Key Facts

GDP (ppp) per CAPITA

$8,400 (2008 est.)

Inflation Rate

5.5% (2008 est.)

Population

65,905,410

Country Risk Ratings

A3

Ease of Doing Business

13/181

Global Competitiveness

4.6/134

Country Map

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gE Network

There are 86 members in the
gE Network for this country.

Thailand : Introduction

A unified Thai kingdom was established in the mid-14th century. Known as Siam until 1939, Thailand is the only Southeast Asian country never to have been taken over by a European power. A bloodless revolution in 1932 led to a constitutional monarchy. In alliance with Japan during World War II, Thailand became a US treaty ally following the conflict. A military coup in September 2006 ousted then Prime Minister THAKSIN Chinnawat. The interim government held elections in December 2007 that saw the former pro-THAKSIN People's Power Party (PPP) emerge at the head of a coalition government. The anti-THAKSIN People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) in May 2008 began street demonstrations against the new government, eventually occupying the prime minister's office in August. Clashes in October 2008 between PAD protesters blocking parliament and police resulted in the death of at least two people. The PAD occupied Bangkok's international airports briefly, ending their protests in early December 2008 following a court ruling that dissolved the ruling PPP and two other coalition parties for election violations. The Democrat Party then formed a new coalition government with the support of some of THAKSIN's former political allies, and ABHISIT Wetchachiwa became prime minister. Since January 2004, thousands have been killed as separatists in Thailand's southern ethnic Malay-Muslim provinces increased the violence associated with their cause.

Thailand: Department of Export Promotion

An agency under the Department of Commerce of the Thai government provides an overview of Thailand, an economic profile, exhibition halls, listing of qualified exporters, news from trade associations and various sources, trade fair listings, and contact addresses for various trade organizations. Site available in English, Japanese, and Thai.

Thailand: The Stock Exchange of Thailand

Sources:
CIA World Factbook (September 2009)
U.S. Dept. of State Country Background Notes (July 2009)