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Thailand - A Note
The Kingdom of Thailand is a country in
Southeast Asia neighbouring Cambodia and Malaysia.
Thailand's government structure has undergone gradual
evolution in response to the changing environment. Despite
the preservation of the kingdom’s monarchical system,
established over 700 years ago, Thailand has become one of
Asia’s strongest democracies in a relatively short period of
time. It has a check-and-balance system similar to that of
any Western democracy, with a Prime Minister as the head of
government. Religion, the monarchy and the military have
helped to shape Thailand’s society and politics.
The economy of Thailand is predominantly a developing one
industrialised to an extent and heavily export-dependent,
with exports accounting for 60% of GDP. However, due to
rapid appreciation in 2007, nominal GDP hovers around $230
billion. This keeps Thailand as the 2nd largest economy in
South east Asia, after Indonesia, a position it has held for
many years. Despite this, Thailand ranks midway in the
wealth spread in South East Asia as its 4th richest nation
per capita, after Singapore, Brunei, and Malaysia. It is
also an anchor economy for the neighbouring underdeveloped
countries of Laos, Burma, and Cambodia. Thailand has a
strong automotive export industry along with electronic
goods manufacturing which has helped to strengthen the baht,
the currency of Thailand.
Thailand's increasingly diversified manufacturing sector
made the largest contribution to growth during the economic
boom. Industries registering rapid increases in production
included computers and electronics, garments and footwear,
furniture, wood products, canned food, toys, plastic
products, gems, and jewelry. High-technology products such
as integrated circuits and parts, electrical appliances, and
vehicles are now leading Thailand's strong growth in
exports.
Key Facts
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Capital: Bangkok
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Area: 513,115 km2
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Population: 63.3 million (2009)
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Major language: Thai
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GDP: US$ 273 billion (2009)
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Time zone: GMT + 7:00; BST* + 6:00
* British Summer Time (GMT + 1:00)
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International dialling code: +66
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For holidays in Thailand, please refer to the link ‘Public Holidays
–Silverdale’
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entity bearing 'Silverdale' name is a legally distinct and
separate entity. These entities are not, and anything
contained herein should not be construed as to place any of
the entities, in the relationship of parents, subsidiaries,
agents, partners or joint ventures. None of these entities
has any authority, whether actual, apparent, implied or
otherwise, to obligate or bind any other entity bearing
‘Silverdale’ name.
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