Thailand

Thailand (  or  ; , ), officially the Kingdom of Thailand (, ; ), is a country in Southeast Asia. Its neighbours are Laos, Cambodia, Malaysia, and Myanmar. Its name was Siam until June 1939Thailand (Siam) History, CSMngt-Thai. and between 1945 and May 11 1949. The word Thai (ไทย) comes from the ethnic group in the center of Thailand. 

Thailand is a constitutional monarchy. It has a king as a head of state, king Vajiralongkorn.

Most people there (95 percent) follow the philosophy called Buddhism. Smaller number of people (4.4%), mostly to the south, follow Islam. Other religions in Thailand are Christianity, Hinduism, and Sikhism. 

History
A Buddhist kingdom named Sukhothai was founded here in 1238.  

A century later, a bigger kingdom named Ayuthaya appeared south of Sukhothai. Later Sukhothai became a part of Ayuthaya. Ayuthaya existed for more than 400 years before its fall by the attack of a Burmese kingdom.

A soldier of Chinese origin then founded a new capital city at Thonburi, and became King Tāksin. 

The founding of Bangkok as the capital city, was the start of the Rattanakosin Kingdom (1782–1932). It was founded by King Rama I of the Chakri Dynasty.

Before 1932, Thailand was an absolute monarchy. On June 24, 1932, a group of people staged a coup and changed Thailand to a constitutional monarchy. It was not until 1973 that Thai people voted for a Prime Minister in an election.

In 1951, there was a failed coup - the Manhattan Rebellion. On September 19, 2006, the army did a coup d'état and took control from Thaksin Shinawatra's government.

In May 2014, a new military coup d'état removed another government. Thailand had 12 coup d'etats, between 1932 and 2014.

In October 2016, Rama X became the new king.

After the start of the 2025 Cambodian–Thai border crisis
By December 2025, at least ten soldiers had died when there were some attacks between the militaries of Cambodia and Thailand.https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/3155375/tenth-thai-soldier-killed-as-clashes-intensify?tbref=hp. Retrieved 2025-12-13https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/3153084/two-thai-soldiers-killed-by-cambodian-rockets. Retrieved 2025-12-09https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/3152249/thai-soldier-killed-4-wounded-as-cambodia-resumes-attacks. Retrieved 2025-12-08 The 2025 Cambodia–Thailand border conflict started in May 2025;https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/3044755/cambodian-troops-agree-to-retreat-from-thai-border#google_vignette. Retrieved 2025-06-09 One soldier died that month.

On July 23, a Thai soldier stepped on a landmine in a district of Ubon Ratchathani, resulting in the loss of a leg. The next day, soldiers from both countries were killing. Thai F-16 fighter jets, hit (things belonging to the Cambodian military, or) Cambodian military targets along the border. By the last week of July, dozens of people had been killed.https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/3074898/cambodia-opens-fire-at-thai-military-base. Retrieved 2025-07-24https://www.nettavisen.no/nyheter/kambodsja-melder-om-tolv-nye-dode-etter-grensekamper/s/5-95-2541486. Retrieved 2025-07-26https://www.vg.no/nyheter/i/wgqgLA/kambodsja-nye-sammenstoet-med-thailandske-soldater. Retrieved 2025-07-24https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/3067266/china-says-it-is-ready-to-assist-in-thailand-cambodia-border-dispute?tbref=hp. Retrieved 2025-07-11https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/3063632/cambodia-pushes-for-un-debate-as-border-tensions-persist. Retrieved 2025-07-05https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/3056862/border-closure-spares-students-but-hits-local-business-hard. Retrieved 2025-06-25https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/3044826/cambodian-troops-agree-to-withdraw?tbref=hp. Retrieved 2025-06-09 Among the dead, are soldiers. Attacks were still happening on July 28;https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/3077033/cambodia-escalates-border-attacks-with-heavy-weapons-cyber-warfare-thai-military. Retrieved 2025-07-28 A ceasefire started, at the end of that day.https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/3077102/thailand-and-cambodia-truce-agreement-comes-into-effect. Retrieved 2025-07-29<ref>https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/3077053/thailand-and-cambodia-agree-truce-after-five-days-of-fighting. Retrieved 2025-07-28</ref The conflict is ongoing [as of December].https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/3146494/thai-army-rejects-cambodia-claims. Retrieved 2025-11-30https://www.bangkokpost.com/opinion/opinion/3107098/border-row-spirals-again. Retrieved 2025-09-19https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/3096830/temporary-reopening-of-checkpoint-to-cambodia-abruptly-ended. Retrieved 2025-09-31https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/special-reports/3088181/border-ties-need-time#google_vignette. Retrieved 2025-08-17

Provinces
Thailand is made up of 76 provinces (จังหวัด, changwat), put into 5 groups. There are 2 specially governed districts: the capital Bangkok and Pattaya. The 76 provinces including Bangkok are as follows:


 Central 
 Ang Thong
 Bangkok (Krung Thep Maha Nakhon), Special Governed District of
 Chai Nat
 Kanchanaburi
 Lopburi
 Nakhon Nayok
 Nakhon Pathom
 Nonthaburi
 Pathum Thani
 Phetchaburi
 Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya
 Prachuap Khiri Khan
 Ratchaburi
 Samut Prakan
 Samut Sakhon
 Samut Songkhram
 Saraburi
 Sing Buri
 Suphan Buri

 East 
 Chachoengsao
 Chanthaburi
 Chonburi
 Prachinburi
 Rayong
 Sa Kaeo
 Trat

 North 
 Chiang Mai
 Chiang Rai
 Kamphaeng Phet
 Lampang
 Lamphun
 Mae Hong Son
 Nakhon Sawan
 Nan
 Phayao
 Phetchabun
 Phichit
 Phitsanulok
 Phrae
 Sukhothai
 Tak
 Uthai Thani
 Uttaradit


 Northeast (Isan) 
 Amnat Charoen
 Bueng Kan
 Buri Ram
 Chaiyaphum
 Kalasin
 Khon Kaen
 Loei
 Maha Sarakham
 Mukdahan
 Nakhon Phanom
 Nakhon Ratchasima
 Nong Bua Lamphu
 Nong Khai
 Roi Et
 Sakon Nakhon
 Si Sa Ket
 Surin
 Ubon Ratchathani
 Udon Thani
 Yasothon

 South 
 Chumphon
 Krabi
 Nakhon Si Thammarat
 Narathiwat
 Pattani
 Phang Nga
 Phatthalung
 Phuket
 Ranong
 Satun
 Songkhla
 Surat Thani
 Trang
 Yala

Economy
The economy of Thailand "is based on trade and investment in the agricultural and tourism sectors, according to media.https://www.bangkokpost.com/business/2599545/horns-of-a-dilemma. Bangkok Post. Retrieved 2023-06-26 In 2022, the country with investors that invested the most in Thailand, was Japan; Chinese investors had the second place.

Industry had a contribution to the GDP, of 43.9 percent (in 2007), and 14 percent of the workforce are in that sector (of the economy). Within that sector, manufacturing was the biggest part, and it had a contribution (to the GDP), with 34.5 (in 2004). As of 2025's first quarter, media said that there is "weakness [...] in the manufacturing sector, especially automotive, petrochemicals and construction materials".https://www.bangkokpost.com/business/general/2969963/thai-growth-outlook-remains-stable. Retrieved 2025-02-28

Agriculture in Thailand: Rice is the country's most important crop; Some 60 percent of Thailand's 13 million farmers grow that, according to media (2017). Amount of crops produced: sugarcane;https://www.bangkokpost.com/business/general/3010352/thai-firms-halt-syrup-production-as-chinas-ban-drags-on. Retrieved 2025-04-24 [c. 104 million tons] or 104.3 million tons was harvested in 2018 (4th largest producer in the world); Rice, [c. 32 million tons or] 32.1 million tons; However, as of 2025, the 3rd largest producer in the world, is Thailand.https://vietnamlawmagazine.vn/vietnam-overtakes-thailand-to-become-worlds-second-largest-rice-exporter-74844.html. Retrieved 2025-09-25 Production of Cassava, was [c. 31 million tons or] 31.6 million tons, as of 2018; The 2nd largest producer in the world, was Thailand.

"The Thai-US trade volume has been roughly 6.0% of GDP", but on top of that significant amounts of Chinese goods are getting labels Made in Thailand, while in many cases the goods were actually Made in China, according to media.https://www.bangkokpost.com/opinion/opinion/3026007/thai-us-trade-talks-are-likely-to-fail?tbref=hp. Retrieved 2025-05-15 "The US was Thailand's largest export market" in 2024; The U.S. imported things for $55 billion.https://www.bangkokpost.com/business/general/3024546/thailand-has-sent-trade-proposal-to-united-states-pm-says. Retrieved 2025-05-13

"In 2024, Thailand produced about 220,000 tons of beef while" 40,000 tons came from other countries.https://www.bangkokpost.com/opinion/opinion/3101888/why-cattle-matter-in-the-thai-economy. Retrieved 2025-09-10

"Exports to China ... amount to [c. 6% or] 6.7% of GDP", media said in 2025.https://www.bangkokpost.com/opinion/opinion/3066544/the-two-ways-to-satisfy-trump-on-trade. Retrieved 2025-07-10

Trade tariffs between the U.S. and Thailand, have changed several times (during 2025).

About becoming a partner country in BRICS: Thailand became a partner in 2025.https://www.bangkokpost.com/business/general/2930927/brics-welcomes-thailand-as-newest-partner-nation. Retrieved 2025-07-05

The GDP growth (year 2024), was 2.5%.https://www.bangkokpost.com/opinion/opinion/3036940/thailand-has-lost-its-last-growth-engine. Retrieved 2025-05-29

In regard to the number of cars made: On average, [c. 118,000] cars were made per month during the first five months of 2025 (out of a total of 594,492 automobiles).https://www.bangkokpost.com/business/general/3063664/thai-auto-sector-showing-signs-of-recovery-minister-says. Retrieved 2025-07-05. [C. 21% or] 21.9% of the cars made, were Toyota cars, year 2022.https://www.statista.com/statistics/1099247/thailand-vehicle-production-capacity-by-brand/. Retrieved 2025-07-05 Other cars being made, include BMW, BYD, Deepal, Ford, GAC Aion, GWM, Haval, Honda, Isuzu, Mazda, Mercedes-Benz, Mitsubishi, MG, Nissan, Ora, and Neta.https://www.bangkokpost.com/business/general/3078393/thailand-eases-output-requirements-for-ev-makers?tbref=hp. Retrieved 2025-07-31 Neta had been building c. one car in Thailand, for every car that they import from their factories in China.https://www.bangkokpost.com/business/motoring/3063108/chinas-intense-ev-rivalry-tests-thailands-local-production-goals. Retrieved 2025-07-04

In regard to tourism: From each of these four countries, there came one million tourists during 2025's first six months: Malaysia, China, India and Russia.https://www.bangkokpost.com/business/general/3064702/malaysia-now-no-1-source-of-tourists-in-thailand. Retrieved 2025-07-07

In 2014, Credit Suisse reported that Thailand was the world's third most unequal country, behind Russia and India. The top 10% richest held 79% of the country's assets. The top 1% held 58% of the assets.

In regard to [buying or] consuming gold: Inside Thailand, 49 tons were bought (in 2024); Only 9 countries bought more gold during that year, according to media.https://www.bangkokpost.com/business/general/3102328/thais-among-top-10-global-gold-buyers. Retrieved 2025-09-10

The growth rate, or economic growth, was 2.5%, in 2024.https://www.bangkokpost.com/business/general/3102864/thai-consumer-confidence-at-32month-low. Retrieved 2025-09-11

Government
A new prime minister, Anutin Charnvirakul, has been in place since September 7, 2025.https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/politics/3100246/royal-command-appoints-anutin-charnvirakul-as-prime-minister-of-thailand#google_vignette. Retrieved 2025-09-07 He was elected two days earlier.https://www.bangkokpost.com/opinion/opinion/3099512/thaksin-flies-out-pheu-thai-in-freefall?tbref=hp. Retrieved 2025-09-06https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/thailands-anutin-charnvirakul-elected-pm-after-rout-ruling-party-rival-2025-09-05/. Retrieved 2025-09-06.https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/3095874/special-cabinet-meeting-names-phumtham-acting-pm. Retrieved 2025-08-30https://www.bangkokpost.com/business/general/3062022/paetongtarn-shinawatras-suspension-deals-new-blow-to-thailands-battered-economy. Retrieved 2025-07-02 However, his cabinet "began its term on October 1 under a four-month mandate", according to media; Furthermore, there is an expectation that all the members of parliament will lose their office, in December or January or "ahead of the expected dissolution of parliament and upcoming general elections".https://www.bangkokpost.com/business/general/3147624/lots-to-do-before-checking-out. Retrieved 2025-12-01https://www.bangkokpost.com/business/general/3116364/shortterm-help-expected. Retrieved 2025-10-06

The next general election is supposed to happen on February 8, 2026.https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/thailand-hold-elections-feb-8-local-media-reports-2025-12-15/. Retrieved 2025-12-16https://www.bangkokpost.com/business/general/3095613/surveying-the-wreckage. Retrieved 2025-08-30

There is a new foreign minister or minister of foreign affairs,https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/3112910/onesided-peace-not-negotiable-fm-warns. Retrieved 2025-09-30. "... Sihasak Phuangketkeow" energy minister,https://www.bangkokpost.com/business/general/3110722/new-energy-minister-watching-power-bills. Retrieved 2025-09-25. "... Auttapol Rerkpiboon ..." tourism minister,https://www.bangkokpost.com/business/general/3111326/new-tourism-minister-eyes-domestic-spending?tbref=hp. Retrieved 2025-09-26. "... Artthakorn Sirilatthayakorn ..." commerce minister,https://www.bangkokpost.com/business/general/3114200/booming-export-numbers-on-course-to-smash-expectations. Retrieved 2025-10-02 "... Suphajee Suthumpun" transport minister,https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/3114204/no-changes-to-highspeed-rail-linking-three-airports?tbref=hp. Retrieved 2025-10-02 "... Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn" justice minister,https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/3114866/minister-wont-meddle-in-land-dispute?tbref=hp. Retrieved 2025-10-03. "... Rutthapon Naowarat" [, a Police Lieutenant General]" and minister of digital economy and society (as of 2025's fourth quarter).https://www.bangkokpost.com/opinion/opinion/3110874/anutins-new-cabinet-is-a-mixed-bag?utm_source=taboola&utm_medium=organic_content_recirculation. Retrieved 2025-09-28. "... Chaichanok Chidchob" The interior minister's (job or) post, is being held by the prime minister (as of 2025's fourth quarter).https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/politics/3120776/cabinet-rehuffles-45-highlevel-officials-at-interior-ministry?tbref=hp. Retrieved 2025-10-15

The Cabinet members include 
*acting defence ministerhttps://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/3082929/thailand-and-cambodia-sign-13-point-ceasefire-agreement. Retrieved 2025-08-07

[Farming minister or] Agriculture and Cooperatives Minister.https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/3063381/new-minister-pushes-land-for-the-poor?tbref=hp. Retrieved 2025-07-05https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/politics/2862031/thamanat-chaperones-new-minister-on-flood-inspection. Retrieved 2024-09-09

minister of natural resources and environment.https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/politics/2859701/minister-faces-probe-regarding-state-land. Retrieved 2024-09-05

Armed conflict in the provinces Narathiwat, Pattani, and Yala
The South Thailand armed rebellion has its origins from 1948; It started as an ethnic and religious separatist armed rebellion in Patani (historical region); Many Malay people live there; That region is made up of the three southernmost provinces of Thailand and parts of a fourth province (Songkhla); The conflict has become more complex and more violent since the early 2000s; Drug cartels, oil smuggling networks, and some pirate raids have much to do with the violence.

57 people died (year 2023), in the conflict.

Other information
Since 2025, using cannabis for fun, is (again) against the law.https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/3118020/ministry-pledges-to-review-weed-laws?tbref=hp. Retrieved 2025-10-09https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/3059036/thailands-cannabis-dreams-go-up-in-smoke. Retrieved 2025-06-29 Physicians and "Thai traditional doctors, Chinese medicine practitioners and pharmacists [are some of those that] can authorise cannabis use", according to media.https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/2880868/cannabis-controls-to-be-tightened. Retrieved 2024-10-10https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/2869153/thailand-unveils-new-bill-to-regulate-cannabis-while-keeping-it-legal. Retrieved 2024-09-20https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/2823881/cannabis-set-to-return-to-illegal-drugs-list-after-vote. Bangkok Post. Retrieved 2024-07-06https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/2834332/thailand-signals-another-u-turn-on-cannabis. Retrieved 2024-07-23

The Gini coefficient was 42.5 (as of 2009).

The Human Development Index, or HDI, is 0.682 (as of 2011).

The ISO 3166 code is, TH.

Environmental issues
Environmental issues: Industrial growth has created (much or) high levels of air pollution in Thailand. Vehicles and factories (give or) contribute to air pollution.

Measurement of PM 2.5 pollution is one of the ways of measuring air pollution; In that way, the particulates (in the atmosphere), that are smaller than 2.5 microns, get measured.https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/2943465/unsafe-pm2-5-levels-blanket-64-provinces. Retrieved 2025-01-20

 References 
 Footnotes 

 Further reading 
 The United States CIA website 

 Other websites 

 Thaigov.go.th Royal Government of Thailand
 Tourism Authority of Thailand Official tourism website
 Thai National Assembly  Official Thai Parliament website
 Mfa.go.th Thailand Ministry of Foreign Affairs
 Birdwatching in Thailand
 Learn Thai Culture.com
 CIA - The World Factbook - Thailand 
 Thailand Country Fact Sheet from the Common Language Project
 Longdo Map Thailand On-line Thailand map
 Holidays Thailand  Holidays In Thailand



Category:Current monarchies
Category:Monarchies of Asia
Category:1932 establishments in Asia