Geography of Thailand

Republic of the Philippines
Bulacan State University

Graduate School
City of Malolos, Bulacan
Geography of
Southeast Asia
Submitted by:
Rafaela d. Villanueva
Jayson Villanueva
Romel del rosario caleon
Submitted to:
Ruben e. Borja, pH. D.
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Physical geography
✓ Center of Mainland Southeast Asia
✓ Latitude: 13.0389 Longitude: 101.4901.
✓ A total size of 513,120 km2 (198,120 sq mi)
✓ It controls the only land route

from Asia to Malaysia and Singapore.
✓ It has an exclusive economic zone of

299,397 km2
(115,598 sq mi).
✓ Hilly forested areas of the northern frontier
✓ Fertile rice fields of the Center plains
✓ Broad Plateau of the Northeast
✓ Andaman
Sea in the southwest
✓ Gulf of Thailand in the Southeast
✓ Successive capitals, built at various points

along the bodies of water
✓ Foreign port of trade

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Cities, Region and Population
✓ 7 Region of Thailand and their Population
Bureau of Registration Administration
✓ 10 Largest Cities and their Population

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Bangkok is the capital and most populous city of Thailand. It is

known in Thai as Krung Thep Maha Nakhon or simply Krung Thep.
The city occupies 1,568.7 square kilometres (605.7 sq mi) in the
Chao Phraya River delta in central Thailand and has an
estimated population of 10.539 million as of 2020, 15.3 percent of
the country's population. Over fourteen million people lived
within the surrounding Bangkok Metropolitan Region at the 2010
census, making Bangkok an extreme primate city, dwarfing
Thailand's other urban centres in both size and importance to the
national economy.
Thailand Natural Resources:
Metallic resources in Thailand include lead, tin, tantalum and tungsten. A variety of other natural resources
for the country include gypsum, fluorite, natural gas, lignite, timber, fish, rubber and arable land.
Thailand Natural Hazards:
Land subsidence occurs in the Bangkok area of Thailand, which results from the depletion of the water
table. Other natural hazards for this country include droughts.
Thailand Environmental Issues:
Thailand has environmental issues regarding the air, water, and land. These include air pollution from vehicle
emissions; water pollution from organic and factory wastes; land concerns with deforestation, and soil
erosion. Thailand's wildlife populations are also threatened by illegal hunting.
Politics and Government
Thailand categorizes itself as a constitutional monarchy, the king has little direct power under the
constitution and exercises power through the National Assembly, the Council of Ministers, and the Courts in
accordance with the 2017 constitution.
Prior to 1932, Thai kings were absolute monarchs. During Sukhothai Kingdom, the king was seen as
a Dharmaraja or 'king who rules in accordance with Dharma'. The system of government was a network of
tributaries ruled by local lords. Modern absolute monarchy and statehood was established by
Chulalongkorn when he transformed the decentralized protectorate system into a unitary state. On 24 June
1932, Khana Ratsadon (People's Party) carried out a bloodless revolution which marked the beginning
of constitutional monarchy.
Thailand has had 20 constitutions and charters since 1932, including the latest and current 2017 Constitution.
Throughout this time, the form of government has ranged from military dictatorship to electoral
democracy.[56][57] Thailand has had the fourth-most coups in the world.[58] "Uniformed or ex-military men
have led Thailand for 55 of the 83 years" between 1932 and 2009.[59] Most recently, the National Council for
Peace and Order ruled the country between 2014 and 2019.
The politics of Thailand is conducted within the framework of a constitutional monarchy, whereby
a hereditary monarch serves as head of state. The current King of Thailand is Vajiralongkorn (or Rama X),
who has reigned since October 2016. The powers of the king are limited by the constitution and he is
primarily a symbolic figurehead. The monarch is head of the armed forces and is required to be Buddhist as
well as the Defender of the Faith. He has the power to appoint his heirs, the power to grant pardons, and
the royal assent. The king is aided in his duties by the Privy Council of Thailand. However, the monarch still
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occasionally intervenes in Thai politics, as all constitutions pave the way for customary royal rulings. The
monarchy is widely revered and lèse majesté is a severe crime in Thailand.
Government is separated into three branches:
• The legislative branch: the National Assembly is composed of the Senate, the 150-member fully
appointed upper house, and House of Representatives, the 350-member lower house. Its most recent
election is the 2019 general election. The coalition led by Palang Pracharath Party currently holds the
majority.
• The executive branch consisting of the Prime Minister of Thailand who was elected by the National
Assembly and other cabinet members of up to 35 people. The cabinet was appointed by the king on the
advice of the prime minister. The prime minister is the head of government.
• The judiciary is supposed to be independent of the executive and the legislative branches, although
judicial rulings are suspected of being based on political considerations rather than on existing law.
National Symbols
Type Symbol Image Thai
National emblem Emblem of Thailand ตราพระครุฑพ่าห ์
National flag Flag of Thailand ธงไตรรงค ์

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National currency Thai baht บาทไทย
Thai elephant
National animal ช ้างไทย
(Elephas maximus)
Siamese fighting fish

National aquatic animal ปลากัดสยาม
(Betta splendens)
Siamese fireback
National bird ไก่ฟ้าพญาลอ
(Lophura diardi)
Golden shower flower

National flower ดอกราชพฤกษ์
(Cassia fistula Linn.)
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ศาลาไทย
National architecture Sala Thai [4]
National Symbols
44 consonants
32 vowels
5 tones
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Education in Thailand is provided mainly by the Thai government through the Ministry of Education from pre-
school to senior high school. A free basic education of fifteen years is guaranteed by the constitution.
Education in Thailand mandates nine years of "basic education" (six years of elementary school and three
years of lower secondary school). Education at public schools is free until grade 9. The government
provides, in addition, three years of free pre-school and three years of free upper-secondary education.
Neither is mandatory. Children are enrolled in elementary school from the age of six and attend for six years,
Prathom 1 to Prathom 6. Elementary school classes is at least 7 hours per day, with a maximum learning time
of 1,000 hours per year. Secondary education starts at age 12. It consists of three years of lower secondary
education, Mattayom 1 to Mattayom 3, and three years of upper secondary education, Mattayom 4 to
Mattayom 6. Compulsory education ends with Mattayom 3 (grade 9), after which pupils can pursue upper-
secondary education in a university-preparatory track, or continue their studies in vocational school
programs.
Homeschooling is legal in Thailand. Thailand's constitution and education law explicitly recognize alternative
education and considers the family to be an educational institution. A homeschool law passed in 2004,
Ministerial Regulation No. 3 on the right to basic education by the family, governs homeschooling. Families
must submit an application to homeschool and students are assessed annually.
Prayut Chan-o-cha, Thailand's prime minister and junta leader, said in 2017 that school reform was urgently
needed. Following the military takeover of May 2014, Prayut, in a televised broadcast in July, ordered
schools to display a list of 12 "Thai" values he composed. They are:
1. Loyalty to the Nation, a Religion, and the Monarchy

2. Honesty, sacrifice, endurance, and noble ideology for the greater good
3. Gratitude for parents, guardians, and teachers
4. Diligence in acquiring knowledge, via school studies and other methods
5. Preserving the Thai customs and tradition
6. Morality and good will toward others
7. Correct understanding of democracy with the King as Head of State
8. Discipline, respect for law, and obedience to the older citizens
9. Constant consciousness to practice good deeds all the time, as taught by His Majesty the
King
10. Practice of Self-Sufficient Economy in accordance with the teaching of His Majesty the King
11. Physical and mental strength. Refusal to surrender to religious sins.
12. Uphold the interest of the nation over oneself.
Thailand is a country rich in natural resources, which have played a significant role in supporting local
livelihoods and driving economic growth.
Forests, watersheds, marine environments, and mineral resources have all been instrumental in supporting
the Thai manufacturing, export, and tourism industries.
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Forests
In 2015, the FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization) reported that the percentage of land areas covered
by forest was approximately 32.1% of total land area in Thailand. Improving this figure has been a part of the
national agenda for some time.
For the past several decades, several deforestation drivers have prevented Thailand from reaching the
achievement of this outcome including: illegal land clearing and encroachment on forests, resort
development projects, mining, and the construction of roads and hydropower dams.
A major form of forest degradation occurred between 1975 and 1993, when the area of mangrove forests in
Thailand was almost halved. The primary reason for this was large-scale encroachment of aquaculture
ponds for intensive shrimp production into forested areas
Mangrove forests in Thailand are a crucial component of coastal ecosystems. About one-third of coastal
areas in Thailand are bordered by mangrove forests. They provide food sources, nursery grounds, and
habitat for various animals, as well as natural resources for Thai people, such as fisher folk, shrimp farmers,
and charcoal producers who benefit from these productive ecosystems. Between 2000 and 2012, the rate
of mangrove deforestation decreased significantly. However, Thailand is still one of the largest aquaculture
producers in the world and the small areas of remnant mangroves in the country have needed to be
heavily protected to mitigate further negative impacts.
Thailand possesses abundant water resources, however the volume of renewable internal freshwater
resources per capita has reduced from about 7,700 m3 per capita in 1962 to about 3,300 m3 in 2014.
One major factor in this change has been the development of irrigation schemes, which has been essential
to the development of Thailand’s domestic and export agricultural industry to provide livelihood
opportunities for Thai citizens. However, rainfall storage in Thailand averages only 30% of total rainfall
volume, with shortages often occurring at the time when agricultural demand is highest. This has become a
critical issue that has worsened over time.
Mineral resources
The Lower Mekong countries are rich in mineral resources. The region has proven reserves of approximately
1.2 billion cubic meters of natural gas, 0.82 billion tons of oil, and 28.0 billion tons of coal. Myanmar, Thailand,
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and Vietnam possess large natural gas deposits, while Cambodia is getting closer to producing its own oil
and gold.
Within the region, Thailand and Laos possess the greatest coal deposits and Vietnam has the largest oil
reserves. (Vietnam has the third largest crude oil reserves in Asia after China and India.) Other mineral
resources in the Lower Mekong—in addition to the energy-related commodities above—include gold,
copper, jade, lead, zinc, phosphate, potash and gemstones, including rubies and sapphires.
An oil drilling platform near Phuket, Thailand. Photo by Vidar Lokken, 2011, Wikimiedia Commons. Taken 4
September 2011. Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.
▪ Vietnam was the number two world producer of tungsten and bismuth, 4th for fluorspar and 9th
for tin.
▪ Thailand was 4th for gypsum and 7th for feldspar.
▪ Myanmar was 2nd for tin and 7th equal for antimony.
▪ Laos was 11th for antimony and 18th for copper.
Thailand’s major minerals include fluorite, gypsum, lead, lignite, natural gas, rubber, tantalum, tin, and
tungsten. Renewable resources include fish and timber. The tin mining industry has declined sharply since
1985, and Thailand has gradually become a net importer of tin. As of 2003, the main mineral export was
gypsum. Thailand is the world’s second largest exporter of gypsum after Canada, even though government
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policy limits gypsum exports to prevent price cutting. In 2003 Thailand produced more than 40 types of
minerals with an annual value of about US$740 million. However, more than 80 percent of these minerals
were consumed domestically. In September 2003, in order to encourage foreign investment in the mining
industry, the government relaxed severe restrictions on mining by foreign companies and reduced mineral
royalties payable to the state. [Source: Library of Congress, 2007]
✓ World production in
term of milled rice
471.83 million ton in
Agriculture, forestry, and fishing
2016/17. The world
top three
Rice is not only the main staple crop of the country but production countries
also the primary agricultural export. Thailand has for
decades been one of the world’s largest rice exporters. Although high-yield varieties of rice were adopted
are
in the 1960s, rice yields are much lower than in East Asia, China,
owing Indialabour inputs. The
primarily to less-efficient
main commercial rice-producing areas of Thailand are the Chao Phraya basin and the Khorat Plateau.
Agricultural production has diversified significantly to and Indonesia.
meet domestic and world market demand. Among
the crops produced for the market are cassava, corn (maize), kenaf (a jutelike fibre), longans, mangoes,
pineapples, durians, cashews, vegetables, and flowers. Cash crops such as rubber, coffee, sugarcane, and
many fruits are produced mostly on large holdings owned by the agribusinesses that began to emerge in
the last decades of the 20th century. Tobacco was once an important cash crop, but it declined
considerably as demand dropped.
Fish and other aquatic life have been the major source of protein in the Thai diet since ancient times. As
deforestation and pollution of streams and rivers led to a decline in freshwater wild fish, there has been a
marked increase in the raising of fish in ponds, especially in northeastern Thailand. Since the 1970s, Thailand
has been one of the world’s major exporters of shrimp, fish, and fish products. However, the creation of
shrimp farms and the overfishing of the Gulf of Thailand sparked disputes between commercial interests and
villagers who depend on fish and shrimp as basic foodstuffs. Many traditional marine fishing areas have
become polluted, and shrimp farms have been especially damaging to coastal mangrove forests. Some
recovery efforts are under way.
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The "Land of Smiles" is one of the jewels of Southeast Asia. Thanks to a thriving tourism industry, Thailand is
well-developed and provides all kinds of modern comforts—yet it's also still wild enough to offer off-the-
beaten-path adventure and once-in-a-lifetime travel experiences. Whether you are here for the world-class
beaches in the south or the mountain villages in the north, Thailand will not disappoint.
Cities like Bangkok and Chiang Mai are bustling hives of activity and commerce, but you haven't really seen
the country until you've trekked in the mountains or enjoyed some face-time with elephants or the bold
monkeys always ready to steal your lunch. Thailand's attractions are diverse, and each provides a
rewarding and memorable experience in its own way.
For some inspiration when planning your trip, here's our list of top tourist attractions in Thailand.
Bangkok templeS : There are over 400 temples in Bangkok. The most splendid temples are the royal
temples which were fully supported and renovated by the King.
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— Bangkok CanaL : Bangkok is renowned as the Venice of the East. Canals in and around Bangkok are an
important method of transport ation and help to facilitate communication between different areas of the
city.
The branching network of canals from the main Chao Phraya River still follows an old living style that leaves
the modern face of Bangkok behind.
— Damnoen Saduak Floating Market : The Damnoen Saduak Floating market is situated around 109 km
south of Bangkok. The Floating Market is one of the most famous tourist destination s in Thailand. It is a
market on a small canal where buyers and sellers interact and exchange commodities from their paddle
boat.
Railay Beach
Railay Beach
Krabi province is home to some of Thailand's most famous beach destinations—and Railay tops the list as
one of the most stunning. Considered by many as one of the best beaches in the country, Railay delivers on
promises of white sand, turquoise-blue water, and the feeling that you've found a slice of paradise even
before your feet touch the sand.
The island can be reached by boat from Krabi town and Ao Nang and the trip on a long-tail traditional
boat is just as magical as what you'll encounter when you reach the shores.
While the beach might be the main reason to visit the island, Railay is also a rock-climbing hot spot, with
karst peaks drawing adventurers both experienced and novice, ready to take on the towering limestone
cliffs.
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Among the many other active things to do, Railay is well-known for its ocean rafting and kayaking,
snorkeling and scuba diving—but visitors can also try their hand at cooking classes or indulge in a massage.
There's also the tourist-friendly Diamond Cave, reached via a beautiful trail with stunning views and ready to
accommodate curious visitors looking to do some exploring between stretches of sunbathing.
Koh Phi Phi
Koh Phi Phi
The Phi Phi Islands are one of Thailand's most popular resort areas for a reason—the clear blue waters, the
soft sand, the breathtaking views that go on forever.
You can reach Phi Phi Don—the largest of the islands and the only one permanently inhabited—on a rented
kayak or by hiring a small wooden boat to take you here.
Perhaps one of the most fun spots on Koh Phi Phi is Monkey Beach, where you'll come face to face, literally,
with plenty of macaques ready to steal your lunch.
Long Beach is another nice spot on the island; while not a secluded place where you can hope for privacy,
it's great for watching the sunset. If you're lucky and the tide is out, it's a beautiful walk back towards the
main part of the island.
Tour operators offer packages for snorkeling and diving trips to the islands, as well as excursions to the
famous Maya Bay, where the Leonardo DiCaprio movie The Beach was filmed. Because Koh Phi Phi draws
so many tourists, there are plenty of tour companies arranging tickets to other beach destinations, such
as Phuket, Koh Chang, and Koh Lanta.
Phi Phi Don was one of the areas hit hard by the 2004 tsunami—but since then, guesthouses, restaurants,
and markets have been rebuilt, and crowds still come in droves to the resort island. There is a small, somber
memorial park to honor those who died in the tragedy, but the resort areas are otherwise revived and
looking as beautiful as ever.
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3. The Grand Palace, Bangkok
The Grand Palace, Bangkok
Even if your plans for Thailand mainly involve frolicking on a beach and eating as much Massaman curry
and pad Thai as humanly possible, you'll probably spend at least a day or two in Bangkok. There are plenty
of things to see and do in the capital, but the Grand Palace should definitely be at the top of your list. This is
the number one sightseeing attraction in the city, and it's staggering in both historical significance and
craftsmanship.
The grounds are a maze of royal halls, temples, and ancient relics, the most important being Wat Phra
Kaeo (the Temple of the Emerald Buddha), said to hold a fragment of either hair or bone from the
enlightened Buddha himself.
Allow several hours to do the Grand Palace justice, but if you're up for more walking afterward, you can
easily take in some of the city's other major landmarks nearby. The famous Wat Po and Wat Arun, the Temple
of the Dawn
Sunday Walking Street, Chiang Mai
Sunday Walking Street, Chiang Mai
Every Thailand visitor looks forward to cheap and delicious food—and that's exactly what they can find in
abundance at Chiang Mai's Sunday Night Walking Street. Vendors sell all kinds of treats here: from the
popular pad Thai and chicken satay to samosas, fried bananas, sweet roti, and fresh fruit shakes—often for
less than $2 a piece.
Once you've satisfied your culinary cravings, you can peruse hundreds of stalls selling an array of unique
goods such as all-natural soaps, hand-dyed textiles bearing the unique patterns of local hill tribes, incense
and essential oils, musical instruments, paintings, wall hangings, and more.
The market gets crowded every week without fail, no matter what time of the year you're visiting, so brace
yourself and try to enjoy being part of the fun chaos. This is one of the must-dos in Chiang Mai, and an
essential part of the Thailand experience. If you're not around for the Sunday market, or just want to get a
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taste of other market experiences in Chiang Mai, check out the Saturday Night Walking Street or the Night
Bazaar on Chang Klan Road, a daily event. For something less touristy, head to the daytime Warorot Market,
near Mae Ping River.
Pai
Pai
Thailand's reputation as a country of beautiful landscapes and friendly people is due largely to the world-
renowned southern beaches. Because of this, most people don't realize that the vast north is also home to
entirely different but equally breathtaking landscapes.
Northern Thailand, particularly the western region near the Burmese border, is marked by mountainous
jungle terrain that is both rugged and beautiful. Pai, in Mae Hong Son province, is the perfect starting point
from which to enjoy the country's natural beauty, as well as the famed Thai hospitality and cooking.
This small town has developed a reputation as a mecca for hippies and backpackers, though you will see
plenty of families traveling in the area as well. There is a small walking street market that comes alive every
night, a variety of local and Western foods, and easy access to nearby Buddhist temples, waterfalls, and the
impressive Pai canyon.
There is an air of cheerfulness and relaxation as you walk through the tiny town center, a vibe that continues
to draw crowds season after season despite its somewhat remote location.
❑ The Thai industry, generally very concentrated in Bangkok and its surroundings, has undergone a
great expansion in the last 25 years, contributing in 2017 more than 40% of GDP.
❑ The evolution of manufactures during the last twenty years has been really spectacular, with
industrial production being the real engine of Thailand's economic transformation.
Economic Overview and Outlook
• Export-based growth and IDE entry
• Export oriented companies. Exports account for 60% of its GDP
• Tourism is a sector with a great weight in Thailand's GDP (it represent 8% of GDP).
• Relatively developed infrastructure
• Free enterprise economy
• Policies favorable to investments
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Manufacturing
The growth in manufacturing since 1970 has been especially dramatic, reflecting the large investments
made by private firms. Although growth was initially spearheaded by the garment industry, electronic
products assumed the vanguard in the mid-1980s, propelled by investment and transfer of production
from Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, and Singapore. Since the late 1990s, Thailand has been a notable
exporter of motor vehicles and, more recently, telecommunications equipment. While industrial
development has been concentrated in and around Bangkok, production has also expanded along the
eastern seaboard and, more recently, into northern, especially northeastern, Thailand, where much of the
labour for all industries originates.
Economic Overview and Outlook

GDP Structure (sectors)
Trade
Fuente: Bank of Thailand, -Last update March 2019
Thailand’s trade patterns have changed dramatically from the early 1980s, when more than two-thirds of
export earnings came from agriculture and less than one-third from manufacturing. By the early 21st
century, agriculture contributed roughly one-eighth of export earnings and about one-tenth of gross
domestic product, while manufacturing accounted for virtually all the rest; the share of import expenditures
for machinery, components, and raw materials, moreover, had increased from less than half to more
thanthree-fourths.
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The country’s main trading partners are Japan, the United States, China, Singapore, and Malaysia. The most
important import categories by value are machinery; chemicals and related products; petroleum; iron,
steel, and other metals; and raw materials of various types. Machinery is also an important manufactured
export, along with chemicals and chemical products, telecommunications equipment, road vehicles, and
clothing and accessories. The United States is among Thailand’s largest export markets, and Japan is among
the country’s biggest sources of imports. In the 1990s Thailand’s trade deficit grew markedly until the last
part of the decade, when a trade surplus was achieved largely as a result of a contraction in imports.
Foreign debt declined until the last part of the decade, when it jumped substantially, peaking in
Thailand’s economy is expected to be impacted severely by the COVID-19 pandemic, shrinking by at least
5 percent in 2020 and taking more than two years to return to pre-COVID-19 GDP output levels, according to
the World Bank’s latest Thailand Economic Monitor, released today. The COVID-19 pandemic shocked the
economy especially in the second quarter of 2020 and has led already to widespread job losses, affecting
middle-class households and the poor alike.
While Thailand has been successful in stemming the tide of COVID-19 infections over the last three months,
the economic impact has been severe. The tourism sector, which makes up close to 15 percent of
Thailand’s GDP, has been hit hard, with a near cessation of international tourist arrivals since March 2020.
Exports are expected to decline by 6.3 percent in 2020, the sharpest quarterly contraction in five years, as
demand for Thai goods abroad remains weakened by the global slowdown. Household consumption is
projected to decline by 3.2 percent as movement restrictions and dwindling incomes limit consumer
spending, especially in the second quarter of 2020.
As Thailand starts to ease mobility restrictions, domestic consumption, Thailand’s traditionally strongest driver
of growth, may pick up in the second half of 2020 and in 2021, but economic recovery will be gradual and
uncertain. In the baseline, the Thai economy is projected to grow by 4.1 percent in 2021 and by 3.6 percent
in 2022, which represents a slow recovery to pre-COVID GDP output levels by mid-2022. The shape of the
recovery is subject to considerable downside risks, including weaker global growth, feeble tourism, and
continuing trade and supply chain disruptions.
“The strength of the economic recovery will depend in part on an effective policy response, in particular
effective support to vulnerable households and firms,” said Birgit Hansl, World Bank Country Manager for
Thailand. “As the recovery phase begins, a key challenge will be how to help people who lost their jobs
reconnect with the labor market. Active labor market measures, such as wage-subsidies targeted to
individuals in the most vulnerable sectors, and for on-the-job training to promote reemployment should be
explored.”
An estimated 8.3 million workers will lose employment or income by the COVID-19 crisis, which has put many
jobs, in particularly those related to tourism and services, at risk. The report finds that the number of
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economically insecure, or those living below USD 5.5 per day (in purchasing power terms), is projected to
double from 4.7 million people in the first quarter to 9.7 million people in the second quarter of 2020. In
particular, the share of economically insecure middle-class households with workers in the manufacturing
and services sector will rise by three-fold, from 6 percent to 20 percent.
To protect vulnerable households, the report recommends extending social protection coverage to ensure
that no gaps remain for the elderly and migrant workers. The report also recommends continuing cash
transfers for the most vulnerable groups and, where possible, linking such transfers to training, mentoring,
and other types of support that could create income-generating opportunities. Over the medium term,
Thailand could consider establishing programs with universal benefits to help cushion against epidemic
outbreaks as well as other negative shocks, complemented by more targeted programs for the poor.
“For vulnerable firms, the nature of support will need to shift from emergency relief to more support for
productive firms that are still standing,” said Kiatipong Ariyapruchya, World Bank’s Senior Economist for
Thailand. “This includes redirecting fiscal support from emergency measures to temporary job creation
programs by easing firm participation in public procurement and public works.”
Going forward, interventions could revamp firm support programs focused on promoting firms and
productivity growth, especially towards promoting investments for worker training, management training,
and technology adoption.
https://www.worldbank.org/en/news/press-release/2020/06/30/major-impact-from-covid-19-to-thailands-
economy-vulnerable-households-firms-report
https://asean.elibrary.imf.org/view/IMF084/06772-9781557752215/06772-
9781557752215/ch02.xml?redirect=true
https://news.un.org/en/story/2020/08/1069191
http://factsanddetails.com/southeast-asia/Thailand/sub5_8h/entry-3317.html
THAILAND, FACING THE CHALLENGES OF THE NEW GENERATION
What is happening in Thailand?

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An unprecedented wave of protests has swept across Thailand over recent months, led by high school and
university students who are calling for major democratic reforms. Some have also broken a longstanding
taboo, and risked prison sentences, to demand the power and wealth of the country’s monarchy be curbed
Why are people protesting in Thailand?
Three demands were presented to the Government of Thailand: the dissolution of parliament, ending
intimidation of the people, and the drafting of a new constitution. The July protests were triggered by the
impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and enforcement of the lockdown Emergency Decree and spread
nationwide.
Why have protests erupted now?
Young people say they are fed up with an establishment that has undermined their democratic rights and
the country’s progress.
Demonstrations began on university campuses at the start of the year in response to a court decision to
dissolve Future Forward, a prominent opposition party. The party was especially popular among young people
during last year’s election – a vote that was supposed to return Thailand to democracy following a 2014
military coup but was instead marred by claims of irregularities, and which critics say was skewed in favor of
the army.
What do the protesters want?
One of the protesters’ slogans is “let it end with our generation”. They are tired of a cycle of coups that has
dominated Thailand’s political history.
Students are mostly united around calls for the dissolution of parliament, an end to harassment of government
critics, and for changes to the military-backed constitution.
Some have also called for reforms to the country’s powerful and wealthy monarchy, which they say is too
close to the military and which they accuse of interfering in politics.
King Maha Vajiralongkorn assumed the throne following the death of his father, King Bhumibol Adulyadej, in
2016 and has since strengthened his authority, bringing the wealth of the crown and key army units under his
direct control.
Protesters say they are not calling for the abolition of the monarchy, but for it to be modernized. Their demands
have angered royalists.
How have the authorities responded to the demands?
Prayuth has said he will consider some of the protesters’ demands regarding the constitution, but has said the
monarchy should not be criticized.
The Royal Palace has made no comment on the protests and the demands for reform. Rights groups say the
authorities are attempting to contain the protests by arresting activists, and by pressuring universities and
parents to stop students from demanding monarchy reform. The authorities have also ordered Facebook to
geo-block content that is critical of the royal family, including a page that had more than a million members.
The group’s creator, Pavin Chachavalpongpun, a self-exiled critic of the monarchy, has already set up a new
page that has surpassed the last group’s previous membership.
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Human Rights in Thailand
Thailand was among the first nations to sign the UN's Universal Declaration of Human Rights of 1948 and
seemed committed to safeguarding Human Rights in Thailand. In practice, the reality has been that the
powerful can abuse the human rights of their subjects with impunity.
Assaults on activists
Since 2018, there have been 11 physical assaults on political activists in Thailand. Police investigations of the
assaults have shown no progress.
Forced disappearances
According to Amnesty Thailand, at least 59 human-rights defenders have been victims of forced
disappearance since 1998. The Bangkok Post counts 80 confirmed disappeared, and likely murdered, since
1980. A report compiled in 2018 by the Thai Lawyers for Human Rights Centre showed that at least 86 political
refugees left the country after the 2014 coup d'état for coup-related reasons. The government of Prime
Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha continues to refuse to criminalize torture and enforced disappearances.
Forced repatriation
Human rights NGOs consider Thailand "...a place that's no longer safe for refugees." Since the 2014 Thai
coup d'état, Thailand has sent 109 Uighurs back to China and a further 52 have been detained for about
five years. Gulenists have be refouled to Turkey and others to repressive regimes in the Middle East.
Freedom of speech
Critics charge that the Thai criminal code's defamation provisions are de facto threats to free speech. Both
the civil and commercial codes have provisions to deal with defamation, but plaintiffs often prefer to file
criminal cases against activists or the press. Criminal charges, which can result in arrest, seizure of the
accused passport if they are a foreigner, and court proceedings that may last for years, do not require the
participation of police or government prosecutors but can be filed directly with a court by the accuser; courts
rarely reject these cases
Human trafficking
Human trafficking and Child prostitution in Thailand
Human trafficking is a major issue in Thailand. This includes misleading and kidnapping men
from Cambodia by traffickers and selling them into illegal fishing boats that trawl the Gulf of Thailand and
the South China Sea. These men are promised better paid jobs but instead forced to work as sea slaves as
much as 3 years.
Right of assembly
In the wake of the 2006 and 2014 coup d'états, the right to free speech, association, and freedom of
movement were seriously eroded. Military governments have implemented bans on political meetings and
prohibited media criticism. Political activities of all types were prohibited
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South Thailand insurgency
Problems have been reported in the southern provinces related to the South Thailand insurgency. Some 180
persons are reported to have died there while in custody in 2004.
Torture
The Constitution of Thailand prohibits acts of torture, but the Thai legal system has no definition of torture
and torture is not recognized as an offence by Thailand's legal system.
2003 war on drugs
The government's antidrug war in 2003 resulted in more than 2,500 extrajudicial killings of suspected drug
traffickers. Prison conditions and some provincial immigration detention facilities are characterized as poor.
In 2004 more than 1,600 persons died in prison or police custody, 131 as a result of police actions.
Women's rights
The government flunked in all major areas of rights protection. The assessment indicates that the government's
promise to protect the rights of women is not only perceived as empty, but that the state itself is believed to
be the perpetrator of violence against grassroots efforts by Thai women.;
Burmese refugees
Burmese refugees in Thailand can stay in one of the refugee camps along the border with Burma, which
protect them from arrest and summary removal to Burma but they lack freedom to move or work. Or, they
can live and work outside the camps, but typically without recognized legal status of any kind, leaving them
at risk of arrest and deportation. From 2005 to 2011, more than 76,000 Burmese refugees were resettled from
the border camps to third countries, though the total number of camp residents has remained at about
140,000
COVID-19 and a Possible Political Reckoning in Thailand
What’s new?
The global slowdown caused by the COVID-19 pandemic will take a heavy toll on Thailand’s economy, which
is reliant on exports and tourism. The sharpest economic shock since the 1997-1998 financial crisis will strain a
society simmering with discontent and a political order designed to thwart popular political participation.
Why does it matter?
Thailand’s economic model was already faltering, and the political order contested, before the pandemic.
The crisis is likely to accelerate Thailand’s extreme concentration of power and wealth and deepen political
divisions, which could trigger a social, economic and political reckoning.
What should be done?
The social consequences of the looming economic crisis should encourage the establishment to endorse a
more pluralist political system that can build effective institutions, translate popular aspirations into policy and
enable a fairer distribution of wealth. Such a scenario requires amending the 2017 constitution.
UPDATE ON THE BATTLE AGAINST PANDEMIC
Thailand so far has curbed the COVID-19 pandemic, but it faces a severe economic shock that will deepen
existing inequalities and is likely to fan smoldering political tensions. The economic strategy that lifted Thailand
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to upper middle-income status by 2011 has faltered over the past decade, leading to severe inequality and
rising poverty, and the pandemic has now slowed the growth model’s twin engines – exports and tourism.
Already facing questions about its legitimacy following a 2019 election marred by irregularities, the military-
backed Thai government will be hard pressed to meet the needs of a population facing massive
unemployment, loss of income and rising debt. The fundamental problem is political: the reforms necessary
to upgrade Thailand’s economy run counter to the interests of the country’s elite. What is needed is a new
constitution that allows for articulation of popular interests through elected representatives and accountable
institutions. The corona virus, auguring the biggest economic shock since the 1997-1998 financial crisis, could
hasten a social, economic and political reckoning.
POLITICAL, SOCIAL, ECONOMIC AND SECURITY ISSUES OF THAILAND.
What are the five main human rights problems in Thailand?
Significant human rights issues included: unlawful or arbitrary killings by the government or its agents; forced
disappearance by or on behalf of the government; torture by government officials; arbitrary arrest and
detention by government authorities; political prisoners; political interference in the judiciary
What are some current environmental issues in Thailand?
Thailand faces increasing environmental degradation in many regions, including the loss of biodiversity and
declining wildlife populations, deforestation, desertification, water scarcity, climate change, and air
and water pollution.
Why is pollution so bad in Thailand?
Vehicles and factories contribute to air pollution, particularly in Bangkok, which experienced high levels of
air pollution in the winter of 2019. Recent research (2019) points to agricultural burning as the root cause of
PM 2.5 pollution in Thailand
Is crime high in Thailand?
Official corruption is rampant in Thailand. It ranges from bribery to outright police collusion. Crime statistics
from the Royal Thai Police (RTP) show a statistically negligible increase of 1.9 percent over the same period,
with 920 additional crimes reported after an overall decline since 2009. .
How is Thailand affected by climate change?
Climate change threatens all three important sectors of Thailand's economy: agriculture, tourism, and
trade. ... The effects of climate change, including higher surface temperatures, floods, droughts, severe
storms and sea level rise, put Thailand's rice crops at risk and threaten to submerge Bangkok within 20 years.
What is the current unemployment rate in Thailand?
Thailand unemployment rate for 2019 was 0.75%, a 0.01% decline from 2018. Thailand unemployment rate
for 2018 was 0.77%, a 0.06% decline from 2017. Thailand unemployment rate for 2017 was 0.83%, a 0.14%
increase from 2016.
What things are banned in Thailand?
5 Stranges Laws in Thailand; Legal peculiarities
• 1) It's illegal to leave the house without your underwear on.

• 2) It's a crime to step on any Thai currency.
• 3) It's a punishable offence to throw (used) chewing gum on the pavement.
• 4) You mustn't drive a car shirtless.
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Thailand: Inflation rate from 2005 to 2025 (compared to the previous year)
Inflation rate compared to previous year
2021* 1.81%
2020* -0.43%
2019 0.71%
1.06%
2018
Human Health The cases of dengue fever has shown increasing trends since 2000 and has become a greater
concern in Thailand (ADB, 2009).
Agriculture As per ADB (2009), Thailand’s crop yield losses amounted to more than 50 billion baht (around $
1.25 billion) between 1991 and 2000 from the agriculture sector due to floods, storms, and droughts.
Thailand’s BIG problem
Thailand is a great place to live, but there have always been some underlying problems with corruption. It
permeates all segments of society and has existed in various forms for hundreds of years. Money is power in
this society. It works for you if you have it, against you if you don’t.
For hundreds of years, Thailand had a system whereby representatives of the King, called ‘Khunnangs’ were
assigned ministries to control. The Khunnang could keep 10% of whatever was collected, and 5% would go
into the royal treasury. As time passed, the Khunnangs became more and more powerful to the point where
even the King had little control over them. The Khunnangs were keeping more than the 10% and the 5% to
the King was rarely paid.
Today, this system has been officially changed, but in reality, the system of ‘skimming off the top’ has
continued and expanded into all segments of society. It has expanded to include getting preferential services
in government offices, getting government contracts and even getting your child enrolled in ‘good’ schools.
An enormous amount of money is paid in bribes and kickbacks, but up until now, this has not really affected
the life of middle-income or rich Thai people very much. The economy had been strong, and it seemed that
there was plenty of money to go around. Many Thai people saw the pay-offs as being an investment in their
personal future.
This has all changed in the last few years. Ignoring warnings that the financial management of the country
was becoming a serious problem, corrupt people in the government continued stuffing their pockets and just
ignored the health of the country. A succession of governments have come and gone in the last few years,
all establishing themselves as more corrupt and incompetent than the last.
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SIYNHESIS: THAILAND’S ECONOMY AND GEOGRAPHY
Thailand has a population of 66 million growing at an annual rate of 0.63 per cent. The urban population in
the country accounts for 33 per cent of the total population of the country (CIA World Fact Book, 2009).
Economy Thailand is a medium-income country with a GDP PPP per capita of $8,100, GDP PPP of $ 535.8
billion and an annual GDP growth rate of -3.5 per cent (CIA World Fact Book, 2009). The population and GDP
growth trends for the country are shown in Figure 70. Rice, cassava (tapioca), rubber, corn, sugarcane,
coconuts, and soybeans dominate the agricultural sector output (12.3 per cent of GDP). The
industrial/manufacturing sector output (44 per cent of GDP) includes oil and natural gas, metals, machinery
and equipment, textiles, and chemical products. The services sector (43.7 per cent of GDP) is concentrated
in public administration and trades such as hotels, restaurants, wholesale and retail trade, transport, storage,
and communications. As a middle-income country, Thailand depends mostly on the export of machinery,
electronic components, agricultural products, and jewelries which contribute more than one third of the
country’s economy. Since 2000, country saw a steady annual economic growth of 4 per cent until the global
slowdown during 2008-2009, which significantly affected the economic growth. However, as the global
economy recovers the country is expected to grow at a steady rate in the future (IMF)

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Geography of Thailand

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Republic of the Philippines

Bulacan State University

✓ Center of Mainland Southeast Asia

✓ Latitude: 13.0389 Longitude: 101.4901.

✓ A total size of 513,120 km2 (198,120 sq mi)

✓ It controls the only land route

✓ It has an exclusive economic zone of

✓ Hilly forested areas of the northern frontier

✓ Fertile rice fields of the Center plains

✓ Broad Plateau of the Northeast

Sea in the southwest

✓ Gulf of Thailand in the Southeast

✓ Successive capitals, built at various points

✓ Foreign port of trade

Cities, Region and Population

✓ 7 Region of Thailand and their Population

Bureau of Registration Administration

✓ 10 Largest Cities and their Population

Bangkok is the capital and most populous city of Thailand. It is

Thailand Natural Resources:

Thailand Natural Hazards:

Thailand Environmental Issues:

Politics and Government

Government is separated into three branches:

Type Symbol Image Thai

National emblem Emblem of Thailand ตราพระครุฑพ่าห ์

National flag Flag of Thailand ธงไตรรงค ์

National currency Thai baht บาทไทย

Siamese fighting fish

Golden shower flower

1. Loyalty to the Nation, a Religion, and the Monarchy

▪ Thailand was 4th for gypsum and 7th for feldspar.

▪ Laos was 11th for antimony and 18th for copper.

rewarding and memorable experience in its own way.

Koh Phi Phi

Koh Phi Phi

3. The Grand Palace, Bangkok

The Grand Palace, Bangkok

Sunday Walking Street, Chiang Mai

Sunday Walking Street, Chiang Mai

Economic Overview and Outlook

THAILAND, FACING THE CHALLENGES OF THE NEW GENERATION

What is happening in Thailand?

Why are people protesting in Thailand?

Why have protests erupted now?

What do the protesters want?

How have the authorities responded to the demands?

Human Rights in Thailand

Human trafficking and Child prostitution in Thailand

South Thailand insurgency

2003 war on drugs

COVID-19 and a Possible Political Reckoning in Thailand

Why does it matter?

What should be done?

UPDATE ON THE BATTLE AGAINST PANDEMIC

POLITICAL, SOCIAL, ECONOMIC AND SECURITY ISSUES OF THAILAND.

What are the five main human rights problems in Thailand?

What are some current environmental issues in Thailand?

Why is pollution so bad in Thailand?

Is crime high in Thailand?

What is the current unemployment rate in Thailand?

What things are banned in Thailand?