Thailand: Introduction

Total Population: 69,122,000

Natural Increase: 0.6%

Density: 135 Inhabitants/km²

Urban Population: 34.0%

Population of main cities including suburbs: Bangkok (8,750,000); Samut Prakan (390,000); Nonthanburi (300,000); Udon Thani (250,000); Nakhon Ratchasima (210,000).

Ethnic Origins: Although 75% of the population are classified as Thai, the country has a complex ethnic composition. The Thai themselves vary considerably, with those of the central plain differing markedly in culture and language from those of the north and northeast, known as the Lao. Many Thai have some Chinese ancestry, and Chinese constitute the largest single minority group in the country (14%).

Official Language: Thai

Other Languages Spoken: English is a second language taught in most schools . However it may be difficult to find people able to speak English as only 28 % of the population reach the secondary level at school. Chinese is also often used.

Business Language(s): Thai and English.

Religion: 95% of Thais are Buddhists of the Theravada tradition. Muslims are the second largest religious group in Thailand at 4.5%. Thailand's southernmost provinces - Pattani, Yala, Narathiwat and part of Songkhla Chumphon have dominant Muslim populations, consisting of both ethnic Thai and Malay. Most often Muslims live in separate communities from non-Muslims.

Literacy Rate: 92.6%

Area: 513,120 km²

Type of State: Thailand is a Kingdom. It is a constitutional monarchy based on parliamentary democracy.

Type of Economy: Lower-middle-income economy, Emerging Financial Market..
One of the most successful economies of South East Asia; economy based on the agri-food production, tourism, production of automotive and exports of electronic products

HDI*: 0.654/1

HDI (World Rank): 92/169

Telephone Code:
To Make a Call From Thailand, Dial 001
To Make a Call to Thailand, Dial +66

Internet Suffix: .th

Computers: 5.8 per 100 Inhabitants

Telephone Lines: 10.5 per 100 Inhabitants

Internet Users: 20.0 per 100 Inhabitants

Access to Electricity: 99% of the Population