Terrain
Central plain; Khorat Plateau in the east; mountains elsewhere
Climate
Tropical; rainy, warm, cloudy southwest monsoon (mid-May to September); dry, cool northeast monsoon (November to mid-March); southern isthmus always hot and humid
Climate, Deforestation & Flooding (1:23)
People
Nationality: Thai (singular and plural)
Population: 67,448,120 (July 2013 est.),
Languages: Thai, English (secondary language of the elite), ethnic and regional dialects
Religions
Buddhist (official) 94.6%, Muslim 4.6%, Christian 0.7%, other 0.1%
Economy
With a well-developed infrastructure, a free-enterprise economy, generally pro-investment policies, and strong export industries, Thailand achieved steady growth due largely to industrial and agriculture exports - mostly electronics, agricultural commodities, automobiles and parts, and processed foods. Thailand is trying to maintain growth by encouraging domestic consumption and public investment to offset weak exports in 2012. Less than 1% of the labor force is unemployed.
Living Conditions
Running water, electricity, and health-care centers have been extended to most rural areas. Wood or thatch houses built on stilts are clustered together in villages or are spread out along the rivers and canals. People often sit under the houses during the heat of the day; there they do minor chores. Some farm animals are also kept there. In the cities, expensive houses may coexist on the same street with slum dwellings. Most working people live in apartments and condominiums.
Government
Constitutional monarchy
ASEAN MEMBER NATION ( :39)
Government Structure (1:01)
US Military Presence/Support
The United States and Thailand have long shared a productive alliance on security issues in Asia. A wide range of assistance is provided by the U.S. to support criminal justice reform, democratic activities, humanitarian efforts and law enforcement. The two countries have partnered to intercept the movement of illicit drugs and human trafficking in the region. Thailand receives substantial military training and equipment, and participates in numerous joint military exercises with the U.S.
US Military Alliance (:39)