Strong evidence exists of migrations from southern China to Southeast Asia in AD 6th and 7th centuries, but earlier migrations, possibly from south to north, are less well understood. The Thai date the founding of their nation to the 13th century. Thailand has one of the developing world's strongest economies. Although Thailand has traditionally had an agrarian-based economy, its manufacturing and service sectors have grown tremendously in size and significance. Agriculture and fishery production continue to play a significant role in the Thai economy.
Rice remains the country's most important crop.
More than half of the population depends on the cultivation of rice for their livelihood, although the percentage is decreasing. Thailand's manufacturing sector has grown tremendously in recent years. The recent realignment of currency values in East Asia has made Thailand an attractive site for investment, especially by Japanese and Taiwanese manufacturers. Textiles are the country's largest export item. Integrated circuits, footwear, jewelry, and ball bearings also are important manufactured exports.