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Communications

Broadcast media (Radio) [time series]

broadcast stations: AM 200 (in government-controlled network), FM 100 (in government-controlled network), shortwave 0 radios: NA

Telecommunication systems (Telephone system) [time series]

739,500 telephones (1987); service to general public inadequate; bulk of service to government activities provided by multichannel cable and microwave radio relay network local: NA intercity: microwave radio relay and multichannel cable; domestic satellite system being developed international: 2 INTELSAT (1 Indian Ocean and 1 Pacific Ocean) earth stations

Broadcast media (Television) [time series]

broadcast stations: 11 (in government-controlled network) televisions: NA

Defense Forces

Military and security forces (Branches) [time series]

Royal Thai Army, Royal Thai Navy (includes Royal Thai Marine Corps), Royal Thai Air Force, Paramilitary Forces

Military expenditures (Defense expenditures) [time series]

exchange rate conversion - $4.0 billion, 2.5% of GNP (FY94/95) TOGO

Manpower availability [time series]

males age 15-49 17,297,854; males fit for military service 10,489,564; males reach military age (18) annually 585,009 (1995 est.)

Economy

Agricultural products (Agriculture) [time series]

accounts for 11% of GDP and 62% of labor force; leading producer and exporter of rice and cassava (tapioca); other crops - rubber, corn, sugarcane, coconuts, soybeans; except for wheat, self-sufficient in food

Budget [time series]

revenues: $28.4 billion expenditures: $28.4 billion, including capital expenditures of $9.6 billion (FY94/95 est.)

Exchange rates (Currency) [time series]

1 baht (B) = 100 satang

Economic aid [time series]

recipient: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $870 million; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $8.6 billion; OPEC bilateral aid (1979-89), $19 million

Electricity [time series]

capacity: 12,810,000 kW production: 56.8 billion kWh consumption per capita: 909 kWh (1993)

Exchange rates [time series]

baht (B) per US$1 - 25.074 (January 1995), 25.150 (1994), 25.319 (1993), 25.400 (1992), 25.517 (1991), 25.585 (1990)

Exports [time series]

$46 billion (f.o.b., 1994 est.) commodities: machinery and manufactures 83%, agricultural products and fisheries 16%, others 1% (1994 est.) partners: US 22%, Japan 17%, Singapore 12%, Hong Kong 5%, Germany 4% (1993)

Debt - external (External debt) [time series]

$64.3 billion (1994 est.)

Fiscal year [time series]

1 October - 30 September

Illicit drugs [time series]

a minor producer of opium and marijuana; major illicit transit point for heroin, particularly from Burma and Laos, for the international drug market; 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 major drug money laundering center; rapidly growing role in amphetamine production for regional consumption; increasing indigenous abuse of heroin and cocaine

Imports [time series]

$52.6 billion (c.i.f., 1994 est.) commodities: capital goods 44%, intermediate goods and raw materials 37%, consumer goods 16%, other 3% (1994 est.) partners: Japan 30%, US 12%, Singapore 6%, Germany 5%, Taiwan 5% (1993)

Industrial production growth rate (Industrial production) [time series]

growth rate 11.5% (1993 est.); accounts for about 26% of GDP

Industries [time series]

tourism is the largest source of foreign exchange; textiles and garments, agricultural processing, beverages, tobacco, cement, light manufacturing, such as jewelry; electric appliances and components, integrated circuits, furniture, plastics; world's second-largest tungsten producer and third-largest tin producer

Inflation rate (consumer prices) [time series]

5% (1994 est.)

Real GDP (purchasing power parity) (National product) [time series]

GDP - purchasing power parity - $355.2 billion (1994 est.)

Real GDP per capita (National product per capita) [time series]

$5,970 (1994 est.)

Real GDP growth rate (National product real growth rate) [time series]

8% (1994 est.)

Economic overview (Overview) [time series]

Thailand's economy recovered rapidly from the political unrest in May 1992 to post an impressive 7.5% growth rate for the year, 7.8% in 1993, and 8% in 1994. One of the more advanced developing countries in Asia, Thailand depends on exports of manufactures and the development of the service sector to fuel the country's rapid growth. Much of Thailand's recent imports have been for capital equipment, suggesting that the export sector is poised for further growth. With foreign investment slowing, Bangkok is working to increase the generation of domestic capital. Prime Minister CHUAN's government - Thailand's fifth government in less than three years - is pledged to continue Bangkok's probusiness policies, and the return of a democratically elected government has improved business confidence. Even so, CHUAN must overcome divisions within his ruling coalition to complete much needed infrastructure development programs if Thailand is to remain an attractive place for business investment. Over the longer-term, Bangkok must produce more college graduates with technical training and upgrade workers' skills to continue its rapid economic development.

Unemployment rate [time series]

3.2% (1993 est.)

Geography

Area [time series]

total area: 514,000 sq km land area: 511,770 sq km comparative area: slightly more than twice the size of Wyoming

Climate [time series]

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 [time series]

3,219 km

Environment - current issues (Environment) [time series]

current issues: air pollution from vehicle emissions; water pollution from organic and factory wastes; deforestation; soil erosion; wildlife populations threatened by illegal hunting natural hazards: land subsidence in Bangkok area resulting from the depletion of the water table; droughts international agreements: party to - Climate Change, Endangered Species, Marine Life Conservation, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Tropical Timber 83; signed, but not ratified - Biodiversity, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea

Disputes - international (International disputes) [time series]

boundary dispute with Laos; unresolved maritime boundary with Vietnam; parts of border with Thailand in dispute; maritime boundary with Thailand not clearly defined

Irrigated land [time series]

42,300 sq km (1989 est.)

Land boundaries [time series]

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

Land use [time series]

arable land: 34% permanent crops: 4% meadows and pastures: 1% forest and woodland: 30% other: 31%

Location [time series]

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

Map references [time series]

Southeast Asia

Maritime claims [time series]

continental shelf: 200-m depth or to the depth of exploitation exclusive economic zone: 200 nm territorial sea: 12 nm

Natural resources [time series]

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

Note [time series]

controls only land route from Asia to Malaysia and Singapore

Terrain [time series]

central plain; Khorat plateau in the east; mountains elsewhere

Government

Administrative divisions [time series]

76 provinces (changwat, singular and plural); Amnat Charoen, Ang Thong, Buriram, Chachoengsao, Chai Nat, Chaiyaphum, Chanthaburi, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Chon Buri, Chumphon, Kalasin, Kamphaeng Phet, Kanchanaburi, Khon Kaen, Krabi, Krung Thep Mahanakhon, 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 [time series]

Bangkok

Constitution [time series]

new constitution approved 7 December 1991; amended 10 June 1992

Digraph [time series]

Diplomatic representation in the US (Diplomatic representation in US) [time series]

chief of mission: Ambassador MANATPHAT Chuto chancery: 1024 Wisconsin Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20007 telephone: [1] (202) 944-3600

Executive branch [time series]

chief of state: King PHUMIPHON Adunyadet (since 9 June 1946); Heir Apparent Crown Prince WACHIRALONGKON (born 28 July 1952) head of government: Prime Minister CHUAN Likphai (since 23 September 1992) cabinet: Council of Ministers

Diplomatic representation in the US (FAX) [time series]

[1] (202) 944-3611 consulate(s) general: Chicago, Los Angeles, and New York

Diplomatic representation in the US (FAX) [time series]

[66] (2) 254-2990 consulate(s) general: Chiang Mai consulate(s): Udorn (Udon Thani)

Flag [time series]

five horizontal bands of red (top), white, blue (double width), white, and red

Legislative branch (House of Representatives (Saphaphoothan-Rajsadhorn)) [time series]

elections last held 13 September 1992 (next to be held NA); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (360 total) DP 79, TNP 77, NDP 60, NAP 51, Phalang Tham 47, SAP 22, LDP 8, SP 8, Mass Party 4, Thai Citizen's Party 3, People's Party 1, People's Force Party 0

Independence [time series]

1238 (traditional founding date; never colonized)

Judicial branch [time series]

Supreme Court (Sarndika)

Legal system [time series]

based on civil law system, with influences of common law; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction; martial law in effect since 23 February 1991 military coup

Legislative branch [time series]

bicameral National Assembly (Rathasatha)

International organization participation (Member of) [time series]

APEC, AsDB, ASEAN, CCC, CP, ESCAP, FAO, G-77, GATT, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU, NAM, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNIKOM, UNU, UPU, WCL, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO

Country name (Names) [time series]

conventional long form: Kingdom of Thailand conventional short form: Thailand

National holiday [time series]

Birthday of His Majesty the King, 5 December (1927)

Political parties (Political parties and leaders) [time series]

Democrat Party (DP), CHUAN Likphai; Thai Nation Party (TNP or Chat Thai Party), Banhan SINLAPA-ACHA; National Development Party (NDP or Chat Phattana), Chatchai CHUNHAWAN; New Aspiration Party (NAP), Gen. Chawalit YONGCHAIYUT; Phalang Tham (Palang Dharma), CHAMLONG Simuang; Social Action Party (SAP), Montri PHONGPHANIT; Liberal Democratic Party (LDP or Seri Tham), Athit URAIRAT; Solidarity Party (SP), Uthai PHIMCHAICHON; Mass Party (Muanchon), Pol. Cpt. Choem YUBAMRUNG; Thai Citizen's Party (Prachakon Thai), Samak SUNTHONWET; People's Party (Ratsadon), Chaiphak SIRIWAT; People's Force Party (Phalang Prachachon), Col. Sophon HANCHAREON

Legislative branch (Privy Council) [time series]

Legislative branch (Senate (Vuthisatha)) [time series]

consists of a 270-member appointed body

Suffrage [time series]

21 years of age; universal

Government type (Type) [time series]

constitutional monarchy

Diplomatic representation from the US (US diplomatic representation) [time series]

chief of mission: Ambassador David F. LAMBERTSON embassy: 95 Wireless Road, Bangkok mailing address: APO AP 96546 telephone: [66] (2) 252-5040

People

Age structure [time series]

0-14 years: 29% (female 8,545,362; male 8,866,271) 15-64 years: 66% (female 19,733,773; male 20,185,392) 65 years and over: 5% (female 1,636,426; male 1,304,076) (July 1995 est.)

Birth rate [time series]

18.87 births/1,000 population (1995 est.)

Death rate [time series]

6.48 deaths/1,000 population (1995 est.)

Ethnic groups (Ethnic divisions) [time series]

Thai 75%, Chinese 14%, other 11%

Infant mortality rate [time series]

35.7 deaths/1,000 live births (1995 est.)

Labor force [time series]

30.87 million by occupation: agriculture 62%, industry 13%, commerce 11%, services (including government) 14% (1989 est.)

Languages [time series]

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

Life expectancy at birth [time series]

total population: 68.42 years male: 64.94 years female: 72.08 years (1995 est.)

Literacy [time series]

age 15 and over can read and write (1990) total population: 93% male: 96% female: 91%

Nationality [time series]

noun: Thai (singular and plural) adjective: Thai

Net migration rate [time series]

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1995 est.)

Population [time series]

60,271,300 (July 1995 est.)

Population growth rate [time series]

1.24% (1995 est.)

Religions [time series]

Buddhism 95%, Muslim 3.8%, Christianity 0.5%, Hinduism 0.1%, other 0.6% (1991)

Total fertility rate [time series]

2.04 children born/woman (1995 est.)

Transportation

Airports [time series]

total: 105 with paved runways over 3,047 m: 6 with paved runways 2,438 to 3,047 m: 9 with paved runways 1,524 to 2,437 m: 10 with paved runways 914 to 1,523 m: 23 with paved runways under 914 m: 42 with unpaved runways 1,524 to 2,438 m: 1 with unpaved runways 914 to 1,523 m: 14

Roadways (Highways) [time series]

total: 77,697 km paved: 35,855 km (including 88 km of expressways) unpaved: gravel, other stabilization 14,092 km; earth 27,750 km (1988)

Waterways (Inland waterways) [time series]

3,999 km principal waterways; 3,701 km with navigable depths of 0.9 m or more throughout the year; numerous minor waterways navigable by shallow-draft native craft

Merchant marine [time series]

total: 229 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 1,231,172 GRT/1,931,117 DWT ships by type: bulk 22, cargo 122, chemical tanker 3, combination bulk 1, container 15, liquefied gas tanker 9, oil tanker 45, passenger 1, refrigerated cargo 7, roll-on/roll-off cargo 2, short-sea passenger 1, specialized tanker 1

Pipelines [time series]

petroleum products 67 km; natural gas 350 km

Ports [time series]

Bangkok, Laem Chabang, Pattani, Phuket, Sattahip, Si Racha, Songkhla

Railways (Railroads) [time series]

total: 3,940 km narrow gauge: 3,940 km 1.000-m gauge (99 km double track)