2013 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 later fighting alongside the United States in Vietnam. Thailand since 2005 has experienced several rounds of political turmoil including a military coup in 2006 that ousted then Prime Minister THAKSIN Chinnawat, followed by large-scale street protests by competing political factions in 2008, 2009, and 2010. Demonstrations in 2010 culminated with clashes between security forces and pro-THAKSIN protesters, elements of which were armed, and resulted in at least 92 deaths and an estimated $1.5 billion in arson-related property losses. THAKSIN's youngest sister, YINGLAK Chinnawat, in 2011 led the Puea Thai Party to an electoral win and assumed control of the government. YINGLAK's leadership was almost immediately challenged by historic flooding in late 2011 that had large swathes of the country underwater and threatened to inundate Bangkok itself. Throughout 2012 the Puea Thai-led government struggled with the opposition Democrat Party to fulfill some of its main election promises, including constitutional reform and political reconciliation. Since January 2004, thousands have been killed and wounded in violence associated with the ethno-nationalist insurgency in Thailand's southern Malay-Muslim majority provinces.

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)

57.31 cu km/yr (5%/5%/90%) 845.3 cu m/yr (2007)

per capita

845.3 cu m/yr (2007)

total

57.31 cu km/yr (5%/5%/90%)

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 (2007)

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

30.71% 8.77% 60.52% (2011)

arable land

30.71%

other

60.52% (2011)

permanent crops

8.77%

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

438.6 cu km (2011)

Age structure

19.2% (male 6,620,873/female 6,313,188) 15.1% (male 5,181,468/female 4,975,083) 45.6% (male 15,192,334/female 15,569,761) 10.4% (male 3,345,493/female 3,661,867) 9.8% (male 2,971,426/female 3,616,627) (2013 est.)

0-14 years

19.2% (male 6,620,873/female 6,313,188)

15-24 years

15.1% (male 5,181,468/female 4,975,083)

25-54 years

45.6% (male 15,192,334/female 15,569,761)

55-64 years

10.4% (male 3,345,493/female 3,661,867)

65 years and over

9.8% (male 2,971,426/female 3,616,627) (2013 est.)

Birth rate

12.66 births/1,000 population (2013 est.)

Child labor - children ages 5-14

818,399 8 % (2006 est.)

percentage

8 % (2006 est.)

total number

818,399

Children under the age of 5 years underweight

7% (2006)

Contraceptive prevalence rate

79.6% (2009)

Death rate

7.47 deaths/1,000 population (2013 est.)

Dependency ratios

38.6 % 25.2 % 13.5 % 7.4 (2013)

elderly dependency ratio

13.5 %

potential support ratio

7.4 (2013)

total dependency ratio

38.6 %

youth dependency ratio

25.2 %

Drinking water source

urban: 97% of population rural: 95% of population total: 96% of population urban: 3% of population rural: 5% of population total: 4% of population (2010 est.)

rural

5% of population

total

4% of population (2010 est.)

urban

3% of population

Education expenditures

3.8% of GDP (2010)

Ethnic groups

Thai 75%, Chinese 14%, other 11%

Health expenditures

4.1% of GDP (2011)

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

2.1 beds/1,000 population (2010)

Infant mortality rate

15.41 deaths/1,000 live births 16.38 deaths/1,000 live births 14.39 deaths/1,000 live births (2013 est.)

female

14.39 deaths/1,000 live births (2013 est.)

total

15.41 deaths/1,000 live births

Languages

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

Life expectancy at birth

74.05 years 71.66 years 76.58 years (2013 est.)

female

76.58 years (2013 est.)

total population

74.05 years

Literacy

age 15 and over can read and write 93.5% 95.6% 91.5% (2005 est.)

definition

age 15 and over can read and write

female

91.5% (2005 est.)

male

95.6%

total population

93.5%

Major infectious diseases

very high bacterial diarrhea dengue fever, Japanese encephalitis, and malaria 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 (2013)

degree of risk

very high

food or waterborne diseases

bacterial diarrhea

vectorborne diseases

dengue fever, Japanese encephalitis, and malaria

Major urban areas - population

BANGKOK (capital) 6.902 million (2009)

Maternal mortality rate

48 deaths/100,000 live births (2010)

Median age

35.1 years 34.2 years 36.1 years (2013 est.)

female

36.1 years (2013 est.)

male

34.2 years

total

35.1 years

Mother's mean age at first birth

Median age at first birth among women 25-29 (1987 est.)

Nationality

Thai (singular and plural) Thai

adjective

Thai

noun

Thai (singular and plural)

Net migration rate

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2013 est.)

Obesity - adult prevalence rate

8.8% (2008)

Physicians density

0.3 physicians/1,000 population (2004)

Population

67,448,120 (July 2013 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

0.52% (2013 est.)

Religions

Buddhist (official) 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 (2010 est.)

rural

4% of population

total

4% of population (2010 est.)

urban

5% of population

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education)

12 years 12 years 13 years (2009)

female

13 years (2009)

male

12 years

total

12 years

Sex ratio

1.05 male(s)/female 1.05 male(s)/female 1.04 male(s)/female 0.97 male(s)/female 0.92 male(s)/female 0.82 male(s)/female 0.98 male(s)/female (2013 est.)

0-14 years

1.05 male(s)/female

15-24 years

1.04 male(s)/female

25-54 years

0.97 male(s)/female

55-64 years

0.92 male(s)/female

65 years and over

0.82 male(s)/female

at birth

1.05 male(s)/female

total population

0.98 male(s)/female (2013 est.)

Total fertility rate

1.66 children born/woman (2013 est.)

Unemployment, youth ages 15-24

2.7% 2.5% 3% (2011)

female

3% (2011)

total

2.7%

Urbanization

34.1% of total population (2011) 1.6% annual rate of change (2010-15 est.)

rate of urbanization

1.6% annual rate of change (2010-15 est.)

urban population

34.1% of total population (2011)

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

many previous; latest approved by referendum 19 August 2007, effective 24 August 2007 (2013)

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 (since 10 January 2011) 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 (since 10 January 2011)

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 VIJAVAT Isarabhakdi (since 3 December 2013) 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 VIJAVAT Isarabhakdi (since 3 December 2013)

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 KITTIRAT Na Ranong (since 28 October 2012); Deputy Prime Minister PHONGTHEP Therkanchana also spelled PHONGTHEP Thepkanchana (since 28 October 2012); Deputy Prime Minister PLODPRASOP Suraswadi (since 28 October 2012); Deputy Prime Minister PRACHA Promnok (since 24 March 2013); Deputy Prime Minister SURAPHONG Towijakchaikun also spelled SURAPONG Tovichakchaikul (since 28 October 2012); Deputy Prime Minister YUKHON Limiaemthong (since 25 March 2013) Council of Ministers there is also a Privy Council advising the king the monarchy is hereditary; according to the 2007 constitution, the prime minister is elected from among members of the House of Representatives; following national elections for the 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 the 2007 constitution, the prime minister is elected from among members of the House of Representatives; following national elections for the 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 KITTIRAT Na Ranong (since 28 October 2012); Deputy Prime Minister PHONGTHEP Therkanchana also spelled PHONGTHEP Thepkanchana (since 28 October 2012); Deputy Prime Minister PLODPRASOP Suraswadi (since 28 October 2012); Deputy Prime Minister PRACHA Promnok (since 24 March 2013); Deputy Prime Minister SURAPHONG Towijakchaikun also spelled SURAPONG Tovichakchaikul (since 28 October 2012); Deputy Prime Minister YUKHON Limiaemthong (since 25 March 2013)

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

Judicial branch

Supreme Court of Justice (consists of the court president, 6 vice-presidents, and NA judges and organized into civil and criminal divisions); Constitutional Court (consists of the court president and 8 judges); Supreme Administrative Court (the number of judges determined by the Judicial Commission of the Administrative Courts) Supreme Court judges selected by the Judicial Commission of the Courts of Justice and approved by the monarch; judges' terms NA; Constitutional Court justices - 3 judges drawn from the Supreme Court, 2 judges drawn from the Administrative Court, and 4 judge candidates selected by the Selective Committee for Judges of the Constitutional Court and confirmed by the Senate; judges appointed by the monarch to serve single 9-year terms; Supreme Administrative Court judges selected by the Judicial Commission of the Administrative Courts and appointed by the monarch; judge tenure NA courts of first instance and appeals courts within both the judicial and administrative systems; military courts

highest court(s)

Supreme Court of Justice (consists of the court president, 6 vice-presidents, and NA judges and organized into civil and criminal divisions); Constitutional Court (consists of the court president and 8 judges); Supreme Administrative Court (the number of judges determined by the Judicial Commission of the Administrative Courts)

judge selection and term of office

Supreme Court judges selected by the Judicial Commission of the Courts of Justice and approved by the monarch; judges' terms NA; Constitutional Court justices - 3 judges drawn from the Supreme Court, 2 judges drawn from the Administrative Court, and 4 judge candidates selected by the Selective Committee for Judges of the Constitutional Court and confirmed by the Senate; judges appointed by the monarch to serve single 9-year terms; Supreme Administrative Court judges selected by the Judicial Commission of the Administrative Courts and appointed by the monarch; judge tenure NA

subordinate courts

courts of first instance and appeals courts within both the judicial and administrative systems; military courts

Legal system

civil law system with common law influences

Legislative branch

bicameral National Assembly or Rathasapha consisted of the Senate or Wuthisapha (150 seats; 77 members elected by popular vote representing 77 provinces, 73 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 375 single-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 23 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 23

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 Channukul] Chat Thai Phattana Party or CTP (Thai Nation Development Party) [THAWORN Jampa-ngoen (acting)] Mahachon Party or Mass Party [APHIRAT Sirinawin] Matubhum Party (Motherland Party [SONTHI Bunyaratkalin] Phalang Chon Party (People [Chonburi] Power Party) [CHAO Maneewong] Phumjai (Bhumjai) Thai Party or PJT (Thai Pride) [ANUTIN Charnvirakul] Prachathipat Party or DP (Democrat Party) [ABHISIT Wechachiwa, also spelled ABHISIT Vejjajiva] Prachathipathai Mai Party (New Democrat Party) [SURATIN Phijarn] Puea Thai Party (For Thais Party) or PTP [CHARUPHONG Rueangsusan also spelled JARUPONG Ruangsuwan] Rak Prathet Thai Party (Love Thailand Party) [CHUWIT Kamonwisit] Rak Santi Party (Peace Conservation Party) [THAWIL Surachetphong]

Political pressure groups and leaders

Multicolor Group 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 (manioc), rubber, corn, sugarcane, coconuts, soybeans

Budget

$72.08 billion $88.08 billion (2012 est.)

expenditures

$88.08 billion (2012 est.)

revenues

$72.08 billion

Budget surplus (+) or deficit (-)

-4.4% of GDP (2012 est.)

Central bank discount rate

2.75% (31 December 2012 est.) 3.25% (31 December 2011 est.)

Commercial bank prime lending rate

7.1% (31 December 2012 est.) 6.91% (31 December 2011 est.)

Current account balance

$2.759 billion (2012 est.) $5.918 billion (2011 est.)

Debt - external

$133.7 billion (31 December 2012 est.) $104.6 billion (31 December 2011 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 achieved steady growth due largely to industrial and agriculture exports - mostly electronics, agricultural commodities, automobiles and parts, and processed foods. Thailand is trying to maintain growth by encouraging domestic consumption and public investment to offset weak exports in 2012. Unemployment, at less than 1% of the labor force, stands as one of the lowest levels in the world, which puts upward pressure on wages in some industries. Thailand also attracts nearly 2.5 million migrant workers from neighboring countries. The Thai government is implementing a nation-wide 300 baht ($10) per day minimum wage policy and deploying new tax reforms designed to lower rates on middle-income earners. The Thai economy has weathered internal and external economic shocks in recent years. The global economic crisis severely cut Thailand's exports, with most sectors experiencing double-digit drops. In 2009, the economy contracted 2.3%. However, in 2010, Thailand's economy expanded 7.8%, its fastest pace since 1995, as exports rebounded. In late 2011 growth was interrupted by historic flooding in the industrial areas in Bangkok and its five surrounding provinces, crippling the manufacturing sector. Industry recovered from the second quarter of 2012 onward with GDP growth at 5.5% in 2012. The government has approved flood mitigation projects worth $11.7 billion, which were started in 2012, to prevent similar economic damage, and an additional $75 billion for infrastructure over the next seven years with a plan to start in 2013.

Exchange rates

baht per US dollar - 31.08 (2012 est.) 30.49 (2011 est.) 31.69 (2010 est.) 34.29 (2009) 33.37 (2008)

Exports

$226.1 billion (2012 est.) $219.1 billion (2011 est.)

Exports - commodities

electronics, computer parts, automobiles and parts, electrical appliances, machinery and equipment, textiles and footwear, fishery products, rice, rubber

Exports - partners

China 11.7%, Japan 10.2%, US 9.9%, Hong Kong 5.7%, Malaysia 5.4%, Indonesia 4.9%, Singapore 4.7%, Australia 4.3% (2012)

Fiscal year

1 October - 30 September

GDP - composition, by end use

55.3% 13.6% 28.5% 1.2% 75% -73.8% (2012 est.)

exports of goods and services

75%

government consumption

13.6%

household consumption

55.3%

imports of goods and services

-73.8%

investment in fixed capital

28.5%

investment in inventories

1.2%

GDP - composition, by sector of origin

12.3% 43.6% 44.2% (2012 est.)

agriculture

12.3%

industry

43.6%

services

44.2% (2012 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP)

$9,500 (2012 est.) $9,000 (2011 est.) $9,000 (2010 est.) data are in 2012 US dollars

GDP - real growth rate

6.5% (2012 est.) 0.1% (2011 est.) 7.8% (2010 est.)

GDP (official exchange rate)

$361 billion (2012 est.)

GDP (purchasing power parity)

$645.2 billion (2012 est.) $605.9 billion (2011 est.) $605.4 billion (2010 est.) data are in 2012 US dollars

Gross national saving

30.5% of GDP (2012 est.) 28.3% of GDP (2011 est.) 29.1% of GDP (2010 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share

2.8% 31.5% (2009 est.)

highest 10%

31.5% (2009 est.)

lowest 10%

2.8%

Imports

$217.8 billion (2012 est.) $202.1 billion (2011 est.)

Imports - commodities

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

Imports - partners

Japan 20%, China 14.9%, UAE 6.3%, Malaysia 5.3%, US 5.3% (2012)

Industrial production growth rate

7.2% (2012 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% (2012 est.) 3.8% (2011 est.)

Labor force

39.41 million (2012 est.)

Labor force - by occupation

38.2% 13.6% 48.2% (2011 est.)

agriculture

38.2%

industry

13.6%

services

48.2% (2011 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares

$245 billion (31 December 2012) $230.9 billion (31 December 2011) $218.7 billion (31 December 2010)

Population below poverty line

7.8% (2010 est.)

Public debt

45.7% of GDP (2012 est.) 40.3% of GDP (2011 est.) data cover general government debt, and includes debt instruments issued (or owned) by government entities other than the treasury; the data include treasury debt held by foreign entities; the data include debt issued by subnational entities, as well as intra-governmental debt; intra-governmental debt consists of treasury borrowings from surpluses in the social funds, such as for retirement, medical care, and unemployment; debt instruments for the social funds are sold at public auctions

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold

$181.6 billion (31 December 2012 est.) $175.1 billion (31 December 2011 est.)

Stock of broad money

$488.7 billion (31 December 2012 est.) $429.8 billion (31 December 2011 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad

$56.14 billion (31 December 2012 est.) $41.5 billion (31 December 2011 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home

$185.7 billion (31 December 2012 est.) $159.3 billion (31 December 2011 est.)

Stock of domestic credit

$480.5 billion (31 December 2012 est.) $403.3 billion (31 December 2011 est.)

Stock of narrow money

$52.18 billion (31 December 2012 est.) $44.63 billion (31 December 2011 est.)

Taxes and other revenues

20% of GDP (2012 est.)

Unemployment rate

0.7% (2012 est.) 0.7% (2011 est.)

Carbon dioxide emissions from consumption of energy

269.6 million Mt (2011 est.)

Crude oil - exports

32,200 bbl/day (2011 est.)

Crude oil - imports

793,900 bbl/day (2011 est.)

Crude oil - production

433,300 bbl/day (2012 est.)

Crude oil - proved reserves

453.3 million bbl (1 January 2013 es)

Electricity - consumption

169.4 billion kWh (2012 est.)

Electricity - exports

1.535 billion kWh (2012 est.)

Electricity - from fossil fuels

89% of total installed capacity (2012 est.)

Electricity - from hydroelectric plants

10.9% of total installed capacity (2012 est.)

Electricity - from nuclear fuels

0% of total installed capacity (2012 est.)

Electricity - from other renewable sources

0.2% of total installed capacity (2012 est.)

Electricity - imports

9.575 billion kWh (2012 est.)

Electricity - installed generating capacity

32.6 million kW (2012 est.)

Electricity - production

173.3 billion kWh (2012 est.)

Natural gas - consumption

45.08 billion cu m (2010 est.)

Natural gas - exports

0 cu m (2011 est.)

Natural gas - imports

9.58 billion cu m (2011 est.)

Natural gas - production

36.99 billion cu m (2011 est.)

Natural gas - proved reserves

284.9 billion cu m (1 January 2013 es)

Refined petroleum products - consumption

721,100 bbl/day (2011 est.)

Refined petroleum products - exports

192,400 bbl/day (2011 est.)

Refined petroleum products - imports

41,700 bbl/day (2011 est.)

Refined petroleum products - production

913,600 bbl/day (2011 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 all are 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

3.399 million (2012)

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) (2011)

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) (2011)

Telephones - main lines in use

6.391 million (2012)

Telephones - mobile cellular

84.075 million (2012)

Airports

101 (2013)

Airports - with paved runways

6 (2013)

1,524 to 2,437 m

23

2,438 to 3,047 m

12

914 to 1,523 m

14

over 3,047 m

8

total

63

under 914 m

6 (2013)

Airports - with unpaved runways

26 (2013)

1,524 to 2,437 m

1

2,438 to 3,047 m

1

914 to 1,523 m

10

total

38

Heliports

7 (2013)

Merchant marine

bulk carrier 31, cargo 99, chemical tanker 28, container 18, liquefied gas 36, passenger 1, passenger/cargo 10, petroleum tanker 114, refrigerated cargo 24, roll on/roll off 1, vehicle carrier 1 13 (China 1, Hong Kong 1, Malaysia 3, Singapore 1, Taiwan 1, UK 6) 46 (Bahamas 4, Belize 1, Honduras 2, Panama 6, Singapore 33) (2010)

foreign-owned

13 (China 1, Hong Kong 1, Malaysia 3, Singapore 1, Taiwan 1, UK 6)

registered in other countries

46 (Bahamas 4, Belize 1, Honduras 2, Panama 6, Singapore 33) (2010)

total

363

Pipelines

condensate 2 km; gas 5,900 km; liquid petroleum gas 85 km; oil 1 km; refined products 1,097 km (2013)

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 (2008)

narrow gauge

4,042 km 1.000-m gauge (2008)

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) (2011)

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) (2013)

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 (2012)

Disputes - international

separatist violence in Thailand's predominantly Malay-Muslim southern provinces prompt border closures and controls with Malaysia to stem insurgent 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; 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

83,317 (Burma) (2012) undetermined (resurgence in ethno-nationalist violence in south of country since 2004) (2011) 506,197 (2012); note - about half of Thailand's northern hill tribe people do not have citizenship and make up the bulk of Thailand's stateless population; most lack documentation showing they or one of their parents were born in Thailand; children born to Burmese refugees are not eligible for Burmese or Thai citizenship and are stateless; most Chao Lay, maritime nomadic peoples, who travel from island to island in the Andaman Sea west of Thailand are also stateless; stateless Rohingya refugees from Burma are considered illegal migrants by Thai authorities and are detained in inhumane conditions or expelled; stateless persons are denied access to voting, property, education, employment, healthcare, and driving

IDPs

undetermined (resurgence in ethno-nationalist violence in south of country since 2004) (2011)

refugees (country of origin)

83,317 (Burma) (2012)

stateless persons

506,197 (2012); note - about half of Thailand's northern hill tribe people do not have citizenship and make up the bulk of Thailand's stateless population; most lack documentation showing they or one of their parents were born in Thailand; children born to Burmese refugees are not eligible for Burmese or Thai citizenship and are stateless; most Chao Lay, maritime nomadic peoples, who travel from island to island in the Andaman Sea west of Thailand are also stateless; stateless Rohingya refugees from Burma are considered illegal migrants by Thai authorities and are detained in inhumane conditions or expelled; stateless persons are denied access to voting, property, education, employment, healthcare, and driving

Trafficking in persons

Thailand is a source, transit, and destination country for men, women, and children subjected to forced labor and sex trafficking; victims, who are most often from neighboring countries, especially Burma, and also China, Vietnam, Russia, Uzbekistan, and Fiji, migrate to Thailand in search of economic opportunities but are forced, coerced, or defrauded into labor or commercial sexual exploitation; forced laborers are exploited in fishing, low-end garment production, domestic service, and some are forced to beg; some men forced to work on fishing boats have reportedly been kept at sea for years; sex trafficking of Thai and migrant children and sex tourism remain significant problems; Thailand is a transit country for victims from North Korea, China, Vietnam, Pakistan, and Burma destined for exploitation in third countries, including Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, Russia, the Republic of Korea, the US, and Western European countries Tier 2 Watch List - Thailand does not fully comply with the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking; the government investigated more trafficking-related cases but prosecuted and convicted fewer trafficking offender in 2012 than it did in the previous year; widespread corruption among law enforcement personnel creates an enabling environment for human trafficking; local authorities lack an awareness of the elements of trafficking and are deficient at identifying and protecting victims; weak law enforcement, inadequate human and financial resources, and fragmented coordination among regulatory agencies in the fishing industry contributes to overall impunity for exploitive labor practices in this sector; no labor recruitment companies have been punished for forced labor or trafficking allegations (2013)

current situation

Thailand is a source, transit, and destination country for men, women, and children subjected to forced labor and sex trafficking; victims, who are most often from neighboring countries, especially Burma, and also China, Vietnam, Russia, Uzbekistan, and Fiji, migrate to Thailand in search of economic opportunities but are forced, coerced, or defrauded into labor or commercial sexual exploitation; forced laborers are exploited in fishing, low-end garment production, domestic service, and some are forced to beg; some men forced to work on fishing boats have reportedly been kept at sea for years; sex trafficking of Thai and migrant children and sex tourism remain significant problems; Thailand is a transit country for victims from North Korea, China, Vietnam, Pakistan, and Burma destined for exploitation in third countries, including Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, Russia, the Republic of Korea, the US, and Western European countries

tier rating

Tier 2 Watch List - Thailand does not fully comply with the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking; the government investigated more trafficking-related cases but prosecuted and convicted fewer trafficking offender in 2012 than it did in the previous year; widespread corruption among law enforcement personnel creates an enabling environment for human trafficking; local authorities lack an awareness of the elements of trafficking and are deficient at identifying and protecting victims; weak law enforcement, inadequate human and financial resources, and fragmented coordination among regulatory agencies in the fishing industry contributes to overall impunity for exploitive labor practices in this sector; no labor recruitment companies have been punished for forced labor or trafficking allegations (2013)