Thailand

Region
🌍 Asia
Population
👥 70
Currency
💱 Thai baht
Languages
🗣️ Thai
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Welcome to Thailand, the 'Land of Smiles'! Discover a vibrant tapestry of ancient temples, bustling street markets, lush jungles, and breathtaking islands. From the energetic streets of Bangkok to the serene beaches of Phuket and the cultural heart of Chiang Mai, Thailand offers an unforgettable journey for every traveler.

Official NameSource: REST Countries
Kingdom of Thailand
Continent
Asia
DemonymSource: REST Countries
Thai
Independence
Thailand was never formally colonized and has no specific date of independence.
Top-Level Domain
.th
Calling CodeSource: REST Countries
+66
Time ZoneSource: REST Countries
UTC+07:00
Capital CitySource: REST Countries
Bangkok
ISO Alpha-2
TH
ISO Alpha-3
THA
UN Code
764
Geographic Coordinates
15,100
Area (km²)Source: REST Countries
513,120#51 of 249
PopulationSource: REST Countries
70,250,751#20 of 247
Population Density (per km²)
140.35
Highest Point (m)
2,565
Lowest Point (m)
0
Land Use
Agricultural land: 35.1%; forest: 37.2%; other: 27.7% (2018 estimate).
Irrigated Land
28,600 sq km (2012)
Coastline Length
3,219 km
Climate
Tropical; rainy, warm, and cloudy during the southwest monsoon (May to September), dry and cool during the northeast monsoon (November to March).
Natural Resources
Tin, rubber, natural gas, tungsten, tantalum, timber, lead, fish, gypsum, lignite, fluorite.
Bordering CountriesSource: REST Countries
Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia
Major Rivers
Chao Phraya, Mekong, Ping, Nan, Mun, Chi.
Major Lakes
Bueng Boraphet.
Government Type
Constitutional monarchy
Administrative Divisions
76 provinces (changwat) and 1 capital city (Bangkok).
Chief of State
King Maha Vajiralongkorn (Rama X).
Head of Government
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin.
Cabinet
Council of Ministers appointed by the Prime Minister.
Elections
Elections for the House of Representatives are held at least every four years.
Judicial Branch
Supreme Court, Constitutional Court.
Legislative Branch
Bicameral National Assembly (Senate and House of Representatives).
Major Political Parties
Pheu Thai Party, United Thai Nation Party, Move Forward Party, Democrat Party, Palang Pracharath Party.
CurrencySource: REST Countries
Thai baht
GDP, Nominal (US$ billion)Source: World Bank: GDP (current US$) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
577.01#29 of 211
GDP, PPP (US$ billion)Source: World Bank: GDP, PPP (current international $) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
1,880.03#22 of 201
GDP per Capita (US$)Source: World Bank: GDP per capita (current US$) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
8,056.56#112 of 211
GDP - Agriculture (%)Source: World Bank: Agriculture, forestry, and fishing, value added (% of GDP) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
8.75
GDP - Industry (%)Source: World Bank: Industry (including construction), value added (% of GDP) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
31.07
GDP - Services (%)Source: World Bank: Services, value added (% of GDP) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
60.18
Inflation Rate (%)Source: World Bank: Inflation, consumer prices (annual %) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
-0.13#179 of 191
Labor Force (people)Source: World Bank: Labor force, total (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
40,871,242
0.78#182 of 185
Public Debt (% of GDP)Source: World Bank: Central government debt, total (% of GDP) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
61.86
Budget
Thailand's budget is detailed in official government publications.
Exports (US$ billion)Source: World Bank: Exports of goods and services (current US$) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
410.53#24 of 192
Imports (US$ billion)Source: World Bank: Imports of goods and services (current US$) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
388.13#26 of 192
Foreign Reserves
Significant foreign reserves, providing economic stability.
GDP by Sector
Primarily services (over 50%), followed by industry and agriculture.
Major Industries
Tourism, electronics, automobiles, agriculture, and textiles.
Major Export Partners
United States, China, Japan, Malaysia, and Vietnam.
Major Import Partners
China, Japan, United States, Malaysia, and South Korea.

Society

91.1#98 of 169
Birth Rate (per 1,000 people)Source: World Bank: Birth rate, crude (per 1,000 people) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
8.1
Death Rate (per 1,000 people)Source: World Bank: Death rate, crude (per 1,000 people) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
9
Net Migration Rate
Slightly positive.
Median Age
Approximately 40 years.
Urban Population (%)Source: World Bank: Urban population (% of total population) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
62.8#117 of 214
Urbanization Rate
Relatively low, with a gradual increase over time.
Life Expectancy (years)Source: World Bank: Life expectancy at birth, total (years) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
76.6#87 of 214
HIV/AIDS Prevalence
Relatively low prevalence, with ongoing public health initiatives.
Health Expenditures (% of GDP)Source: World Bank: Current health expenditure (% of GDP) (2023)Checked September 29, 2026
4.54
Ethnic Groups
Primarily Thai, with significant Chinese, Malay, and other minorities.
Religions
Predominantly Buddhism, with a significant Muslim minority and smaller Christian communities.
LanguagesSource: REST Countries
Thai

Education

Education System
Thailand's education system is structured into primary, secondary, and higher education, with both public and private institutions.
School Life Expectancy (years)Source: World Bank: School life expectancy, primary to tertiary, both sexes (years) (2016)Checked September 29, 2026
15.4
Government Education Spending
Government expenditure on education in Thailand accounts for a significant portion of the national budget.
Primary Education Access
—
Secondary Education Access
—
Higher Education Access
—
Major Universities
Major universities in Thailand include Chulalongkorn University, Mahidol University, and Chiang Mai University.

Culture

Cultural Overview
Thailand is known for its rich culture, including traditional arts, cuisine, temples, and the importance of Buddhism.
National Holidays
National holidays in Thailand include Songkran (Thai New Year) and Loy Krathong.
Popular Music
Popular music in Thailand includes genres like Luk Thung, Mor Lam, and modern pop music.
Traditional Food
Traditional Thai food is known for its diverse flavors, with dishes like Pad Thai, Tom Yum soup, and green curry.
Sports
Popular sports in Thailand include Muay Thai (Thai boxing), football (soccer), and badminton.
Major Festivals
Major festivals in Thailand include Songkran, Loy Krathong, and the Vegetarian Festival.
Famous People
Famous people from Thailand include actors, athletes, and cultural figures such as Tony Jaa, and Apichatpong Weerasethakul.
Cultural Heritage Sites
Thailand has numerous cultural heritage sites, including ancient cities and temples.
UNESCO Sites
UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Thailand include Ayutthaya Historical Park and Sukhothai Historical Park.
Annual Tourist Visits
Millions of international tourist visits annually.
Tourism Overview
Major tourist destination, known for beaches, temples, culture, and cuisine.
Top Tourist Attractions
Beaches (Phuket, Krabi), temples (Wat Arun, Wat Pho), historical sites (Ayutthaya), and vibrant city life (Bangkok).
Famous Cities
Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, Pattaya, and Krabi.
National Parks
Numerous national parks, offering diverse landscapes and wildlife.
Protected Areas
Significant areas under protection, encompassing national parks and other conservation zones.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Thailand generally falls between November and February, which is the cool and dry season. This period offers pleasant temperatures and lower humidity, ideal for exploring cities like Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Sukhothai. For beach lovers, this season provides sunshine and calm seas, perfect for the islands in the Andaman Sea such as Phuket and Koh Phi Phi, as well as the Gulf of Thailand's Koh Samui and Koh Phangan. If hiking in the northern mountains is your priority, the cooler months are also optimal. For those interested in festivals, the Lanna Festival in Chiang Mai is a highlight in early February, while the vibrant Songkran New Year festival takes place in mid-April, marking the start of the hot season.
Tourist Visa Info
Visa requirements vary depending on nationality; many nationalities can enter visa-free for a certain period.
Visa Requirements Overview
Tourist visa requirements for Thailand vary significantly depending on your nationality. Many nationalities can enter Thailand for tourism visa-exempt for a certain period, typically 30 days or more, for short stays. If your stay exceeds the visa-exempt period, or if your nationality requires a visa for entry, you will need to apply for a tourist visa beforehand at a Thai embassy or consulate in your home country or a neighboring country. There are also longer-term options like the Education Visa or Retirement Visa for those planning extended stays. It's crucial to check the specific requirements for your passport well in advance of your travel dates.
Travel Advisory
Exercise a high degree of caution due to political instability and petty crime.

Healthcare

Healthcare Quality
The quality index varies; generally, access to healthcare is good.
Medical Cost
Medical costs vary depending on the service and provider.
Number of Hospitals
Thailand has a considerable number of hospitals across the country.
Universal Healthcare
Thailand has a universal healthcare system, known as the Universal Coverage Scheme, providing access to healthcare for most citizens.
Medical Services Overview
A mix of public and private healthcare facilities are available.
Emergency Medical Access
Emergency services are available, but response times can vary depending on the location.

Emergency & Safety

Emergency Number (Police)
The emergency number for the police in Thailand is 191.
Emergency Number (Ambulance)
The emergency number for ambulances in Thailand is 1669.
Emergency Number (Fire)
The emergency number for fire services in Thailand is 199.
Crime Rate
The crime rate index in Thailand varies, with petty crimes common in tourist areas.
Safety Index
The safety index in Thailand is moderate, with some areas having higher safety ratings than others.
Military Expenditure
Thailand's military expenditure accounts for a percentage of the national GDP.
Emergency Services Overview
Emergency services in Thailand are provided by various agencies, including police, ambulance services, and fire departments.
Safety Overview
Thailand is generally a safe country for tourists, with petty crime being the most common concern. Be aware of your surroundings in crowded tourist areas and markets to prevent pickpocketing. Common scams involve inflated taxi fares, gem scams, and sometimes tuk-tuk drivers offering 'tours' that lead to shops. Exercise caution in certain nightlife areas, particularly regarding overly friendly strangers or unsolicited drink offers. It's wise to keep valuables secure, avoid displaying large amounts of cash, and always negotiate prices beforehand when they are not clearly marked. Trust your instincts and be polite but firm if approached by anyone making you feel uncomfortable.
Military Branches
The branches of the Thai military include the Royal Thai Army, Royal Thai Navy, and Royal Thai Air Force.

Infrastructure

Electricity Access
Electricity access is available to the vast majority of the population.
Water Access
Access to clean water is available for a high percentage of the population.
Sanitation Access
Sanitation access is generally available throughout the country.
Railways
Thailand has a railway system connecting major cities and regions.
Roadways
Thailand has an extensive road network, including highways and local roads.
Transportation System
Thailand has a well-developed transportation system including air, rail, road, and water transport.
AirportsSource: OurAirports
Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX), Don Mueang International Airport (DMK), Hat Yai International Airport (HDY), Krabi International Airport (KBV), Mae Fah Luang - Chiang Rai International Airport (CEI), Phuket International Airport (HKT)
Ports
Key ports in Thailand include Laem Chabang and Bangkok Port.
Public Transit
Public transit in major cities includes buses, BTS Skytrain (Bangkok), MRT subway (Bangkok) and local transportation such as tuk-tuks.

Technology & Communication

Internet Penetration (%)Source: World Bank: Individuals using the Internet (% of population) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
90.87#56 of 211
Mobile Subscriptions (per 100)
Over 100 subscriptions per 100 people.
Tech Startups
Growing tech startup ecosystem, particularly in FinTech and e-commerce.
Innovation Index
Moderate, with improvements in recent years.
ICT Development Index
Good, indicating decent ICT infrastructure and usage.
TV Broadcast Stations
Numerous TV broadcast stations, including both public and private channels.
Radio Broadcast Stations
Extensive radio broadcasting, with various stations and frequencies.
Plug Type & Voltage
Type A, B, C, F, and O, 220V, 50Hz
CO2 Emissions (t per capita)Source: World Bank: Carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions excluding LULUCF per capita (t CO2e/capita) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
3.96#73 of 202
Air Quality Index
High air pollution, especially in urban areas, with PM2.5 exceeding WHO guidelines.
Water Pollution Level
Significant water pollution from industrial discharge, agriculture, and untreated sewage.
Renewable Energy Usage
Growing, but still small compared to fossil fuels; focused on solar and biomass.
Environmental Issues
Air and water pollution, deforestation, habitat loss, and coastal degradation.
Natural Hazards
Floods, droughts, landslides, and occasional earthquakes.
Waste Management
Inadequate waste management, with reliance on landfills and increasing plastic waste.
Environmental Agreements
Party to major environmental agreements, including Kyoto Protocol and Paris Agreement.
UN MembershipSource: REST Countries
Yes
Diplomatic Missions
Extensive diplomatic network with embassies worldwide.
International OrganizationsSource: REST Countries
ASEAN
Major Treaties
Multiple bilateral and multilateral treaties on trade, environment, and security.
Visa-Free Countries
Many visa-free countries for Thai passport holders.

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