Thailand

File:Thai National Anthem - US Navy Band.ogg File:Thai Royal Anthem - US Navy Band.ogg

Thailand (orthographic projection)

Location Thailand ASEAN

King Mongkut (Rama IV) of Siam Signature (English)

Tai Migration

Thailand, officially known as the Kingdom of Thailand and formerly known as Siam, is a country at the center of the Southeast Asian Indochinese Peninsula. It is bordered by Myanmar and Laos to the north, Laos and Cambodia to the east, the Gulf of Thailand and Malaysia to the south, and the Andaman Sea and the southern extremity of Myanmar to the west. With a population of over 66 million people, Thailand is the world's 50th-largest country by land area and the 22nd-most-populous. The capital and largest city is Bangkok, a significant political, commercial, industrial, and cultural hub.

History

Thailand's history is characterized by its strategic geographical location, between large empires of India and China, and its people's successful assimilation of influences from both these cultures. Thai people originally migrated from southwestern China to mainland Southeast Asia over millennia. The country's history is divided into several periods, starting from the Sukhothai Kingdom in the 13th century, followed by the Ayutthaya Kingdom, Thonburi Kingdom, and finally, the current Rattanakosin Kingdom which was established in 1782. Throughout its history, Thailand is the only Southeast Asian nation never to have been colonized by a European power.

Geography

Thailand features a variety of landscapes, including the mountainous forested areas of the north, the vast rice fields of the central plains, the semi-arid farm lands of the northeast, and the tropical islands and long coastline of the southern peninsula. The country's major river, the Chao Phraya River, flows through the central plains, into the Gulf of Thailand. This geographical diversity has significantly influenced Thailand's social and cultural identity.

Economy

Thailand is a newly industrialized country. Its economy is heavily export-dependent, with exports accounting for more than two-thirds of its gross domestic product (GDP). Thailand's major exports include cars, computers, electrical appliances, rice, textiles and footwear, fishery products, rubber, and jewellery. Tourism also contributes significantly to the Thai economy. The country is among the world's leading tourist destinations, thanks to its rich cultural heritage, tropical beaches, and vibrant nightlife.

Culture

The culture of Thailand is influenced by Buddhism, which is practiced by around 95% of the population. This influence is evident in the country's art, literature, and performances. Thai cuisine, known for its fervent use of fresh herbs and spices, is also an integral part of its culture. Thailand's festivals, such as Songkran and Loy Krathong, are colorful and vibrant, reflecting the country's unique cultural traditions and religious practices.

Government and Politics

Thailand is a constitutional monarchy, with the King as head of state and the Prime Minister as head of government. The political system has undergone numerous changes over the years, including several military coups and shifts between military and civilian rule. The country's current constitution was promulgated in 2017, following a military coup in 2014.

Education and Health

Education in Thailand is provided mainly by the Thai government through the Ministry of Education from pre-school to senior high school. A free basic education of fifteen years is guaranteed by the constitution. Thailand's healthcare system includes government and private hospitals, with universal healthcare coverage for all Thai nationals under the Universal Coverage Scheme.

Demographics

The population of Thailand comprises various ethnic groups, including Thai, Chinese, Malays, and indigenous hill tribes. The official language is Thai, and the primary religion is Buddhism, practiced by the majority of the population.