2017 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 colonized by a European power. A bloodless revolution in 1932 led to the establishment of 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 US 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. THAKSIN's youngest sister, YINGLAK Chinnawat, in 2011 led the Puea Thai Party to an electoral win and assumed control of the government. A blanket amnesty bill for individuals involved in street protests, altered at the last minute to include all political crimes - including all convictions against THAKSIN - triggered months of large-scale anti-government protests in Bangkok beginning in November 2013. In early May 2014, YINGLAK was removed from office by the Constitutional Court and in late May 2014 the Royal Thai Army, led by Royal Thai Army Gen. PRAYUT Chan-ocha, staged a coup against the caretaker government. PRAYUT was appointed prime minister in August 2014. The interim military government created several interim institutions to promote reform and draft a new constitution, which was passed in a national referendum in August 2016. Elections are tentatively set for late-2018. King PHUMIPHON Adunyadet passed away in October 2016 after 70 years on the throne; his only son, WACHIRALONGKON Bodinthrathepphayawarangkun, ascended the throne in December 2016. He signed the new constitution in April 2017. Thailand has also experienced violence associated with the ethno-nationalist insurgency in its southern Malay-Muslim majority provinces. Since January 2004, thousands have been killed and wounded in the insurgency.

Area

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

land

510,890 sq km

total

513,120 sq km

water

2,230 sq km

Area - comparative

about three times the size of Florida; 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

287 m lowest point: Gulf of Thailand 0 m highest point: Doi Inthanon 2,565 m

elevation extremes

lowest point: Gulf of Thailand 0 m

highest point

Doi Inthanon 2,565 m

mean elevation

287 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

Geographic coordinates

15 00 N, 100 00 E

Geography - note

controls only land route from Asia to Malaysia and Singapore; ideas for the construction of a canal across the Kra Isthmus that would create a bypass to the Strait of Malacca and shorten shipping times around Asia continue to be discussed

Irrigated land

64,150 sq km (2012)

Land boundaries

5,673 km Burma 2,416 km, Cambodia 817 km, Laos 1,845 km, Malaysia 595 km

border countries (4)

Burma 2,416 km, Cambodia 817 km, Laos 1,845 km, Malaysia 595 km

total

5,673 km

Land use

41.2% arable land 30.8%; permanent crops 8.8%; permanent pasture 1.6% 37.2% 21.6% (2011 est.)

agricultural land

41.2%

forest

37.2%

other

21.6% (2011 est.)

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

Population - distribution

highest population density is found in and around Bangkok; significant population clusters found throughout large parts of the country, particularly north and northeast of Bangkok and in the extreme southern region of the country

Terrain

central plain; Khorat Plateau in the east; mountains elsewhere

Age structure

16.93% (male 5,933,269/female 5,649,864) 14.17% (male 4,943,583/female 4,752,038) 46.32% (male 15,677,322/female 16,009,399) 12% (male 3,851,575/female 4,358,837) 10.58% (male 3,165,799/female 4,072,449) (2017 est.)

0-14 years

16.93% (male 5,933,269/female 5,649,864)

15-24 years

14.17% (male 4,943,583/female 4,752,038)

25-54 years

46.32% (male 15,677,322/female 16,009,399)

55-64 years

12% (male 3,851,575/female 4,358,837)

65 years and over

10.58% (male 3,165,799/female 4,072,449) (2017 est.)

Birth rate

11 births/1,000 population (2017 est.)

Children under the age of 5 years underweight

9.2% (2012)

Contraceptive prevalence rate

79.3% (2012)

Death rate

8 deaths/1,000 population (2017 est.)

Dependency ratios

25.2 14.8 6.8 (2015 est.)

elderly dependency ratio

14.8

potential support ratio

6.8 (2015 est.)

total dependency ratio

40

youth dependency ratio

25.2

Drinking water source

urban: 97.6% of population rural: 98% of population total: 97.8% of population urban: 2.4% of population rural: 2% of population total: 2.2% of population (2015 est.)

rural

2% of population

total

2.2% of population (2015 est.)

urban

2.4% of population

Education expenditures

4.1% of GDP (2013)

Ethnic groups

Thai 97.5%, Burmese 1.3%, other 1.1%, unspecified

Health expenditures

6.5% of GDP (2014)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate

1.1% (2016 est.)

HIV/AIDS - deaths

16,000 (2016 est.)

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS

450,000 (2016 est.)

Hospital bed density

2.1 beds/1,000 population (2010)

Infant mortality rate

9.2 deaths/1,000 live births 10.1 deaths/1,000 live births 8.2 deaths/1,000 live births (2017 est.)

female

8.2 deaths/1,000 live births (2017 est.)

male

10.1 deaths/1,000 live births

total

9.2 deaths/1,000 live births

Languages

Thai (official) 90.7%, Burmese 1.3%, other 8% English is a secondary language of the elite (2010 est.)

note

English is a secondary language of the elite (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth

74.9 years 71.7 years 78.3 years (2017 est.)

female

78.3 years (2017 est.)

male

71.7 years

total population

74.9 years

Literacy

age 15 and over can read and write 92.9% 94.7% 91.2% (2015 est.)

definition

age 15 and over can read and write

female

91.2% (2015 est.)

male

94.7%

total population

92.9%

Major infectious diseases

very high bacterial diarrhea dengue fever, Japanese encephalitis, and malaria (2016)

degree of risk

very high

food or waterborne diseases

bacterial diarrhea

vectorborne diseases

dengue fever, Japanese encephalitis, and malaria (2016)

Major urban areas - population

BANGKOK (capital) 9.27 million; Samut Prakan 1.814 million (2015)

Maternal mortality ratio

20 deaths/100,000 live births (2015 est.)

Median age

37.7 years 36.6 years 38.7 years (2017 est.)

female

38.7 years (2017 est.)

male

36.6 years

total

37.7 years

Mother's mean age at first birth

23.3 years (2009 est.)

Nationality

Thai (singular and plural) Thai

adjective

Thai

noun

Thai (singular and plural)

Net migration rate

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2017 est.)

Obesity - adult prevalence rate

10% (2016)

Physicians density

0.39 physicians/1,000 population (2010)

Population

68,414,135 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 (July 2017 est.)

note

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 (July 2017 est.)

Population distribution

highest population density is found in and around Bangkok; significant population clusters found througout large parts of the country, particularly north and northeast of Bangkok and in the extreme southern region of the country

Population growth rate

0.3% (2017 est.)

Religions

Buddhist 94.6%, Muslim 4.3%, Christian 1%, other

Sanitation facility access

urban: 89.9% of population rural: 96.1% of population total: 93% of population urban: 10.1% of population rural: 3.9% of population total: 7% of population (2015 est.)

rural

3.9% of population

total

7% of population (2015 est.)

urban

10.1% of population

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education)

16 years 16 years 16 years (2015)

female

16 years (2015)

male

16 years

total

16 years

Sex ratio

1.05 male(s)/female 1.05 male(s)/female 1.04 male(s)/female 0.98 male(s)/female 0.89 male(s)/female 0.78 male(s)/female 0.97 male(s)/female (2016 est.)

0-14 years

1.05 male(s)/female

15-24 years

1.04 male(s)/female

25-54 years

0.98 male(s)/female

55-64 years

0.89 male(s)/female

65 years and over

0.78 male(s)/female

at birth

1.05 male(s)/female

total population

0.97 male(s)/female (2016 est.)

Total fertility rate

1.52 children born/woman (2017 est.)

Unemployment, youth ages 15-24

0.9% 0.8% 1.1% (2015 est.)

female

1.1% (2015 est.)

male

0.8%

total

0.9%

Urbanization

52.7% of total population (2017) 2.2% annual rate of change (2015-20 est.)

rate of urbanization

2.2% annual rate of change (2015-20 est.)

urban population

52.7% of total population (2017)

Administrative divisions

76 provinces (changwat, singular and plural) and 1 municipality* (maha nakhon); Amnat Charoen, Ang Thong, Bueng Kan, Buri Ram, Chachoengsao, Chai Nat, Chaiyaphum, Chanthaburi, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Chon Buri, Chumphon, Kalasin, Kamphaeng Phet, Kanchanaburi, Khon Kaen, Krabi, Krung Thep* (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, Saraburi, Satun, Sing Buri, Si Sa Ket, 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)

Citizenship

no at least one parent must be a citizen of Thailand no 5 years

citizenship by birth

no

citizenship by descent only

at least one parent must be a citizen of Thailand

dual citizenship recognized

no

residency requirement for naturalization

5 years

Constitution

many previous; draft of latest completed 29 March 2016, approved by referendum 7 August 2016, signed by the king 6 April 2017; note - the final version has several changes not reflected in the one passed by referendum (2016)

Country name

Kingdom of Thailand Thailand Ratcha Anachak Thai Prathet Thai Siam "Land of the Tai [People]"; the meaning of "tai" is uncertain, but may originally have meant "human beings," "people," or "free people"

conventional long form

Kingdom of Thailand

conventional short form

Thailand

etymology

"Land of the Tai [People]"; the meaning of "tai" is uncertain, but may originally have meant "human beings," "people," or "free people"

former

Siam

local long form

Ratcha Anachak Thai

local short form

Prathet Thai

Diplomatic representation from the US

Ambassador Glyn T. DAVIES (since 28 November 2015) 95 Wireless Road, Bangkok 10330 APO AP 96546 [66] (2) 205-4000 [66] (2) 254-2990, 205-4131 Chiang Mai

chief of mission

Ambassador Glyn T. DAVIES (since 28 November 2015)

consulate(s) general

Chiang Mai

embassy

95 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 (vacant); Charge d'Affaires PHATTHARAWAN Wetchasat (since 27 October 2017) 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 (vacant); Charge d'Affaires PHATTHARAWAN Wetchasat (since 27 October 2017)

consulate(s) general

Chicago, Los Angeles, New York

FAX

[1] (202) 944-3611

telephone

[1] (202) 944-3600

Executive branch

King WACHIRALONGKON Bodinthrathepphayawarangkun, also spelled Vajiralongkorn Bodindradebayavarangkun (since 1 December 2016); note - King PHUMIPHON Adunyadet, also spelled BHUMIBOL Adulyadej (since 9 June 1946) died 13 October 2016 Interim Prime Minister Gen. PRAYUT Chan-ocha (since 25 August 2014); Deputy Prime Ministers PRAWIT Wongsuwan, Gen. (since 31 August 2014), WISSANU Kruea-ngam (since 31 August 2014), SOMKHIT Chatusiphithak (since 20 August 2015), PRACHIN Chantong, Air Chief Mar. (since 20 August 2015), CHATCHAI Sarikan, Gen. (since 23 November 2017) Council of Ministers nominated by the prime minister, appointed by the king; a Privy Council advises the king the monarchy is hereditary; the House of Representatives approves a person for Prime Minister who must then be appointed by the King (as stated in the transitory provision of the 2017 constitution); the office of prime minister can be held for up to a total of 8 years Gen. Prayut Chan-ocha was appointed interim prime minister in August 2014, three months after he staged the coup that removed the previously elected government of Prime Minister YINGLUCK Chinnawat, also spelled YINGLUCK Shinawatra

cabinet

Council of Ministers nominated by the prime minister, appointed by the king; a Privy Council advises the king

chief of state

King WACHIRALONGKON Bodinthrathepphayawarangkun, also spelled Vajiralongkorn Bodindradebayavarangkun (since 1 December 2016); note - King PHUMIPHON Adunyadet, also spelled BHUMIBOL Adulyadej (since 9 June 1946) died 13 October 2016

elections/appointments

the monarchy is hereditary; the House of Representatives approves a person for Prime Minister who must then be appointed by the King (as stated in the transitory provision of the 2017 constitution); the office of prime minister can be held for up to a total of 8 years

head of government

Interim Prime Minister Gen. PRAYUT Chan-ocha (since 25 August 2014); Deputy Prime Ministers PRAWIT Wongsuwan, Gen. (since 31 August 2014), WISSANU Kruea-ngam (since 31 August 2014), SOMKHIT Chatusiphithak (since 20 August 2015), PRACHIN Chantong, Air Chief Mar. (since 20 August 2015), CHATCHAI Sarikan, Gen. (since 23 November 2017)

note

Gen. Prayut Chan-ocha was appointed interim prime minister in August 2014, three months after he staged the coup that removed the previously elected government of Prime Minister YINGLUCK Chinnawat, also spelled YINGLUCK Shinawatra

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

note

similar to the flag of Costa Rica but with the blue and red colors reversed

Government type

constitutional monarchy; note - interim military-affiliated government since May 2014

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, UNOCI, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Judicial branch

Supreme Court of Justice (consists of court president, 6 vice-presidents, and 60-70 judges, and organized into 10 divisions); Constitutional Court (consists of court president and 8 judges); Supreme Administrative Court (number of judges determined by Judicial Commission of the Administrative Courts) Supreme Court judges selected by the Judicial Commission of the Courts of Justice and approved by the monarch; judge term determined by the monarch; 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; judges appointed for life 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 court president, 6 vice-presidents, and 60-70 judges, and organized into 10 divisions); Constitutional Court (consists of court president and 8 judges); Supreme Administrative Court (number of judges determined by 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; judge term determined by the monarch; 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; judges appointed for life

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

in transition; following the May 2014 military coup, a National Legislative Assembly or Sapha Nitibanyat Haeng Chat of no more than 220 members replaced the bicameral National Assembly; expanded to 250 members in September 2016; elections for a permanent legislative body are scheduled for November 2018; the 2017 constitution calls for a 250-member military-appointed Senate with 5-year terms and a 500-member elected House of Representatives with 4-year terms Senate - last held on 30 March 2014 but invalidated by the coup (in future, members will be appointed); House of Representatives - last held on 2 February 2014 but later declared invalid by the Constitutional Court (next to be held in November 2018) Senate - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - NA; House of Representatives - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - NA

description

in transition; following the May 2014 military coup, a National Legislative Assembly or Sapha Nitibanyat Haeng Chat of no more than 220 members replaced the bicameral National Assembly; expanded to 250 members in September 2016; elections for a permanent legislative body are scheduled for November 2018; the 2017 constitution calls for a 250-member military-appointed Senate with 5-year terms and a 500-member elected House of Representatives with 4-year terms

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 - NA

elections

Senate - last held on 30 March 2014 but invalidated by the coup (in future, members will be appointed); House of Representatives - last held on 2 February 2014 but later declared invalid by the Constitutional Court (next to be held in November 2018)

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 Sanlasoen 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)

note

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 Sanlasoen 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

National holiday

Birthday of King Maha VAJIRALONGKORN, 28 July (1952)

National symbol(s)

garuda (mythical half-man, half-bird figure), elephant; national colors: red, white, blue

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

red, white, blue

Political parties and leaders

Chat Thai Phatthana Party or CTP (Thai Nation Development Party) Phumchai (Bhumjai) Thai Party or PJT (Thai Pride) [ANUTHIN Chanwirakun] Prachathipat Party or DP (Democrat Party) [ABHISIT Wechachiwa, also spelled ABHISIT Vejjajiva] Puea Thai Party (For Thais Party) or PTP [acting leader WIROT Paoin]

Political pressure groups and leaders

New Democracy Movement People's Democratic Reform Committee or PDRC United Front for Democracy Against Dictatorship or UDD

Suffrage

18 years of age; universal and compulsory

Agriculture - products

rice, cassava (manioc, tapioca), rubber, corn, sugarcane, coconuts, palm oil, pineapple, livestock, fish products

Budget

$79.6 billion $90.56 billion (2017 est.)

expenditures

$90.56 billion (2017 est.)

revenues

$79.6 billion

Budget surplus (+) or deficit (-)

-2.5% of GDP (2017 est.)

Central bank discount rate

1.5% (31 December 2016) 1.5% (31 December 2015)

Commercial bank prime lending rate

6.2% (31 December 2017 est.) 6.31% (31 December 2016 est.)

Current account balance

$44 billion (2017 est.) $46.83 billion (2016 est.)

Debt - external

$135.5 billion (31 December 2017 est.) $130.6 billion (31 December 2016 est.)

Distribution of family income - Gini index

44.5 (2015) 48.4 (2011)

Economy - overview

With a relatively well-developed infrastructure, a free-enterprise economy, and generally pro-investment policies, Thailand is highly dependent on international trade, with exports accounting for about two-thirds of GDP. Thailand’s exports include electronics, agricultural commodities, automobiles and parts, and processed foods. The industry and service sectors produce about 90% of GDP. The agricultural sector, comprised mostly of small-scale farms, contributes only 10% of GDP but employs about one-third of the labor force. Thailand has attracted an estimated 3.0-4.5 million migrant workers, mostly from neighboring countries. Over the last few decades, Thailand has sustained strong growth and has reduced poverty substantially. In 2013, the Thai Government implemented a nationwide 300 baht (roughly $10) per day minimum wage policy and deployed new tax reforms designed to lower rates on middle-income earners. Growth has slowed in the last few years, however, due to domestic political turmoil and sluggish global demand. Nevertheless, Thailand’s economic fundamentals are sound, with low inflation, low unemployment, and reasonable public and external debt levels. Tourism and government spending - mostly on infrastructure and short-term stimulus measures – have helped to boost the economy, and The Bank of Thailand has been supportive, with several interest rate reductions. Over the longer-term, Thailand faces labor shortages, and domestic debt levels, political uncertainty, and an aging population pose risks to growth.

Exchange rates

baht per US dollar - 34.34 (2017 est.) 35.296 (2016 est.) 35.296 (2015 est.) 34.248 (2014 est.) 32.48 (2013 est.)

Exports

$228.2 billion (2017 est.) $214.3 billion (2016 est.)

Exports - commodities

automobiles and parts, computer and parts, jewelry and precious stones, polymers of ethylene in primary forms, refine fuels, electronic integrated circuits, chemical products, rice, fish products, rubber products, sugar, cassava, poultry, machinery and parts, iron and steel and their products

Exports - partners

US 11.4%, China 11.1%, Japan 9.6%, Hong Kong 5.3%, Australia 4.8%, Malaysia 4.5%, Vietnam 4.4% (2016)

Fiscal year

1 October - 30 September

GDP - composition, by end use

50.1% 17% 24.2% -7% 70.4% -54.7% (2017 est.)

exports of goods and services

70.4%

government consumption

17%

household consumption

50.1%

imports of goods and services

-54.7% (2017 est.)

investment in fixed capital

24.2%

investment in inventories

-7%

GDP - composition, by sector of origin

8.2% 36.2% 55.6% (2017 est.)

agriculture

8.2%

industry

36.2%

services

55.6% (2017 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP)

$17,800 (2017 est.) $17,200 (2016 est.) $16,700 (2015 est.) data are in 2017 dollars

note

data are in 2017 dollars

GDP - real growth rate

3.7% (2017 est.) 3.2% (2016 est.) 2.9% (2015 est.)

GDP (official exchange rate)

$437.8 billion (2016 est.)

GDP (purchasing power parity)

$1.229 trillion (2017 est.) $1.185 trillion (2016 est.) $1.148 trillion (2015 est.) data are in 2017 dollars

note

data are in 2017 dollars

Gross national saving

32.8% of GDP (2017 est.) 33.5% of GDP (2016 est.) 30.3% of GDP (2015 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

$190 billion (2017 est.) $177.7 billion (2016 est.)

Imports - commodities

machinery and parts, crude oil, electrical machinery and parts, chemicals, iron & steel and product, electronic integrated circuit, automobile’s parts, jewelry including silver bars and gold, computers and parts, electrical household appliances, soybean, soybean meal, wheat, cotton, dairy products

Imports - partners

China 21.6%, Japan 15.8%, US 6.2%, Malaysia 5.6% (2016)

Industrial production growth rate

3.6% (2017 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, agricultural machinery, air conditioning and refrigeration, ceramics, aluminum, chemical, environmental management, glass, granite and marble, leather, machinery and metal work, petrochemical, petroleum refining, pharmaceuticals, printing, pulp and paper, rubber, sugar, rice, fishing, cassava, world's second-largest tungsten producer and third-largest tin producer

Inflation rate (consumer prices)

0.6% (2017 est.) 0.2% (2016 est.)

Labor force

38.37 million (2017 est.)

Labor force - by occupation

31.8% 16.7% 51.5% (2015 est.)

agriculture

31.8%

industry

16.7%

services

51.5% (2015 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares

$348.8 billion (31 December 2015 est.) $430.4 billion (31 December 2014 est.) $354.4 billion (31 December 2013 est.)

Population below poverty line

7.2% (2015 est.)

Public debt

44.1% of GDP (2017 est.) 41.2% of GDP (2016 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

note

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

$193.5 billion (31 December 2017 est.) $171.9 billion (31 December 2016 est.)

Stock of broad money

$546.1 billion (31 December 2017 est.) $510.4 billion (31 December 2016 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad

$112.3 billion (31 December 2017 est.) $96.27 billion (31 December 2016 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home

$205.5 billion (31 December 2017 est.) $193.5 billion (31 December 2016 est.)

Stock of domestic credit

$537.2 billion (31 December 2017 est.) $507.5 billion (31 December 2016 est.)

Stock of narrow money

$56.36 billion (31 December 2017 est.) $52.03 billion (31 December 2016 est.)

Taxes and other revenues

18.2% of GDP (2017 est.)

Unemployment rate

0.7% (2017 est.) 0.8% (2016 est.)

Carbon dioxide emissions from consumption of energy

301 million Mt (2013 est.)

Crude oil - exports

12,200 bbl/day (2014 est.)

Crude oil - imports

830,500 bbl/day (2014 est.)

Crude oil - production

257,500 bbl/day (2016 est.)

Crude oil - proved reserves

396.4 million bbl (1 January 2017 es)

Electricity - consumption

168.3 billion kWh (2015 est.)

Electricity - exports

2.267 billion kWh (2015 est.)

Electricity - from fossil fuels

76.7% of total installed capacity (2015 est.)

Electricity - from hydroelectric plants

8.9% of total installed capacity (2015 est.)

Electricity - from nuclear fuels

0% of total installed capacity (2015 est.)

Electricity - from other renewable sources

14.2% of total installed capacity (2015 est.)

Electricity - imports

14.41 billion kWh (2015 est.)

Electricity - installed generating capacity

40.97 million kW (2015 est.)

Electricity - production

167.9 billion kWh (2015 est.)

Electricity access

700,000 99% 99.7% 98.3% (2013)

electrification - rural areas

98.3% (2013)

electrification - total population

99%

electrification - urban areas

99.7%

population without electricity

700,000

Natural gas - consumption

114.8 billion cu m (2015 est.)

Natural gas - exports

0 cu m (2013 est.)

Natural gas - imports

13.33 billion cu m (2015 est.)

Natural gas - production

39.82 billion cu m (2015 est.)

Natural gas - proved reserves

206.8 billion cu m (1 January 2017 es)

Refined petroleum products - consumption

1.272 million bbl/day (2015 est.)

Refined petroleum products - exports

238,800 bbl/day (2014 est.)

Refined petroleum products - imports

162,800 bbl/day (2014 est.)

Refined petroleum products - production

1.213 million bbl/day (2014 est.)

Broadcast media

26 digital TV stations in Bangkok broadcast nationally, 6 terrestrial TV stations in Bangkok broadcast nationally via relay stations - 2 of the stations 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 (2017)

Internet country code

.th

Internet users

32,398,778 47.5% (July 2016 est.)

percent of population

47.5% (July 2016 est.)

total

32,398,778

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) (2016)

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) (2016)

Telephones - fixed lines

4.706 million 7 (July 2016 est.)

subscriptions per 100 inhabitants

7 (July 2016 est.)

total subscriptions

4.706 million

Telephones - mobile cellular

116.606 million 171 (July 2016 est.)

subscriptions per 100 inhabitants

171 (July 2016 est.)

total

116.606 million

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

under 914 m

26 (2013)

Civil aircraft registration country code prefix

HS (2016)

Heliports

7 (2013)

Merchant marine

bulk carrier 25, container ship 23, general cargo 94, oil tanker 240, other 399 (2017)

by type

bulk carrier 25, container ship 23, general cargo 94, oil tanker 240, other 399 (2017)

total

781

National air transport system

54,259,629 2,134,149,001 mt-km (2015)

annual freight traffic on registered air carriers

2,134,149,001 mt-km (2015)

annual passenger traffic on registered air carriers

54,259,629

inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers

276

number of registered air carriers

19

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 Bangkok (1,559,000), Laem Chabang (6,780,000) (2015) Map Ta Phut

container port(s) (TEUs)

Bangkok (1,559,000), Laem Chabang (6,780,000) (2015)

LNG terminal(s) (import)

Map Ta Phut

major seaport(s)

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

Railways

4,127 km 84 km 1.435-m gauge (84 km electrified) 4,043 km 1.000-m gauge (2017)

narrow gauge

4,043 km 1.000-m gauge (2017)

standard gauge

84 km 1.435-m gauge (84 km electrified)

total

4,127 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)

Military branches

Royal Thai Armed Forces (Kongthap Thai, RTARF): 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) (2017)

Royal Thai Armed Forces (Kongthap Thai, RTARF)

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) (2017)

Military expenditures

1.5% of GDP (2017) 1.45% of GDP (2016) 1.44% of GDP (2015) 1.41% of GDP (2014) 1.4% of GDP (2013)

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; approximately 105,000 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

102,633 (Burma) (2016) 35,000 (resurgence in ethno-nationalist violence in south of country since 2004) (2016) 487,741 (2016); 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 Thai nationality was granted to more than 18,000 stateless persons in the last 3 years (2015)

IDPs

35,000 (resurgence in ethno-nationalist violence in south of country since 2004) (2016)

note

Thai nationality was granted to more than 18,000 stateless persons in the last 3 years (2015)

refugees (country of origin)

102,633 (Burma) (2016)

stateless persons

487,741 (2016); 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 from Burma, Cambodia, Laos, China, Vietnam, Uzbekistan, and India, migrate to Thailand in search of jobs but are forced, coerced, or defrauded into labor in commercial fishing, fishing-related industries, factories, domestic work, street begging, or the sex trade; some Thai, Burmese, Cambodian, and Indonesian men forced to work on fishing boats are kept at sea for years; sex trafficking of adults and children from Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, and Burma remains a significant problem; Thailand is a transit country for victims from China, Vietnam, Bangladesh, and Burma subjected to sex trafficking and forced labor in Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, Russia, South Korea, the US, and countries in Western Europe; Thai victims are also trafficked in North America, Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Middle East Tier 2 Watch List - Thailand does not fully comply with the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking, and is not making significant efforts to do so; in 2014, authorities investigated, prosecuted, and convicted fewer traffickers and identified fewer victims; some cases of official complicity were investigated and prosecuted, but trafficking-related corruption continues to hinder progress in combatting trafficking; authorities’ efforts to screen for victims among vulnerable populations remained inadequate due to a poor understanding of trafficking indicators, a failure to recognize non-physical forms of coercion, and a shortage of language interpreters; the government passed new labor laws increasing the minimum age in the fishing industry to 18 years old, guaranteeing the minimum wage, and requiring work contracts, but weak law enforcement and poor coordination among regulatory agencies enabled exploitive labor practices to continue; the government increased efforts to raise public awareness to the dangers of human trafficking and to deny entry to foreign sex tourists (2015)

current situation

Thailand is a source, transit, and destination country for men, women, and children subjected to forced labor and sex trafficking; victims from Burma, Cambodia, Laos, China, Vietnam, Uzbekistan, and India, migrate to Thailand in search of jobs but are forced, coerced, or defrauded into labor in commercial fishing, fishing-related industries, factories, domestic work, street begging, or the sex trade; some Thai, Burmese, Cambodian, and Indonesian men forced to work on fishing boats are kept at sea for years; sex trafficking of adults and children from Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, and Burma remains a significant problem; Thailand is a transit country for victims from China, Vietnam, Bangladesh, and Burma subjected to sex trafficking and forced labor in Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, Russia, South Korea, the US, and countries in Western Europe; Thai victims are also trafficked in North America, Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Middle East

tier rating

Tier 2 Watch List - Thailand does not fully comply with the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking, and is not making significant efforts to do so; in 2014, authorities investigated, prosecuted, and convicted fewer traffickers and identified fewer victims; some cases of official complicity were investigated and prosecuted, but trafficking-related corruption continues to hinder progress in combatting trafficking; authorities’ efforts to screen for victims among vulnerable populations remained inadequate due to a poor understanding of trafficking indicators, a failure to recognize non-physical forms of coercion, and a shortage of language interpreters; the government passed new labor laws increasing the minimum age in the fishing industry to 18 years old, guaranteeing the minimum wage, and requiring work contracts, but weak law enforcement and poor coordination among regulatory agencies enabled exploitive labor practices to continue; the government increased efforts to raise public awareness to the dangers of human trafficking and to deny entry to foreign sex tourists (2015)