Thailand - In Brief - ThaiROP 2012

Bangkok River View

Bangkok Tuk Tuk

Chiang Mai Street Vender

Floating Market

Thai Food Shopping

Snorkeling
- Ko Samui

Hmong Child

Erawan Falls

Grand Palace 2002

THAILAND - IN BRIEF
Location

South East Asia
Bordered by Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Malaysia

Time zone

GMT + 7 hours
Thailand is 12 hours ahead of US Eastern Standard Time, or 11 hours ahead during daylight savings time.

Population

63,723,953 (2010, estimated)

Language
Thai is the official language of Thailand and is spoken by the majority of citizens.
Chinese and English are also spoken in the main commercial centers.

Ethnic groups

Approximately 75% Thai, 14% Chinese, and 3% Malay.
Minority groups include the Mons, Khmers, and hill tribe peoples.
Hill tribes include the tribal peoples who migrated from China and Tibet over the last few centuries: the Akha, Lahu, Karen, Hmong, Mien and Lisu. Each tribe has a distinct culture and language.

Capital

Bangkok is both the capital of Thailand and its largest city, with a metropolitan population close to 8 million.
Bangkok was established in 1768 and is now the political, commercial, industrial and cultural center of Thailand.
The Thai name for Bangkok is Krung Thep, meaning "City of the Diety."

Government

Thailand is a parliamentary democracy, under the leadership of Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva, elected to this office in 2008.
Thailand is also a constitutional monarchy with King Bhumibol Adulyadej, the ninth king of the House of Chakri, reigning since 1948. The king is officially titled as the Head of State, the Head of the Armed Forces, the Upholder of the Buddhist religion, and the Defender of all Faiths.

Religions
The national religion of Thailand is Theravada Buddhism, practiced by 94.7% of the Thai people.
Approximately 4.6% of the population are Muslim and 0.7% belong to other religions.

Education

Free compulsory education, age 6 to 12 years.
Literacy--94.9% male, 90.5% female.

Economy

Industry, commerce, and services account for the 80% of the gross domestic product.
Agriculture is the primary means of employment.
Thailand is one of the world's largest producers and exporters of rice.
Thai handicrafts - especially silk.

Currency