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

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

15 00 N, 100 00 E

Southeast Asia

slightly more than twice the size of Wyoming

3,219 km

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

central plain; Khorat Plateau in the east; mountains elsewhere

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

64,150 sq km (2008)

409.9 cu km (1999)

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

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

controls only land route from Asia to Malaysia and Singapore

Thai 75%, Chinese 14%, other 11%

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

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

66,720,153 (July 2011 est.)

0.566% (2011 est.)

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

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

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

BANGKOK (capital) 6.902 million (2009)

48 deaths/100,000 live births (2008)

1.66 children born/woman (2011 est.)

4.3% of GDP (2009)

0.298 physicians/1,000 population (2004)

2.2 beds/1,000 population (2002)

urban: 99% of population

rural: 98% of population

total: 98% of population

urban: 1% of population

rural: 2% of population

total: 2% of population (2008)

urban: 95% of population

rural: 96% of population

total: 96% of population

urban: 5% of population

rural: 4% of population

total: 4% of population (2008)

1.3% (2009 est.)

530,000 (2009 est.)

28,000 (2009 est.)

7.8% (2003)

7% (2006)

4.1% of GDP (2009)

constitutional monarchy

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

1238 (traditional founding date; never colonized)

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

24 August 2007

civil law system with common law influences

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

18 years of age; universal and compulsory

bicameral National Assembly or Rathasapha consisted of the Senate or Wuthisapha (150 seats; 76 members elected by popular vote representing 76 provinces, 74 appointed by judges and independent government bodies; members serve six-year terms) and the House of Representatives or Sapha Phuthaen Ratsadon (500 seats; 375 members elected from 157 multi-seat constituencies and 125 elected on proportional party-list basis; members serve four-year terms)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

$586.9 billion (2010 est.)

$544.4 billion (2009 est.)

$557.4 billion (2008 est.)

$318.9 billion (2010 est.)

7.8% (2010 est.)

-2.3% (2009 est.)

2.5% (2008 est.)

$8,700 (2010 est.)

$8,200 (2009 est.)

$8,400 (2008 est.)

38.64 million (2010 est.)

1% (2010 est.)

1.5% (2009 est.)

9.6% (2006 est.)

53.6 (2009)

42 (2002)

24.7% of GDP (2010 est.)

18.2% of GDP (2010 est.)

-1.3% of GDP (2010 est.)

43.1% of GDP (2010 est.)

44.9% of GDP (2009 est.)

3.3% (2010 est.)

-0.9% (2009 est.)

7.58% (31 December 2010 est.)

1.75% (31 December 2009 est.)

5.935% (31 December 2010 est.)

5.963% (31 December 2009 est.)

$43.2 billion (31 December 2010 est.)

$35.25 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

$390.6 billion (31 December 2010 est.)

$318.6 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

$365.5 billion (31 December 2010 est.)

$300.6 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

$277.7 billion (31 December 2010)

$138.2 billion (31 December 2009)

$102.6 billion (31 December 2008)

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

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

14.4% (2010 est.)

139 billion kWh (2008 est.)

131.6 billion kWh (2008 est.)

1.979 billion kWh (2009 est.)

2.313 billion kWh (2009 est.)

406,800 bbl/day (2010 est.)

988,000 bbl/day (2010 est.)

269,100 bbl/day (2009 est.)

807,100 bbl/day (2009 est.)

435 million bbl (1 January 2011 est.)

30.88 billion cu m (2009 est.)

39.17 billion cu m (2009 est.)

0 cu m (2009 est.)

8.29 billion cu m (2009 est.)

312.2 billion cu m (1 January 2011 est.)

$12.29 billion (2010 est.)

$21.86 billion (2009)

$193.5 billion (2010 est.)

$150.7 billion (2009 est.)

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

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

$161.3 billion (2010 est.)

$118 billion (2009 est.)

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

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

$172.1 billion (31 December 2010 est.)

$138.4 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

$111.9 billion (30 June 2011 est.)

$74.05 billion (31 December 2010 est.)

$115.9 billion (31 December 2010 est.)

$109.6 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

$23.45 billion (31 December 2010 est.)

$18.16 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

baht per US dollar -

31.663 (2010)

34.286 (2009)

33.37 (2008)

34.52 (2007)

37.882 (2006)

7.009 million (2010)

69.683 million (2010)

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

.th

1.335 million (2010)

17.483 million (2009)

105 (2010)

4 (2010)

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

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

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

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

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

1.8% of GDP (2005 est.)

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

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