2011 Edition

Background

A unified Thai kingdom was established in the mid-14th century. Known as Siam until 1939, Thailand is the only Southeast Asian country never to have been taken over by a European power. A bloodless revolution in 1932 led to a constitutional monarchy. In alliance with Japan during World War II, Thailand became a US treaty ally in 1954 after sending troops to Korea and fighting alongside the US in Vietnam. A military coup in September 2006 ousted then Prime Minister THAKSIN Chinnawat. December 2007 elections saw the pro-THAKSIN People's Power Party (PPP) emerge at the head of a coalition government that took office in February 2008. The anti-THAKSIN People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD, aka yellow-shirts) in May 2008 began street demonstrations against the new government, eventually occupying the prime minister's office in August and Bangkok's two international airports in November. After an early December 2008 court ruling that dissolved the ruling PPP and two other coalition parties for election violations, the Democrat Party formed a new coalition government and ABHISIT Wetchachiwa became prime minister. In October 2008 THAKSIN fled abroad in advance of an abuse of power conviction and has agitated his followers from abroad since then. THAKSIN supporters under the banner of the United Front for Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD, aka red-shirts) rioted in April 2009, shutting down an ASEAN meeting in Pattaya. Following a February 2010 court verdict confiscating half of THAKSIN's frozen assets, the UDD staged large protests between March and May 2010, and occupied several blocks of downtown Bangkok. Clashes between security forces and protesters, elements of which were armed, resulted in at least 92 deaths and an estimated $1.5 billion in arson-related property losses. These protests exposed major cleavages in the Thai body politic that continue to hamper the current government. The ABHISIT administration has announced a plan for a general election some time in 2011 ahead of its full term by the year-end. Since January 2004, thousands have been killed as separatists in Thailand's southern ethnic Malay-Muslim provinces increased the violence associated with their cause.

Area

513,120 sq km 510,890 sq km 2,230 sq km

total

513,120 sq km

water

2,230 sq km

Area - comparative

slightly more than twice the size of Wyoming

Climate

tropical; rainy, warm, cloudy southwest monsoon (mid-May to September); dry, cool northeast monsoon (November to mid-March); southern isthmus always hot and humid

Coastline

3,219 km

Elevation extremes

Gulf of Thailand 0 m Doi Inthanon 2,576 m

highest point

Doi Inthanon 2,576 m

lowest point

Gulf of Thailand 0 m

Environment - current issues

air pollution from vehicle emissions; water pollution from organic and factory wastes; deforestation; soil erosion; wildlife populations threatened by illegal hunting

Environment - international agreements

Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Marine Life Conservation, Ozone Layer Protection, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands Law of the Sea

party to

Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Marine Life Conservation, Ozone Layer Protection, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified

Law of the Sea

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural)

82.75 cu km/yr (2%/2%/95%) 1,288 cu m/yr (2000)

per capita

1,288 cu m/yr (2000)

total

82.75 cu km/yr (2%/2%/95%)

Geographic coordinates

15 00 N, 100 00 E

Geography - note

controls only land route from Asia to Malaysia and Singapore

Irrigated land

64,150 sq km (2008)

Land boundaries

4,863 km Burma 1,800 km, Cambodia 803 km, Laos 1,754 km, Malaysia 506 km

border countries

Burma 1,800 km, Cambodia 803 km, Laos 1,754 km, Malaysia 506 km

total

4,863 km

Land use

27.54% 6.93% 65.53% (2005)

arable land

27.54%

other

65.53% (2005)

permanent crops

6.93%

Location

Southeastern Asia, bordering the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand, southeast of Burma

Map references

Southeast Asia

Maritime claims

12 nm 200 nm 200 m depth or to the depth of exploitation

continental shelf

200 m depth or to the depth of exploitation

exclusive economic zone

200 nm

territorial sea

12 nm

Natural hazards

land subsidence in Bangkok area resulting from the depletion of the water table; droughts

Natural resources

tin, rubber, natural gas, tungsten, tantalum, timber, lead, fish, gypsum, lignite, fluorite, arable land

Terrain

central plain; Khorat Plateau in the east; mountains elsewhere

Total renewable water resources

409.9 cu km (1999)

Age structure

19.9% (male 6,779,723/female 6,466,625) 70.9% (male 23,410,091/female 23,913,499) 9.2% (male 2,778,012/female 3,372,203) (2011 est.)

0-14 years

19.9% (male 6,779,723/female 6,466,625)

15-64 years

70.9% (male 23,410,091/female 23,913,499)

65 years and over

9.2% (male 2,778,012/female 3,372,203) (2011 est.)

Birth rate

12.95 births/1,000 population (2011 est.)

Children under the age of 5 years underweight

7% (2006)

Death rate

7.29 deaths/1,000 population (July 2011 est.)

Drinking water source

urban: 99% of population rural: 98% of population total: 98% of population urban: 1% of population rural: 2% of population total: 2% of population (2008)

rural

2% of population

total

2% of population (2008)

urban

1% of population

Education expenditures

4.1% of GDP (2009)

Ethnic groups

Thai 75%, Chinese 14%, other 11%

Health expenditures

4.3% of GDP (2009)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate

1.3% (2009 est.)

HIV/AIDS - deaths

28,000 (2009 est.)

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS

530,000 (2009 est.)

Hospital bed density

2.2 beds/1,000 population (2002)

Infant mortality rate

16.39 deaths/1,000 live births 17.38 deaths/1,000 live births 15.35 deaths/1,000 live births (2011 est.)

female

15.35 deaths/1,000 live births (2011 est.)

total

16.39 deaths/1,000 live births

Languages

Thai, English (secondary language of the elite), ethnic and regional dialects

Life expectancy at birth

73.6 years 71.24 years 76.08 years (2011 est.)

female

76.08 years (2011 est.)

total population

73.6 years

Literacy

age 15 and over can read and write 92.6% 94.9% 90.5% (2000 census)

definition

age 15 and over can read and write

female

90.5% (2000 census)

male

94.9%

total population

92.6%

Major cities - population

BANGKOK (capital) 6.902 million (2009)

Major infectious diseases

high bacterial diarrhea dengue fever, Japanese encephalitis, and malaria rabies leptospirosis highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza has been identified in this country; it poses a negligible risk with extremely rare cases possible among US citizens who have close contact with birds (2009)

animal contact disease

rabies

degree of risk

high

food or waterborne diseases

bacterial diarrhea

vectorborne diseases

dengue fever, Japanese encephalitis, and malaria

water contact disease

leptospirosis

Maternal mortality rate

48 deaths/100,000 live births (2008)

Median age

34.2 years 33.3 years 35.2 years (2011 est.)

female

35.2 years (2011 est.)

male

33.3 years

total

34.2 years

Nationality

Thai (singular and plural) Thai

adjective

Thai

noun

Thai (singular and plural)

Net migration rate

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2011 est.)

Obesity - adult prevalence rate

7.8% (2003)

Physicians density

0.298 physicians/1,000 population (2004)

Population

66,720,153 (July 2011 est.) estimates for this country explicitly take into account the effects of excess mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lower life expectancy, higher infant mortality, higher death rates, lower population growth rates, and changes in the distribution of population by age and sex than would otherwise be expected

Population growth rate

0.566% (2011 est.)

Religions

Buddhist 94.6%, Muslim 4.6%, Christian 0.7%, other 0.1% (2000 census)

Sanitation facility access

urban: 95% of population rural: 96% of population total: 96% of population urban: 5% of population rural: 4% of population total: 4% of population (2008)

rural

4% of population

total

4% of population (2008)

urban

5% of population

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education)

12 years 12 years 13 years (2010)

female

13 years (2010)

male

12 years

total

12 years

Sex ratio

1.054 male(s)/female 1.05 male(s)/female 0.98 male(s)/female 0.82 male(s)/female 0.98 male(s)/female (2011 est.)

15-64 years

0.98 male(s)/female

65 years and over

0.82 male(s)/female

at birth

1.054 male(s)/female

total population

0.98 male(s)/female (2011 est.)

under 15 years

1.05 male(s)/female

Total fertility rate

1.66 children born/woman (2011 est.)

Unemployment, youth ages 15-24

4.3% 3.7% 5.1% (2009)

female

5.1% (2009)

total

4.3%

Urbanization

34% of total population (2010) 1.8% annual rate of change (2010-15 est.)

rate of urbanization

1.8% annual rate of change (2010-15 est.)

urban population

34% of total population (2010)

Administrative divisions

77 provinces (changwat, singular and plural); Amnat Charoen, Ang Thong, Bueng Kan, Buriram, Chachoengsao, Chai Nat, Chaiyaphum, Chanthaburi, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Chon Buri, Chumphon, Kalasin, Kamphaeng Phet, Kanchanaburi, Khon Kaen, Krabi, Krung Thep Mahanakhon (Bangkok), Lampang, Lamphun, Loei, Lop Buri, Mae Hong Son, Maha Sarakham, Mukdahan, Nakhon Nayok, Nakhon Pathom, Nakhon Phanom, Nakhon Ratchasima, Nakhon Sawan, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Nan, Narathiwat, Nong Bua Lamphu, Nong Khai, Nonthaburi, Pathum Thani, Pattani, Phangnga, Phatthalung, Phayao, Phetchabun, Phetchaburi, Phichit, Phitsanulok, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Phrae, Phuket, Prachin Buri, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Ranong, Ratchaburi, Rayong, Roi Et, Sa Kaeo, Sakon Nakhon, Samut Prakan, Samut Sakhon, Samut Songkhram, Sara Buri, Satun, Sing Buri, Sisaket, Songkhla, Sukhothai, Suphan Buri, Surat Thani, Surin, Tak, Trang, Trat, Ubon Ratchathani, Udon Thani, Uthai Thani, Uttaradit, Yala, Yasothon

Capital

Bangkok 13 45 N, 100 31 E UTC+7 (12 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

geographic coordinates

13 45 N, 100 31 E

name

Bangkok

time difference

UTC+7 (12 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Constitution

24 August 2007

Country name

Kingdom of Thailand Thailand Ratcha Anachak Thai Prathet Thai Siam

conventional long form

Kingdom of Thailand

conventional short form

Thailand

former

Siam

local long form

Ratcha Anachak Thai

local short form

Prathet Thai

Diplomatic representation from the US

Ambassador Kristie A. KENNEY 120-122 Wireless Road, Bangkok 10330 APO AP 96546 [66] (2) 205-4000 [66] (2) 254-2990, 205-4131 Chiang Mai

chief of mission

Ambassador Kristie A. KENNEY

consulate(s) general

Chiang Mai

embassy

120-122 Wireless Road, Bangkok 10330

FAX

[66] (2) 254-2990, 205-4131

mailing address

APO AP 96546

telephone

[66] (2) 205-4000

Diplomatic representation in the US

Ambassador Kittiphong Na RANONG 1024 Wisconsin Avenue NW, Suite 401, Washington, DC 20007 [1] (202) 944-3600 [1] (202) 944-3611 Chicago, Los Angeles, New York

chancery

1024 Wisconsin Avenue NW, Suite 401, Washington, DC 20007

chief of mission

Ambassador Kittiphong Na RANONG

consulate(s) general

Chicago, Los Angeles, New York

FAX

[1] (202) 944-3611

telephone

[1] (202) 944-3600

Executive branch

King PHUMIPHON Adunyadet, also spelled BHUMIBOL Adulyadej (since 9 June 1946) Prime Minister YINGLAK Chinnawat, also spelled YINGLUCK Shinawatra (since 8 August 2011); Deputy Prime Minister CHALERM Yubamrung (since 10 August 2011); Deputy Prime Minister CHUMPHON Sinlapa-acha, also spelled CHUMPOL SILPA-archa (since 10 August 2011); Deputy Prime Minister KITTIRAT Na Ranong (since 10 August 2011); Deputy Prime Minister KOWIT Wattana (since 10 August 2011); Deputy Prime Minister YONGYUT Wichaidit (10 August 2011) Council of Ministers there is also a Privy Council advising the king the monarchy is hereditary; according to 2007 constitution, the prime minister is elected from among members of House of Representatives; following national elections for House of Representatives, the leader of the party positioned to organize a majority coalition usually becomes prime minister by appointment by the king; the prime minister is limited to two four-year terms

cabinet

Council of Ministers

chief of state

King PHUMIPHON Adunyadet, also spelled BHUMIBOL Adulyadej (since 9 June 1946)

elections

the monarchy is hereditary; according to 2007 constitution, the prime minister is elected from among members of House of Representatives; following national elections for House of Representatives, the leader of the party positioned to organize a majority coalition usually becomes prime minister by appointment by the king; the prime minister is limited to two four-year terms

head of government

Prime Minister YINGLAK Chinnawat, also spelled YINGLUCK Shinawatra (since 8 August 2011); Deputy Prime Minister CHALERM Yubamrung (since 10 August 2011); Deputy Prime Minister CHUMPHON Sinlapa-acha, also spelled CHUMPOL SILPA-archa (since 10 August 2011); Deputy Prime Minister KITTIRAT Na Ranong (since 10 August 2011); Deputy Prime Minister KOWIT Wattana (since 10 August 2011); Deputy Prime Minister YONGYUT Wichaidit (10 August 2011)

Flag description

five horizontal bands of red (top), white, blue (double width), white, and red; the red color symbolizes the nation and the blood of life; white represents religion and the purity of Buddhism; blue stands for the monarchy similar to the flag of Costa Rica but with the blue and red colors reversed

Government type

constitutional monarchy

Independence

1238 (traditional founding date; never colonized)

International law organization participation

has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; non-party state to the ICCt

International organization participation

ADB, APEC, ARF, ASEAN, BIMSTEC, BIS, CICA, CP, EAS, FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, NAM, OAS (observer), OIC (observer), OIF (observer), OPCW, OSCE (partner), PCA, PIF (partner), UN, UNAMID, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Judicial branch

Constitutional Court, Supreme Court of Justice, and Supreme Administrative Court; all judges are appointed by the king; the king's appointments to the Constitutional Courtare made upon the advice of the Senate; the nine Constitutional Court judges are drawn from the Supreme Court of Justice and Supreme Administrative Court as well as from among substantive experts in law and social sciences outside the judiciary

Legal system

civil law system with common law influences

Legislative branch

bicameral National Assembly or Rathasapha consisted of the Senate or Wuthisapha (150 seats; 76 members elected by popular vote representing 76 provinces, 74 appointed by judges and independent government bodies; members serve six-year terms) and the House of Representatives or Sapha Phuthaen Ratsadon (500 seats; 375 members elected from 157 multi-seat constituencies and 125 elected on proportional party-list basis; members serve four-year terms) Senate - last held on 2 March 2008 (next to be held in March 2014); House of Representatives - last election held on 3 July 2011 (next to be held by July 2015) Senate - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - NA; House of Representatives - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - PTP 265, DP 159, PJT 34, CTP 19, others 15 74 senators were appointed on 19 February 2008 by a seven-member committee headed by the chief of the Constitutional Court; 76 senators were elected on 2 March 2008; elections to the Senate are non-partisan; registered political party members are disqualified from being senators

election results

Senate - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - NA; House of Representatives - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - PTP 265, DP 159, PJT 34, CTP 19, others 15

elections

Senate - last held on 2 March 2008 (next to be held in March 2014); House of Representatives - last election held on 3 July 2011 (next to be held by July 2015)

National anthem

"Phleng Chat Thai" (National Anthem of Thailand) LUANG Saranuprapan/PHRA Jenduriyang music adopted 1932, lyrics adopted 1939; by law, people are required to stand for the national anthem at 0800 and 1800 every day; the anthem is played in schools, offices, theaters, and on television and radio during this time; "Phleng Sansasoen Phra Barami" (A Salute to the Monarch) serves as the royal anthem and is played in the presence of the royal family and during certain state ceremonies

lyrics/music

LUANG Saranuprapan/PHRA Jenduriyang

name

"Phleng Chat Thai" (National Anthem of Thailand)

National holiday

Birthday of King PHUMIPHON (BHUMIBOL), 5 December (1927)

National symbol(s)

garuda (mythical half-man, half-bird figure); elephant

Political parties and leaders

Chat Pattana Party or CPN (Nation Development Party [WANNARAT Channukun]; Chat Thai Phattana Party or CTP (Thai Nation Development Party) [CHUMPON Silpa-archa]; Phalang Chon Party (Chonburi Power Party) [CHAO Manivong]; Phumjai (Bhumjai) Thai Party or PJT (Thai Pride) [CHAWARAT Chanvirakun]; Prachathipat Party or DP (Democrat Party) [ABHISIT Wechachiwa, also spelled ABHISIT Vejjajiva]; Puea Thai Party (For Thais Party) or PTP [YONGYUTH Wichaidit]; Rak Prathet Thai Party (Love Thailand Party) [YONGYUTH Wichaidit]

Political pressure groups and leaders

People's Alliance for Democracy or PAD; United Front for Democracy Against Dictatorship or UDD

Suffrage

18 years of age; universal and compulsory

Agriculture - products

rice, cassava (tapioca), rubber, corn, sugarcane, coconuts, soybeans

Budget

$58.1 billion $62.16 billion (2010 est.)

expenditures

$62.16 billion (2010 est.)

revenues

$58.1 billion

Budget surplus (+) or deficit (-)

-1.3% of GDP (2010 est.)

Central bank discount rate

7.58% (31 December 2010 est.) 1.75% (31 December 2009 est.)

Commercial bank prime lending rate

5.935% (31 December 2010 est.) 5.963% (31 December 2009 est.)

Current account balance

$12.29 billion (2010 est.) $21.86 billion (2009)

Debt - external

$111.9 billion (30 June 2011 est.) $74.05 billion (31 December 2010 est.)

Distribution of family income - Gini index

53.6 (2009) 42 (2002)

Economy - overview

With a well-developed infrastructure, a free-enterprise economy, generally pro-investment policies, and strong export industries, Thailand enjoyed solid growth from 2000 to 2007 - averaging more than 4% per year - as it recovered from the Asian financial crisis of 1997-98. Thai exports - mostly machinery and electronic components, agricultural commodities, and jewelry - continue to drive the economy, accounting for more than half of GDP. The global financial crisis of 2008-09 severely cut Thailand's exports, with most sectors experiencing double-digit drops. In 2009, the economy contracted 2.2%. In 2010, Thailand's economy expanded 7.6%, its fastest pace since 1995, as exports rebounded from their depressed 2009 level. Antigovernment protests during March-May and the country's polarized political situation had - at most - a temporary impact on business and consumer confidence. Although tourism was hit hard during the protests, its quick recovery helped boost consumer confidence to new highs. Moreover, business and investor sentiment remained buoyant as Thailand's stock market grew almost 5% during the three-month period. The economy probably will continue to experience high grow well into 2011.

Electricity - consumption

131.6 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - exports

1.979 billion kWh (2009 est.)

Electricity - imports

2.313 billion kWh (2009 est.)

Electricity - production

139 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Exchange rates

baht per US dollar - 31.663 (2010) 34.286 (2009) 33.37 (2008) 34.52 (2007) 37.882 (2006)

Exports

$193.5 billion (2010 est.) $150.7 billion (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities

textiles and footwear, fishery products, rice, rubber, jewelry, automobiles, computers and electrical appliances

Exports - partners

China 11%, Japan 10.5%, US 10.4%, Hong Kong 6.7%, Malaysia 5.4%, Australia 4.8%, Singapore 4.6% (2010)

GDP - composition by sector

12.4% 44.7% 43% (2010 est.)

agriculture

12.4%

industry

44.7%

services

43% (2010 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP)

$8,700 (2010 est.) $8,200 (2009 est.) $8,400 (2008 est.) data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - real growth rate

7.8% (2010 est.) -2.3% (2009 est.) 2.5% (2008 est.)

GDP (official exchange rate)

$318.9 billion (2010 est.)

GDP (purchasing power parity)

$586.9 billion (2010 est.) $544.4 billion (2009 est.) $557.4 billion (2008 est.) data are in 2010 US dollars

Household income or consumption by percentage share

1.6% 42.6% (2009)

highest 10%

42.6% (2009)

lowest 10%

1.6%

Imports

$161.3 billion (2010 est.) $118 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities

capital goods, intermediate goods and raw materials, consumer goods, fuels

Imports - partners

Japan 20.8%, China 13.3%, US 5.9%, Malaysia 5.9%, UAE 4.7%, South Korea 4.4% (2010)

Industrial production growth rate

14.4% (2010 est.)

Industries

tourism, textiles and garments, agricultural processing, beverages, tobacco, cement, light manufacturing such as jewelry and electric appliances, computers and parts, integrated circuits, furniture, plastics, automobiles and automotive parts; world's second-largest tungsten producer and third-largest tin producer

Inflation rate (consumer prices)

3.3% (2010 est.) -0.9% (2009 est.)

Investment (gross fixed)

24.7% of GDP (2010 est.)

Labor force

38.64 million (2010 est.)

Labor force - by occupation

42.4% 19.7% 37.9% (2008 est.)

agriculture

42.4%

industry

19.7%

services

37.9% (2008 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares

$277.7 billion (31 December 2010) $138.2 billion (31 December 2009) $102.6 billion (31 December 2008)

Natural gas - consumption

39.17 billion cu m (2009 est.)

Natural gas - exports

0 cu m (2009 est.)

Natural gas - imports

8.29 billion cu m (2009 est.)

Natural gas - production

30.88 billion cu m (2009 est.)

Natural gas - proved reserves

312.2 billion cu m (1 January 2011 est.)

Oil - consumption

988,000 bbl/day (2010 est.)

Oil - exports

269,100 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Oil - imports

807,100 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Oil - production

406,800 bbl/day (2010 est.)

Oil - proved reserves

435 million bbl (1 January 2011 est.)

Population below poverty line

9.6% (2006 est.)

Public debt

43.1% of GDP (2010 est.) 44.9% of GDP (2009 est.)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold

$172.1 billion (31 December 2010 est.) $138.4 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of broad money

$390.6 billion (31 December 2010 est.) $318.6 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad

$23.45 billion (31 December 2010 est.) $18.16 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home

$115.9 billion (31 December 2010 est.) $109.6 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit

$365.5 billion (31 December 2010 est.) $300.6 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of narrow money

$43.2 billion (31 December 2010 est.) $35.25 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Taxes and other revenues

18.2% of GDP (2010 est.)

Unemployment rate

1% (2010 est.) 1.5% (2009 est.)

Broadcast media

6 terrestrial TV stations in Bangkok broadcast nationally via relay stations - 2 of the networks are owned by the military, the other 4 are government-owned or controlled, leased to private enterprise, and are all required to broadcast government-produced news programs twice a day; multi-channel satellite and cable TV subscription services are available; radio frequencies have been allotted for more than 500 government and commercial radio stations; many small community radio stations operate with low-power transmitters (2008)

Internet country code

.th

Internet hosts

1.335 million (2010)

Internet users

17.483 million (2009)

Telephone system

high quality system, especially in urban areas like Bangkok fixed line system provided by both a government owned and commercial provider; wireless service expanding rapidly country code - 66; connected to major submarine cable systems providing links throughout Asia, Australia, Middle East, Europe, and US; satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (1 Indian Ocean, 1 Pacific Ocean)

domestic

fixed line system provided by both a government owned and commercial provider; wireless service expanding rapidly

general assessment

high quality system, especially in urban areas like Bangkok

international

country code - 66; connected to major submarine cable systems providing links throughout Asia, Australia, Middle East, Europe, and US; satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (1 Indian Ocean, 1 Pacific Ocean)

Telephones - main lines in use

7.009 million (2010)

Telephones - mobile cellular

69.683 million (2010)

Airports

105 (2010)

Airports - with paved runways

6 (2010)

1,524 to 2,437 m

24

2,438 to 3,047 m

11

914 to 1,523 m

15

over 3,047 m

8

total

64

under 914 m

6 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways

27 (2010)

1,524 to 2,437 m

1

914 to 1,523 m

13

total

41

under 914 m

27 (2010)

Heliports

4 (2010)

Merchant marine

bulk carrier 30, cargo 116, chemical tanker 23, container 19, liquefied gas 36, passenger 1, passenger/cargo 10, petroleum tanker 120, refrigerated cargo 27 15 (China 1, Hong Kong 1, Japan 2, Malaysia 3, Singapore 1, Taiwan 1, UK 6) 41 (Bahamas 4, Panama 6, Singapore 30, Tuvalu 1) (2010)

foreign-owned

15 (China 1, Hong Kong 1, Japan 2, Malaysia 3, Singapore 1, Taiwan 1, UK 6)

registered in other countries

41 (Bahamas 4, Panama 6, Singapore 30, Tuvalu 1) (2010)

total

382

Pipelines

gas 1,889 km; liquid petroleum gas 85 km; refined products 1,099 km (2010)

Ports and terminals

Bangkok, Laem Chabang, Map Ta Phut, Prachuap Port, Si Racha

Railways

4,071 km 29 km 1.435-m gauge (29 km electrified) 4,042 km 1.000-m gauge (2010)

narrow gauge

4,042 km 1.000-m gauge (2010)

total

4,071 km

Roadways

180,053 km (includes 450 km of expressways) (2006)

total

180,053 km (includes 450 km of expressways) (2006)

Waterways

4,000 km (3,701 km navigable by boats with drafts up to 0.9 m) (2010)

Manpower available for military service

17,689,921 17,754,795 (2010 est.)

females age 16-49

17,754,795 (2010 est.)

males age 16-49

17,689,921

Manpower fit for military service

13,308,372 14,182,567 (2010 est.)

females age 16-49

14,182,567 (2010 est.)

males age 16-49

13,308,372

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually

533,424 509,780 (2010 est.)

female

509,780 (2010 est.)

male

533,424

Military branches

Royal Thai Army (Kongthap Bok Thai, RTA), Royal Thai Navy (Kongthap Ruea Thai, RTN, includes Royal Thai Marine Corps), Royal Thai Air Force (Kongthap Agard Thai, RTAF) (2010)

Military expenditures

1.8% of GDP (2005 est.)

Military service age and obligation

21 years of age for compulsory military service; 18 years of age for voluntary military service; males register at 18 years of age; 2-year conscript service obligation (2009)

Disputes - international

separatist violence in Thailand's predominantly Muslim southern provinces prompt border closures and controls with Malaysia to stem terrorist activities; Southeast Asian states have enhanced border surveillance to check the spread of avian flu; talks continue on completion of demarcation with Laos but disputes remain over several islands in the Mekong River; despite continuing border committee talks, Thailand must deal with Karen and other ethnic rebels, refugees, and illegal cross-border activities, and as of 2006, over 116,000 Karen, Hmong, and other refugees and asylum seekers from Burma; Cambodia and Thailand dispute sections of boundary; in 2011 Thailand and Cambodia resorted to arms in the dispute over the location of the boundary on the precipice surmounted by Preah Vihear temple ruins, awarded to Cambodia by ICJ decision in 1962 and part of a planned UN World Heritage site; Thailand is studying the feasibility of jointly constructing the Hatgyi Dam on the Salween river near the border with Burma; in 2004, international environmentalist pressure prompted China to halt construction of 13 dams on the Salween River that flows through China, Burma, and Thailand; 140,000 mostly Karen refugees fleeing civil strife, political upheaval and economic stagnation in Burma live in remote camps in Thailand near the border

Illicit drugs

a minor producer of opium, heroin, and marijuana; transit point for illicit heroin en route to the international drug market from Burma and Laos; eradication efforts have reduced the area of cannabis cultivation and shifted some production to neighboring countries; opium poppy cultivation has been reduced by eradication efforts; also a drug money-laundering center; minor role in methamphetamine production for regional consumption; major consumer of methamphetamine since the 1990s despite a series of government crackdowns

Refugees and internally displaced persons

132,241 (Burma) (2007)

refugees (country of origin)

132,241 (Burma) (2007)

Trafficking in persons

Thailand is a source, destination, and transit country for men, women, and children who are subjected to forced labor and sex trafficking; the majority of the trafficking victims identified within Thailand are migrants from Thailand's neighboring countries who are forced, coerced, or defrauded into labor or commercial sexual exploitation; trafficking victims within Thailand were found employed in maritime fishing, seafood processing, low-end garment production, and domestic work Tier 2 Watch List - the government continued implementation of its human trafficking law, conducted awareness-raising activities on human trafficking, and continued work on its implementation of regulations that will allow trafficking victims to temporarily live and work within Thailand, though victims generally continue to be detained in government shelters; however, the government has not shown sufficient evidence of increasing efforts to address human trafficking, particularly in the areas of prosecuting and convicting both sex and labor trafficking offenders, combating the trafficking complicity of public officials, and sheltering trafficking victims (2011)

current situation

Thailand is a source, destination, and transit country for men, women, and children who are subjected to forced labor and sex trafficking; the majority of the trafficking victims identified within Thailand are migrants from Thailand's neighboring countries who are forced, coerced, or defrauded into labor or commercial sexual exploitation; trafficking victims within Thailand were found employed in maritime fishing, seafood processing, low-end garment production, and domestic work

tier rating

Tier 2 Watch List - the government continued implementation of its human trafficking law, conducted awareness-raising activities on human trafficking, and continued work on its implementation of regulations that will allow trafficking victims to temporarily live and work within Thailand, though victims generally continue to be detained in government shelters; however, the government has not shown sufficient evidence of increasing efforts to address human trafficking, particularly in the areas of prosecuting and convicting both sex and labor trafficking offenders, combating the trafficking complicity of public officials, and sheltering trafficking victims (2011)