Axion 3D Atlas/ATLAS.iso/stats/231.txt

Text File | 1998-01-23 | 14KB | 347 lines

{bitmap= 26,50,"flags\Thailan.bmp"}
{bigtext=150,120,"Thailand"}



{1}Geography{4}
{4}To see a map of Thailand, click {z,"87.697213,5.799555,114.265046,25.968149",here}{4}!

{2}Location:{4} Southeastern Asia, bordering the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand, southeast of
Burma

{2}Area:{4}
{3}total area:{4} 514,000 sq km
{3}land area:{4} 511,770 sq km
{3}comparative area:{4} slightly more than twice the size of Wyoming

{2}Land boundaries:{4}
{3}total:{4} 4,863 km
{3}border countries:{4} Burma 1,800 km, Cambodia 803 km, Laos 1,754 km, Malaysia 506 km

{2}Coastline:{4} 3,219 km

{2}Maritime claims:{4}
{3}continental shelf:{4} 200-m depth or to the depth of exploitation
{3}exclusive economic zone:{4} 200 nm
{3}territorial sea:{4} 12 nm

{2}International disputes:{4} boundary dispute with Laos; unresolved maritime boundary with Vietnam;
parts of border with Cambodia in dispute; maritime boundary with Cambodia not clearly defined

{2}Climate:{4} tropical; rainy, warm, cloudy southwest monsoon (mid-May to September); dry, cool
northeast monsoon (November to mid-March); southern isthmus always hot and humid

{2}Terrain:{4} central plain; Khorat Plateau in the east; mountains elsewhere
{3}lowest point:{4} Gulf of Thailand 0 m
{3}highest point:{4} Doi Inthanon 2,576 m

{2}Natural resources:{4} tin, rubber, natural gas, tungsten, tantalum, timber, lead, fish, gypsum, lignite,
fluorite

{2}Land use:{4}
{3}arable land:{4} 34%
{3}permanent crops:{4} 4%
{3}meadows and pastures:{4} 1%
{3}forest and woodland:{4} 30%
{3}other:{4} 31%

{2}Irrigated land:{4} 42,300 sq km (1989 est.)

{2}Environment:{4}
{3}current issues:{4} air pollution from vehicle emissions; water pollution from organic and factory
wastes; deforestation; soil erosion; wildlife populations threatened by illegal hunting

{2}natural hazards:{4} land subsidence in Bangkok area resulting from the depletion of the water table;
droughts

{2}international agreements:{4} party to - Climate Change, Endangered Species, Marine Life
Conservation, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Tropical Timber 83; signed, but not
ratified - Biodiversity, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea

{2}Geographic note:{4} controls only land route from Asia to Malaysia and Singapore


{1}People{4}

{2}Population:{4} 58,851,357 (July 1996 est.)

{2}Age structure:{4}
{3}0-14 years:{4} 25% (male 7,627,916; female 7,351,264)
{3}15-64 years:{4} 69% (male 19,994,884; female 20,576,141)
{3}65 years and over:{4} 6% (male 1,468,814; female 1,832,338) (July 1996 est.)

{2}Population growth rate:{4} 1.03% (1996 est.)

{2}Birth rate:{4} 17.29 births/1,000 population (1996 est.)

{2}Death rate:{4} 7 deaths/1,000 population (1996 est.)

{2}Net migration rate:{4} 0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1996 est.)

{2}Sex ratio:{4}
{3}at birth:{4} 1.05 male(s)/female
{3}under 15 years:{4} 1.04 male(s)/female
{3}15-64 years:{4} 0.97 male(s)/female
{3}65 years and over:{4} 0.8 male(s)/female
{3}all ages:{4} 0.98 male(s)/female (1996 est.)

{2}Infant mortality rate:{4} 33.4 deaths/1,000 live births (1996 est.)

{2}Life expectancy at birth:{4}
{3}total population:{4} 68.6 years
{3}male:{4} 64.89 years
{3}female:{4} 72.49 years (1996 est.)

{2}Total fertility rate:{4} 1.89 children born/woman (1996 est.)

{2}Nationality:{4}
{3}noun:{4} Thai (singular and plural)
{3}adjective:{4} Thai

{2}Ethnic divisions:{4} Thai 75%, Chinese 14%, other 11%

{2}Religions:{4} Buddhism 95%, Muslim 3.8%, Christianity 0.5%, Hinduism 0.1%, other 0.6% (1991)

{2}Languages:{4} Thai, English the secondary language of the elite, ethnic and regional dialects

{2}Literacy:{4} age 15 and over can read and write (1995 est.)
{3}total population:{4} 93.8%
{3}male:{4} 96%
{3}female:{4} 91.6%


{1}Government{4}

{2}Name of country:{4}
{3}conventional long form:{4} Kingdom of Thailand
{3}conventional short form:{4} Thailand

{2}Type of government:{4} constitutional monarchy

{2}Capital:{4} Bangkok

{2}Administrative divisions:{4} 76 provinces (changwat, singular and plural); Amnat Charoen, Ang
Thong, Buriram, Chachoengsao, Chai Nat, Chaiyaphum, Chanthaburi, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai,
Chon Buri, Chumphon, Kalasin, Kamphaeng Phet, Kanchanaburi, Khon Kaen, Krabi, Krung Thep
Mahanakhon (Bangkok), Lampang, Lamphun, Loei, Lop Buri, Mae Hong Son, Maha Sarakham,
Mukdahan, Nakhon Nayok, Nakhon Pathom, Nakhon Phanom, Nakhon Ratchasima, Nakhon
Sawan, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Nan, Narathiwat, Nong Bua Lamphu, Nong Khai, Nonthaburi,
Pathum Thani, Pattani, Phangnga, Phatthalung, Phayao, Phetchabun, Phetchaburi, Phichit,
Phitsanulok, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Phrae, Phuket, Prachin Buri, Prachuap Khiri Khan,
Ranong, Ratchaburi, Rayong, Roi Et, Sa Kaeo, Sakon Nakhon, Samut Prakan, Samut Sakhon,
Samut Songkhram, Sara Buri, Satun, Sing Buri, Sisaket, Songkhla, Sukhothai, Suphan Buri, Surat
Thani, Surin, Tak, Trang, Trat, Ubon Ratchathani, Udon Thani, Uthai Thani, Uttaradit, Yala,
Yasothon

{2}Independence:{4} 1238 (traditional founding date; never colonized)

{2}National holiday:{4} Birthday of His Majesty the King, 5 December (1927)

{2}Constitution:{4} new constitution approved 7 December 1991; amended 10 June 1992

{2}Legal system:{4} based on civil law system, with influences of common law; has not accepted
compulsory ICJ jurisdiction; martial law in effect since 23 February 1991 military coup

{2}Suffrage:{4} 18 years of age; universal

{2}Executive branch:{4}
{3}chief of state:{4} King PHUMIPHON Adunyadet (since 9 June 1946) is a constitutional monarch; Heir
Apparent Crown Prince WACHIRALONGKON (born 28 July 1952)
{3}head of government:{4} Prime Minister BANHAN Sinlapa-acha (since 13 July 1995); prime minister
must be appointed from among the members of the House of Representatives
{3}cabinet:{4} Council of Ministers
Privy Council: NA

{2}Legislative branch:{4} bicameral National Assembly (Rathasapha)
Senate (Wuthisapha): consists of a 270-member appointed body
House of Representatives (Sapha Phuthaen Ratsadon): elections last held 2 July 1995 (next to be
held 2 July 1999); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (391 total) TNP 93, DP 86, NAP
56, NDP 53, PDP 23, SAP 23, NTP 18, TCP 18, LDP 10, SP 8, MP 3

{2}Judicial branch:{4} Supreme Court (Sandika), judges appointed by the king

{2}Political parties and leaders:{4} Thai Nation Party (TNP or Chat Thai Party), BANHAN Sinlapa-acha;
Democratic Party (DP or Prachathipat Party), CHUAN Likphai; New Aspiration Party (NAP or
Khwamwang Mai), Gen. CHAWALIT Yongchaiyut; National Development Party (NDP or Chat
Phattana), CHATCHAI Chunhawan; Phalang Dharma Party (PDP or Phalang Tham), THAKSIN
Chinnawat; Social Action Party (SAP or Kitsangkhom Party), MONTRI Phongphanit; Thai
Leadership Party (NTP or Nam Thai), Amnuai Wirawan; Thai Citizen's Party (TCP or Prachakon
Thai), SAMAK Sunthonwet; Liberal Democratic Party (LDP or Seri Tham), ATHIT Urairat;
Solidarity Party (SP or Ekkaphap Party), UTHAI Phimchaichon; Mass Party (MP or Muanchon),
Pol. Cpt. CHALOEM Yubamrung

{2}International organization participation:{4} APEC, AsDB, ASEAN, CCC, CP, ESCAP, FAO, G-77,
IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Intelsat, Interpol, IOC,
IOM, ISO, ITU, Mekong Group, NAM, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNIKOM,
UNU, UPU, WCL, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTrO

{2}Diplomatic representation in US:{4}
{3}chief of mission:{4} Ambassador NIT Phibunsongkhram
{3}chancery:{4} 1024 Wisconsin Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20007
{3}telephone:{4} [1] [phone]
{3}FAX:{4} [1] [phone]
{3}consulate(s) general:{4} Chicago, Los Angeles, and New York

{2}US diplomatic representation:{4}
{3}chief of mission:{4} Ambassador William H. ITOH
{3}embassy:{4} 95 Wireless Road, Bangkok
{3}mailing address:{4} APO AP 96546
{3}telephone:{4} [66] (2) 252-5040
{3}FAX:{4} [66] (2) 254-2990
{3}consulate(s) general:{4} Chiang Mai
consulate(s): Udorn

{2}Flag:{4} five horizontal bands of red (top), white, blue (double width), white, and red


{1}Economy{4}

{2}Economic overview:{4} One of the more advanced developing countries in Asia, Thailand depends
on exports of manufactures - including high-technology goods - and the development of the
service sector to fuel the country's rapid growth, averaging 9% since 1989. Most of Thailand's
recent imports have been for capital equipment and raw materials, although imports of consumer
goods are beginning to rise. Thailand's 35% domestic savings rate is a key source of capital for
the economy, and the country is also benefiting from rising investment from abroad. Prime
Minister BANHAN's government - Thailand's sixth government in five years - undoubtedly will
continue Bangkok's probusiness policies despite some concerns that it is relaxing Bangkok's
traditional fiscal austerity. BANHAN is beginning to address Thailand's serious infrastructure
bottlenecks, especially in the transport and telecommunications sectors. Over the longer term,
Bangkok must produce more college graduates with technical training and upgrade workers' skills
to continue its rapid economic development.

{2}GDP:{4} purchasing power parity - $416.7 billion (1995 est.)

{2}GDP real growth rate:{4} 8.6% (1995 est.)

{2}GDP per capita:{4} $6,900 (1995 est.)

{2}GDP composition by sector:{4}
{3}agriculture:{4} 10.2%
{3}industry:{4} 30.6%
{3}services:{4} 59.2% (1994 est.)

{2}Inflation rate (consumer prices):{4} 5.8% (1995)

{2}Labor force:{4} 32,152,600
{3}by occupation:{4} agriculture 57%, industry 17%, commerce 11%, services (including government)
15% (1993 est.)

{2}Unemployment rate:{4} 2.7% (1995 est.)

{2}Budget:{4}
{3}revenues:{4} $28.4 billion
{3}expenditures:{4} $28.4 billion, including capital expenditures of $6.1 billion (FY94/95)

{2}Industries:{4} tourism; textiles and garments, agricultural processing, beverages, tobacco, cement,
light manufacturing, such as jewelry; electric appliances and components, integrated circuits,
furniture, plastics; world's second-largest tungsten producer and third-largest tin producer

{2}Industrial production growth rate:{4} 13.3% (1995 est.)

{2}Electricity:{4}
{3}capacity:{4} 12,810,000 kW
{3}production:{4} 56.8 billion kWh
{3}consumption per capita:{4} 909 kWh (1993)

{2}Agriculture:{4} rice, cassava (tapioca), rubber, corn, sugarcane, coconuts, soybeans

{2}Illicit drugs:{4} a minor producer of opium, heroin, and marijuana; major illicit transit point for heroin
en route to the international drug market from Burma and Laos; eradication efforts have reduced
the area of cannabis cultivation and shifted some production to neighboring countries; opium
poppy cultivation has been reduced by eradication efforts; also a drug money laundering center;
rapidly growing role in amphetamine production for regional consumption; increasing indigenous
abuse of methamphetamine and heroin

{2}Exports:{4} $45.1 billion (f.o.b., 1994)
{3}commodities:{4} manufactures 73%, agricultural products and fisheries 21%, raw materials 5%,
fuels 1%
{3}partners:{4} US 21.0%, Japan 17.1%, Singapore 13.6%, Hong Kong 5.3%, Germany 3.5%, UK
3.0%, Netherlands 2.8%, Malaysia 2.4%

{2}Imports:{4} $53.9 billion (c.i.f., 1994)
{3}commodities:{4} manufactures 80%, fuels 6.9%, raw materials 6.6%, foodstuffs 4.3%
{3}partners:{4} Japan 30.4%, US 11.9%, Singapore 6.3%, Germany 5.8%, Taiwan 5.1%, Malaysia
4.9%, South Korea 3.7%, China 2.6%

{2}External debt:{4} $53.7 billion (1994)

{2}Economic aid:{4}
{3}recipient:{4} ODA, $624 million (1993)

{2}Currency:{4} 1 baht (B) = 100 satang

{2}Exchange rates:{4} baht (B) per US$1 - 25.300 (January 1996), 25.000 (1995 est.), 25.150 (1994),
25.319 (1993), 25.400 (1992), 25.517 (1991)

{2}Fiscal year:{4} 1 October - 30 September


{1}Transportation{4}

{2}Railways:{4}
{3}total:{4} 4,623 km
narrow gauge: 4,623 km 1.000-m gauge (99 km double track)

{2}Highways:{4}
{3}total:{4} 54,388 km
{3}paved:{4} 48,786 km (including 171 km of expressways)
{3}unpaved:{4} 5,602 km (1992 est.)

{2}Waterways:{4} 3,999 km principal waterways; 3,701 km with navigable depths of 0.9 m or more
throughout the year; numerous minor waterways navigable by shallow-draft native craft

{2}Pipelines:{4} petroleum products 67 km; natural gas 350 km

{2}Ports:{4} Bangkok, Laem Chabang, Pattani, Phuket, Sattahip, Si Racha, Songkhla

{2}Merchant marine:{4}
{3}total:{4} 259 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 1,559,037 GRT/2,498,812 DWT
{3}ships by type:{4} bulk 32, cargo 143, chemical tanker 3, container 11, liquefied gas tanker 12, oil
tanker 45, passenger 1, refrigerated cargo 7, roll-on/roll-off cargo 2, short-sea passenger 1,
specialized tanker 2 (1995 est.)

{2}Airports:{4}
{3}total:{4} 98
{3}with paved runways over 3,047 m:{4} 6
{3}with paved runways 2,438 to 3,047 m:{4} 9
{3}with paved runways 1,524 to 2,437 m:{4} 12
{3}with paved runways 914 to 1,523 m:{4} 22
{3}with paved runways under 914 m:{4} 36
{3}with unpaved runways 1,524 to 2,437 m:{4} 1
{3}with unpaved runways 914 to 1,523 m:{4} 12 (1995 est.)
Heliports: 2 (1995 est.)


{1}Communications{4}

{2}Telephones:{4} 1,553,200 (1994 est.)

{2}Telephone system:{4} service to general public inadequate; bulk of service to government activities
provided by multichannel cable and microwave radio relay network
{3}domestic:{4} microwave radio relay and multichannel cable; domestic satellite system being
developed
{3}international:{4} satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (1 Indian Ocean and 1 Pacific Ocean)

{2}Radio broadcast stations:{4} AM 200 (in government-controlled network), FM 100 (in government-
controlled network), shortwave 0

{2}Radios:{4} 10.75 million (1992 est.)

{2}Television broadcast stations:{4} 11 (in government-controlled network)

{2}Televisions:{4} 3.3 million (1993 est.)


{1}Defense{4}

{2}Branches:{4} Royal Thai Army, Royal Thai Navy (includes Royal Thai Marine Corps), Royal Thai Air
Force, Paramilitary Forces

{2}Manpower availability:{4}
{3}males age 15-49:{4} 16,835,334
{3}males fit for military service:{4} 10,182,904
{3}males reach military age (18) annually:{4} 592,268 (1996 est.)

{2}Defense expenditures:{4} exchange rate conversion - $4.0 billion, 2.5% of GDP (FY94/95)