Country Guide • Thailand
Thailand is bounded to the west by Myanmar and the Indian Ocean, to the south and east by Malaysia and the Gulf of Thailand, to the east by Cambodia, and to the north and east by Laos.
| Official Name | Kingdom of Thailand |
|---|---|
| Area | 513,115km² (198,115 Sq Mi) |
| Population | 64,265,276 |
| Continent | Asia |
| Population per mile² | 324 |
| Capital City | Bangkok |
| Religions | Buddhism 95%, Muslim 3.8%, Christianity 0.5%, Hinduism 0.1%, other 0.6% |
| Language | Thai, English (secondary language of the elite), ethnic and regional dialects |
| Government | Democratic constitutional monarchy |
| Currency | Baht |
| GDP | $429 billion |
| GDP per Head | $6,900 |
| Natural Resources | Tin, rubber, natural gas, tungsten, tantalum, timber, lead, fish, gypsum, lignite, fluorite, arable land |
| Land Use | Arable Land 32.88% |
| Agriculture | Rice, cassava (tapioca), rubber, corn, sugarcane, coconuts, soybeans |
| Industry | Tourism; textiles and garments, agricultural processing, beverages, tobacco, cement, light manufacturing, such as jewelry; electric appliances and components, computers and parts, integrated circuits, furniture, plastics; world's second-largest tungsten producer and third-largest tin producer |
| Tourism | Besides the tropical lush jungles and white sandy beaches, the savory tastes of delectable cuisine and value-for money shopping bargains, Thailand also has numerous annual festivals and major events which have originated from its history, traditions and culture. Thailand continues to be one of the most popular tourist destinations in Asia |
| Natural Hazards | Land subsidence in Bangkok area resulting from the depletion of the water table; droughts |
| Health Risks | HIV/AIDS, cholera, dengue fever, Japanese encephalitis, malaria, rabies |
| Climate | Generally hot, particularly between March and May. The monsoon season runs from June to October, when the climate is still hot with torrential rains. The best time for travelling is November to February (cool season). Average annual rainfall varies from 40 - 80 inches depending on the region. Average temperature ranges in Bangkok are from 20°C in December to 35°C in April |
| Time | GMT/UTC+7 hours |
| National Days | December 5 HM The King’s Birthday |
| Visas | British and most other passport holders are given entry for 30 days, without a visa, on arrival. Entry to Thailand is normally refused if you have a passport with less than six months validity |
| British Embassy | Embassy Details |
Information Only
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