2  definitions  found 
 
  From  WordNet  r  1.6  [wn]: 
 
  Thailand 
  n  :  country  of  southeastern  Asia;  "Thailand  is  the  official  name 
  of  the  former  Siam"  [syn:  {Thailand},  {Siam}] 
 
  From  The  CIA  World  Factbook  (1995)  [world95]: 
 
  Thailand 
 
  Thailand:Geography 
 
  Location:  Southeastern  Asia,  bordering  the  Andaman  Sea  and  the  Gulf  of 
  Thailand,  southeast  of  Burma 
 
  Map  references:  Southeast  Asia 
 
  Area: 
  total  area:  514,000  sq  km 
  land  area:  511,770  sq  km 
  comparative  area:  slightly  more  than  twice  the  size  of  Wyoming 
 
  Land  boundaries:  total  4,863  km  Burma  1,800  km  Cambodia  803  km  Laos 
  1,754  km  Malaysia  506  km 
 
  Coastline:  3,219  km 
 
  Maritime  claims: 
  continental  shelf:  200-m  depth  or  to  the  depth  of  exploitation 
  exclusive  economic  zone:  200  nm 
  territorial  sea:  12  nm 
 
  International  disputes:  boundary  dispute  with  Laos;  unresolved 
  maritime  boundary  with  Vietnam;  parts  of  border  with  Thailand  in 
  dispute;  maritime  boundary  with  Thailand  not  clearly  defined 
 
  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 
 
  Terrain:  central  plain;  Khorat  plateau  in  the  east;  mountains 
  elsewhere 
 
  Natural  resources:  tin,  rubber,  natural  gas,  tungsten,  tantalum, 
  timber,  lead,  fish,  gypsum,  lignite,  fluorite 
 
  Land  use: 
  arable  land:  34% 
  permanent  crops:  4% 
  meadows  and  pastures:  1% 
  forest  and  woodland:  30% 
  other:  31% 
 
  Irrigated  land:  42,300  sq  km  (1989  est.) 
 
  Environment: 
  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 
 
  Note:  controls  only  land  route  from  Asia  to  Malaysia  and  Singapore 
 
  Thailand:People 
 
  Population:  60,271,300  (July  1995  est.) 
 
  Age  structure: 
  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.) 
 
  Population  growth  rate:  1.24%  (1995  est.) 
 
  Birth  rate:  18.87  births/1,000  population  (1995  est.) 
 
  Death  rate:  6.48  deaths/1,000  population  (1995  est.) 
 
  Net  migration  rate:  0  migrant(s)/1,000  population  (1995  est.) 
 
  Infant  mortality  rate:  35.7  deaths/1,000  live  births  (1995  est.) 
 
  Life  expectancy  at  birth: 
  total  population:  68.42  years 
  male:  64.94  years 
  female:  72.08  years  (1995  est.) 
 
  Total  fertility  rate:  2.04  children  born/woman  (1995  est.) 
 
  Nationality: 
  noun:  Thai  (singular  and  plural) 
  adjective:  Thai 
 
  Ethnic  divisions:  Thai  75%,  Chinese  14%,  other  11% 
 
  Religions:  Buddhism  95%,  Muslim  3.8%,  Christianity  0.5%,  Hinduism 
  0.1%,  other  0.6%  (1991) 
 
  Languages:  Thai,  English  the  secondary  language  of  the  elite,  ethnic 
  and  regional  dialects 
 
  Literacy:  age  15  and  over  can  read  and  write  (1990) 
  total  population:  93% 
  male:  96% 
  female:  91% 
 
  Labor  force:  30.87  million 
  by  occupation:  agriculture  62%,  industry  13%,  commerce  11%,  services 
  (including  government)  14%  (1989  est.) 
 
  Thailand:Government 
 
  Names: 
  conventional  long  form:  Kingdom  of  Thailand 
  conventional  short  form:  Thailand 
 
  Digraph:  TH 
 
  Type:  constitutional  monarchy 
 
  Capital:  Bangkok 
 
  Administrative  divisions:  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 
 
  Independence:  1238  (traditional  founding  date;  never  colonized) 
 
  National  holiday:  Birthday  of  His  Majesty  the  King,  5  December  (1927) 
 
  Constitution:  new  constitution  approved  7  December  1991;  amended  10 
  June  1992 
 
  Legal  system:  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 
 
  Suffrage:  21  years  of  age;  universal 
 
  Executive  branch: 
  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 
  Privy  Council:  NA 
 
  Legislative  branch:  bicameral  National  Assembly  Rathasatha 
  Senate  (Vuthisatha):  consists  of  a  270-member  appointed  body 
  House  of  Representatives  (Saphaphoothan-Rajsadhorn):  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 
 
  Judicial  branch:  Supreme  Court  Sarndika 
 
  Political  parties  and  leaders:  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 
 
  Member  of:  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 
 
  Diplomatic  representation  in  US: 
  chief  of  mission:  Ambassador  MANATPHAT  Chuto 
  chancery:  1024  Wisconsin  Avenue  NW  Washington,  DC  20007 
  telephone:  [1]  (202)  944-3600 
  FAX:  [1]  (202)  944-3611 
  consulate(s)  general:  Chicago,  Los  Angeles,  and  New  York 
 
  US  diplomatic  representation: 
  chief  of  mission:  Ambassador  David  F.  LAMBERTSON 
  embassy:  95  Wireless  Road,  Bangkok 
  mailing  address:  APO  AP  96546 
  telephone:  [66]  (2)  252-5040 
  FAX:  [66]  (2)  254-2990 
  consulate(s)  general:  Chiang  Mai 
  consulate(s):  Udorn  (Udon  Thani) 
 
  Flag:  five  horizontal  bands  of  red  (top),  white,  blue  (double  width), 
  white,  and  red 
 
  Economy 
 
  Overview:  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. 
 
  National  product:  GDP  -  purchasing  power  parity  -  $355.2  billion  (1994 
  est.) 
 
  National  product  real  growth  rate:  8%  (1994  est.) 
 
  National  product  per  capita:  $5,970  (1994  est.) 
 
  Inflation  rate  (consumer  prices):  5%  (1994  est.) 
 
  Unemployment  rate:  3.2%  (1993  est.) 
 
  Budget: 
  revenues:  $28.4  billion 
  expenditures:  $28.4  billion,  including  capital  expenditures  of  $9.6 
  billion  (FY94/95  est.) 
 
  Exports:  $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) 
 
  Imports:  $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) 
 
  External  debt:  $64.3  billion  (1994  est.) 
 
  Industrial  production:  growth  rate  11.5%  (1993  est.);  accounts  for 
  about  26%  of  GDP 
 
  Electricity: 
  capacity:  12,810,000  kW 
  production:  56.8  billion  kWh 
  consumption  per  capita:  909  kWh  (1993) 
 
  Industries:  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 
 
  Agriculture:  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 
 
  Illicit  drugs:  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 
 
  Economic  aid: 
  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 
 
  Currency:  1  baht  B  =  100  satang 
 
  Exchange  rates:  baht  B  per  US$1  -  25.074  (January  1995),  25.150 
  (1994),  25.319  (1993),  25.400  (1992),  25.517  (1991),  25.585  (1990) 
 
  Fiscal  year:  1  October  -  30  September 
 
  Thailand:Transportation 
 
  Railroads: 
  total:  3,940  km 
  narrow  gauge:  3,940  km  1.000-m  gauge  (99  km  double  track) 
 
  Highways: 
  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) 
 
  Inland  waterways:  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 
 
  Pipelines:  petroleum  products  67  km  natural  gas  350  km 
 
  Ports:  Bangkok,  Laem  Chabang  Pattani  Phuket  Sattahip  Si  Racha, 
  Songkhla 
 
  Merchant  marine: 
  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 
 
  Airports: 
  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 
 
  Thailand:Communications 
 
  Telephone  system:  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 
 
  Radio: 
  broadcast  stations:  AM  200  (in  government-controlled  network),  FM  100 
  (in  government-controlled  network),  shortwave  0 
  radios:  NA 
 
  Television: 
  broadcast  stations:  11  (in  government-controlled  network) 
  televisions:  NA 
 
  Thailand:Defense  Forces 
 
  Branches:  Royal  Thai  Army,  Royal  Thai  Navy  (includes  Royal  Thai  Marine 
  Corps),  Royal  Thai  Air  Force,  Paramilitary  Forces 
 
  Manpower  availability:  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.) 
 
  Defense  expenditures:  exchange  rate  conversion  -  $4.0  billion,  2.5%  of 
  GNP  (FY94/95) 
 
 
 

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