in the middle of the jungle. The bungalows were surrounded by dense rainforest that stretched far and wide around this resort. Living in the middle of nature was a unique experience for me.

But the most incredible moment was always in the evening, when darkness fell - because then the trees and bushes completely came to life. The wildlife in Thailand is simply incredible. If you come from Europe, where you occasionally see a deer standing in the field, you will hardly believe how many creatures live in such a small area.

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Discover animals in Thailand on a jungle safari.

Tropical flora and fauna

Thailand is located in tropical latitudes near the equator. This not only ensures that the temperatures are high all year round and the sunlight is intense. Many people know the country for its wonderful beaches Thailand. But the flora and fauna in the Land of Smiles is at least as fascinating:

The country has a particularly rich biodiversity Wildlife with many exotic animals like Elephants, monkeys, flying foxes, snakes, reptiles and even tigers as well as a diverse flora with huge, living rainforests. And of course the tropical seas, which boast a biodiversity that we in this country can only dream of. Manta rays, turtles and various Shark species in Thailand live in the seas alongside millions of colorful fish and impressive corals that populate the reefs.

If you are an animal lover, Thailand is a destination where you will get your money's worth. But as always, not everything that glitters is gold: Of course, there are also disgusting and poisonous animals on site that you might want to stay away from.

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My experiences with animals in Thailand

Over the years I have had a lot of experiences with animals in Thailand - most of them positive, but also a few unpleasant ones. I don't think I've had as many animal encounters anywhere else in the world as in Thailand. I have already visited elephants in a rescue center, watched the monkeys on Phuket and snorkeled with sharks in the Andaman Sea.

My encounter with a banded monitor lizard

On Koh Phangan a 1,5 meter long banded monitor lizard ran in front of my moped. I didn't even know what to do. The animal just sat on the street and looked at me. Because it was sitting lengthways on the road, I turned around and drove away. Monitor lizards don't really bother me that much.

Between Phuket Town and Koh Sire: The monkeys live in the swamp. Photo: Sascha Tegtmeyer
Between Phuket Town and Koh Sire: The monkeys live in the swamp. Photo: Sascha Tegtmeyer

The most beautiful thing was my encounter with the elephants in the Phuket Elephant Sanctuary – that was really an extraordinary experience. I was able to observe sharks in Thailand while snorkeling off a remote island. These were blacktip sharks that came surprisingly close to shore. My experience with the monkeys in Phuket Town was also very fascinating - there is a swamp where the animals live and can be observed up close.

Cockroaches are often encountered

Of course there were also unpleasant experiences with animals in Thailand. Guess which one. Exactly – with cockroaches. The little animals are part of the cityscape almost everywhere. You have to expect them, especially in cheaper accommodations. In more expensive hotels you may be lucky if you don't meet anyone.

See elephants up close at the sustainable Phuket Elephant Sanctuary. Photo: Sascha Tegtmeyer
See elephants up close at the sustainable Phuket Elephant Sanctuary. Photo: Sascha Tegtmeyer

In public - for example at food markets - or around food stalls, you can be relatively sure that there are animals out there somewhere. Overall, animals in Thailand are simply amazing. Essentially, you can take an entire wildlife viewing trip to see Thailand's animal species.

Animals in Thailand - Animal Species in the Land of Smiles

Thailand is one of the most biodiverse regions on the planet. It borders Myanmar to the northwest, Laos to the northeast, Cambodia to the east and Malaysia to the south. Thailand's wildlife and marine life are among the most diverse in the world. In Thailand you will find several animal species that are foreign to us in Europe. These include elephants, monkeys, flying foxes, snakes, reptiles and even tigers.

Wildlife in Thailand: Flying fox hangs in the tree during the day and sleeps. Photo: Sascha Tegtmeyer
Wildlife in Thailand: Flying fox hangs in the tree during the day and sleeps. Photo: Sascha Tegtmeyer

Thailand is also bordered by two seas: the Andaman Sea on the west and the Gulf of Thailand on the east coast. There you will find sea creatures such as sharks, dolphins, manta rays and turtles. Below I have compiled important information about wildlife in Thailand with some of its most important animal species.

1. Elephants

Elephants are fascinating and majestic animals that play an important role in Thailand's history and culture. They are revered as sacred and are closely linked to Buddhism and Hinduism. They are also a symbol of luck, wisdom and strength. Unfortunately, elephants in Thailand are critically endangered.

Destruction of their natural habitat, illegal hunting for their ivory and conflicts with humans have dramatically reduced their populations. It is estimated that only about 3000 wild elephants remain in Thailand.

2. Monkeys

Thailand is a paradise for monkey lovers. The country is home to more than 20 different species of primates that live in the country's diverse ecosystems. The most famous are the macaques, which are often seen near people. They are very intelligent and adaptable, but also cheeky and sometimes aggressive.

That's why you shouldn't give them garbage or food because that can lead to problems. In addition to the macaques, there are other fascinating monkey species in Thailand, such as the gibbons. These slender and agile animals are the only monkeys that can swing from branch to branch using their long arms. They live in the canopy of rainforests and are known for their loud and melodious song.

3. Birds

If you are a bird lover, you will love Thailand. The country is a birdwatcher's paradise as it is home to more than 950 different species of birds, accounting for about 10% of the world's bird diversity.

Some of these birds are very rare and only found in Thailand, such as the white-bellied hornbill, the blue-winged pitta or the giant pitta. Others are simply spectacular to see, such as the colorful kingfishers, parrots and bee-eaters, or the majestic eagles, vultures and falcons.

4. Tiger

Tigers are fascinating and majestic animals that are unfortunately threatened with extinction. There are only about 160 tigers left in the wild in Thailand, mostly in the dense forests and mountains of the national parks. One of these national parks is Khao Yai National Park, which is about three hours from Bangkok.

Khao Yai National Park is the oldest and second largest national park in Thailand and offers a diverse range of flora and fauna. In addition to tigers, you can also see elephants, monkeys, deer, bears and many species of birds here.

5. Fruit bats

If you're out and about in the forests of Thailand, you might be lucky enough to spot flying foxes. These animals are bats and are the largest of their kind. They have a wingspan of up to 1,7 meters and can weigh up to one kilogram. Fruit bats feed primarily on fruit, nectar and pollen. They play an important role in pollination and dispersal of plant seeds.

6. Snakes

Most snakes in Thailand are harmless and avoid contact with humans. They feed on small animals such as frogs, lizards or rodents and play an important role in the ecosystem. The most common and harmless snakes include the grass snakes, which you often find near water, the wolf snakes, which like to hide in trees or bushes, or the rat snakes, which also live near human settlements.

But there are also some species of snakes that can be dangerous to humans because they are poisonous or because they are very large and strong. The most poisonous snakes in Thailand include cobras, mambas, kraits and vipers. These snakes can inject a strong venom when bitten, which can cause severe envenomation or even death. If you see one of these snakes, be sure to stay away and seek medical attention immediately if you are bitten.

The largest and strongest snakes in Thailand include pythons, which can grow up to eight meters long. Although these snakes are not venomous, they can grab their prey with their powerful jaws and crush them with their muscular bodies.

7. Reptiles

One of the most famous reptiles in Thailand are the lizards, which you can see almost everywhere. There are more than 200 species of lizards in Thailand, including geckos, agamas, skinks and monitor lizards. The largest lizard is the Komodo dragon, which can grow up to three meters long and is only found on some islands in southern Thailand. The smallest lizard is the dwarf gecko, which is only about two centimeters long and hides in leaves and bark.

crocodiles

Crocodiles are another group of reptiles that you can find in Thailand. The best known species is the Siamese crocodile, which is critically endangered and only lives in a few areas in the east and south of Thailand. The Siamese crocodile can grow up to four meters long and feeds primarily on fish, frogs and small mammals. Another type of crocodile is the false gavial, which has a narrower and longer jaw than the Siamese crocodile. The false gavial lives in rivers and swamps in southern Thailand and can grow up to six meters long.

turtles

Tortoises and turtles are also common reptiles in Thailand. There are more than 50 species of turtles and turtles in Thailand, which can live in both fresh and salt water. The most notable species include the leatherback turtle, the largest turtle in the world, which can weigh up to 900 kilograms, the green sea turtle, known for its beautiful shells, the beaked-breasted turtle, which has a hard stratum corneum on its chest, and the star tortoise, which has a striking pattern on its shell.

8. Sea life

When you visit Thailand, you shouldn't miss the opportunity to explore the fascinating underwater world. Thai waters are rich in biodiversity and beauty. Not only can you spot sharks, dolphins, manta rays, sea turtles and other fish, but you can also admire the colorful coral reefs that play an important role in the ecosystem. The coral reefs are home to countless marine organisms, which you can see with your own eyes when you snorkel or dive. You will be amazed by the diversity and abundance of marine life in Thailand.

9. Cockroaches

Thailand is home to many different species of cockroaches, which occur in different habitats. Although many people find these insects annoying or disgusting, they play an important role in the ecosystem. Some species of cockroaches, such as the Asian giant cockroach, are even useful for agriculture because they eat other pests that threaten crops.

10. Rats

Rats are a common sight in Thailand. They can be found near urban areas, but also in the countryside and in the forests. Although they are pests, they play an important role in the local ecosystem by helping to control pest populations and providing food for larger animals. Rats are fascinating animals that are widespread in Thailand. They have adapted to different habitats, from the city to the jungle.

Hello, I'm Sascha Tobias Tegtmeyer from Hamburg - and a real beach child with heart and soul! Sea fan, travel lover and always up for an adventure. On my travel blog Just-Wanderlust.com and the social media channels of Strandkind Travels, I combine my love of traveling and nature with a passion for water sports such as stand-up paddling, diving and surfing. I am a journalist, author and blogger - and I am naturally curious when I get to know new travel destinations and then write about them in detail. As a technology fan, when I'm traveling with my family or alone, I'm always happy to bring a few travel gadgets with me for testing purposes. My favorite travel countries, which I also prefer to write about in my travel blog: USA, Thailand and Maldives.
About the author

I'm just a curious beach kid in the world

Hello, I am Sascha Tobias Tegtmeyer from Hamburg – and a real beach child with heart and soul! Sea fan, travel lover and always up for an adventure. On my travel blog Just-Wanderlust.com and the social media channels of Strandkind Travels, I combine my love of traveling and nature with a passion for water sports such as stand-up paddling, diving and surfing. I am a journalist, author and blogger - and I am naturally curious when I get to know new travel destinations and then write about them in detail. As a technology fan, when I'm traveling with my family or alone, I'm always happy to bring a few travel gadgets with me for testing purposes. My favorite travel countries, which I also prefer to write about in my travel blog: USA, Thailand and Maldives.

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Wildlife in Thailand - the Khao Sok National Park on the Andaman coast

If you are looking for an unforgettable experience in Thailand, you should definitely visit Khao Sok National Park on the Andaman Coast. This national park is one of the oldest and most species-rich rainforests in the world and offers you the opportunity to experience Thailand's fascinating wildlife up close. Whether you're interested in diving, hiking or just nature, you're guaranteed to find something that excites you here.

Many of Thailand's animal species live in Khao Sok National Park. Photo: Amanda S on Pexels.com
Many of Thailand's animal species live in Khao Sok National Park. Photo: Amanda S on Pexels.com

Khao Sok National Park is located about 100 kilometers north of Phuket and is easily accessible from the popular seaside resort of Khao Lak. From there you can book various tours that will take you to the highlights of the national park. For example, you can take a boat trip on Cheow Lan Lake, which is surrounded by impressive limestone cliffs.

Or you can take a hike through the dense jungle and spot monkeys, birds, butterflies and maybe even elephants or leopards. Or you can cool off and enjoy the tranquility in one of the many waterfalls or natural pools.

On a dive safari with the Genesis I from Sea Bees Diving we drive the most beautiful dive sites of the Andaman Sea from the Similan Islands up to the Surin Islands. Photo: Sascha Tegtmeyer
On our tour around Khao Lak we encounter many exotic animals. Photo: Sascha Tegtmeyer

If you would rather explore the underwater world, you have many options here too. From Khao Lak you can take diving trips to the Similan Islands and the Surin Islands, which are some of the best diving locations in the world.

There you can see coral reefs, colorful fish, turtles, sharks and even whale sharks. Or you can head to the famous Richelieu Rock, a spectacular rocky outcrop populated by countless sea creatures. Khao Sok National Park is a true paradise for nature lovers and adventurers.

Animals in Thailand – dangerous animal species

Thailand is known for its beautiful beaches and islands, but also for its diverse and sometimes dangerous wildlife. If you're on holiday in Thailand, you should be well informed about which animals you should avoid and how you can react in an emergency. In this blog post you will find out which sea creatures in Thailand are particularly dangerous and how you can protect yourself from them. Sharks are rarely seen in Thailand and are usually very shy.

Beware of scorpionfish or stonefish: they are almost invisible and highly toxic! Photo: Sascha Tegtmeyer
Beware of scorpionfish or stonefish: they are almost invisible and highly toxic! Photo: Sascha Tegtmeyer

They only attack people when they feel threatened or provoked. Most shark attacks in Thailand are the result of misbehavior by divers or snorkelers who swim too close to the sharks or try to feed them. You definitely shouldn't do that, because... Shark species are wild animals and not cuddly toys. If you see a shark, remain calm and keep a respectful distance.

Discovering a seahorse is a bit like winning the lottery. Photo: Sascha Tegtmeyer
Discovering a seahorse is a bit like winning the lottery. Photo: Sascha Tegtmeyer

Much more dangerous than sharks in Thailand are the triggerfish, which live primarily on coral reefs. These fish have strong territorial behavior and will defend their territory against any intruders. They can become very aggressive and bite forcefully with their hard jaws. A triggerfish bite can result in serious injury, infection, or even loss of limbs. To avoid an attack, stay away from triggerfish and do not come near them. If you see a triggerfish, swim away slowly and do not try to scare or provoke it.

Be careful of the monkeys - they steal your things and can be vicious. Photo: Sascha Tegtmeyer
Be careful of the monkeys - they steal your things and can be vicious. Photo: Sascha Tegtmeyer

Another danger in the sea are the stonefish or scorpionfish, which are among the most poisonous animals in the world. These fish have perfect camouflage and look like stones or corals. They are almost invisible and lurk on the seabed or between the reefs. If you touch or step on a stonefish, it will inject its venom into you via its spines.

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Animals in Thailand - Animal Species in the Land of Smiles

My detailed conclusion

Thailand's wildlife and marine ecosystem are among the most impressive and diverse in the world. The country is a treasure trove of biodiversity, with exotic inhabitants rarely or unheard of in Europe - from majestic elephants and playful monkeys to mysterious flying foxes and mysterious snakes to the rare tigers.

Geographically flanked by the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand, the country is home to an underwater world that ranges from majestic sharks to graceful dolphins to the gentle manta rays and historic turtles.

In the jungle hotel you are very close to the animals

My personal journey took me to a dreamy hotel in the heart of the jungle, where nature and its inhabitants pulsated right on my doorstep. The forest's nighttime concert was a testament to the vibrant life that can be found in every corner of Thailand. For someone from Europe, where animal encounters are sparse, experiencing this density of wildlife is simply overwhelming.

Have you ever experienced Thailand's breathtaking wildlife up close? Tell us about your experiences in the comments!

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