Country Profile: Thailand
Thailand, located in Southeast Asia, is bordered by the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand to the south and shares land boundaries with several countries including Burma, Laos, Cambodia, and Malaysia. With a population of approximately 69.9 million, the country boasts a diverse culture and a significant urban population concentrated mainly in Bangkok. Thailand's economy, classified as upper middle-income, heavily relies on exports, particularly in the electronics, food, and automotive sectors. Governed as a constitutional monarchy, Thailand has experienced political instability but continues to progress economically while navigating its complex socio-political landscape.
Geography
Thailand features a tropical climate with a diverse terrain, including plains, plateaus, and mountainous regions. The central plains are home to the majority of its population, while significant agricultural areas are spread throughout the country, particularly in the north and northeast.
- Area: 513,120 sq km
- Coastline: 3,219 km
- Highest Point: Doi Inthanon at 2,565 m
- Major Rivers: Mekong (4,350 km), Salween (3,060 km)
- Natural Resources: Tin, rubber, natural gas, tungsten, and timber
- Irrigated Land: 64,150 sq km (2012)
People and Society
Thailand's estimated population is around 69.9 million, predominantly Thai (97.5%), with a significant portion of its population living in urban areas, especially Bangkok. The country has a youthful demographic, with a median age of 41.5 years, and a literacy rate of 91.1%.
- Population (2024 est.): 69,920,998
- Urban Population (2023): 53.6%
- Major Urban Areas: Bangkok (11.07 million), Chon Buri (1.45 million)
- Birth Rate: 9.9 births/1,000 population (2024 est.)
- Life Expectancy: 78.2 years (2024 est.)
- Religious Composition: Buddhist (92.5%), Muslim (5.4%)
Economy
Thailand's economy is characterized as upper middle-income, with a focus on industrial manufacturing, including significant exports of electronics and automobile parts. The country has seen steady economic growth, with GDP per capita on the rise.
- GDP (PPP) 2024: $1.558 trillion
- GDP Growth Rate (2024 est.): 2.5%
- Unemployment Rate: 0.7% (2024 est.)
- Exports (2024 est.): $369.191 billion
- Imports (2024 est.): $351.419 billion
- Poverty Rate: 5.4% (2022 est.)
Government
Thailand operates as a constitutional monarchy, with the King as the head of state. The government has undergone several changes and has faced political unrest in recent years, yet maintains a structured electoral system.
- Capital: Bangkok
- Government Type: Constitutional Monarchy
- Current Prime Minister: Srettha THRAVISIN (2023)
- Legislature: National Assembly with a bicameral structure
- Suffrage: Universal at 18 years
Military and Security
The Royal Thai Armed Forces consist of the Army, Navy, and Air Force, with military expenditures constituting 1.1% of GDP. The military has historically played a significant role in domestic politics.
- Active Duty Personnel: Approx. 350,000 (2025)
- Military Expenditures (2024 est.): 1.1% of GDP
- Conscription Age: 18 for voluntary service; 21 for compulsory military service for men
- Military Deployments: 280 in South Sudan (UNMISS) (2024)
Energy
Thailand's energy sector is largely reliant on fossil fuels, but there is a growing emphasis on renewable energy sources. The country has achieved nearly universal electrification.
- Electricity Access (2022): 99.9% of the population
- Installed Capacity: 55.971 million kW (2023 est.)
- Energy Consumption per Capita: 80.602 million Btu/person (2023)
- Natural Gas Consumption: 52.351 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)
Environment
Environmental issues in Thailand include air and water pollution, deforestation, and waste management challenges. The government is a signatory to various international environmental agreements.
- Agricultural Land Use: 46% (2022 est.)
- Forest Cover: 38.8% (2022 est.)
- Major Environmental Issues: Air pollution, water scarcity, and deforestation
- Total Renewable Water Resources: 438.61 billion cubic meters (2020 est.)
Transportation
Thailand has a well-developed transportation network that includes air, rail, and maritime routes. The country is served by a number of airports and has significant merchant marine capabilities.
- Airports: 105 (2025)
- Railways: 4,127 km (2017)
- Merchant Marine Fleet: 884 vessels (2023)
- Major Ports: Bangkok, Laem Chabang
Communications
Thailand boasts a high level of connectivity with a significant percentage of its population using mobile and internet services. The communications sector continues to evolve with advancements in technology.
- Internet Users: 90% of the population (2023 est.)
- Telephones - Mobile Subscriptions: 121 million (2023 est.)
- Broadband - Fixed Subscriptions: 11.5 million (2023 est.)
Key Metrics
| Metric | Value | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 69,920,998 | 2024 estimate |
| Area | 513,120 sq km | Total area |
| GDP (PPP) | $1.558 trillion | 2024 estimate |
| Unemployment Rate | 0.7% | 2024 estimate |
| Birth Rate | 9.9 births/1,000 | 2024 estimate |
| Life Expectancy | 78.2 years | 2024 estimate |
| Military Expenditures | 1.1% of GDP | 2024 estimate |
| Electricity Access | 99.9% | 2022 estimate |
| Urban Population | 53.6% | 2023 estimate |
| Total Energy Consumption per Capita | 80.602 million Btu/person | 2023 estimate |
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