Location
South East Asia
Dialling code
66.
Population
7 million (city); 10 million (metropolitan area).
Time zone
GMT + 7.
Electricity
220 volts AC, 50Hz; two-pin plugs are standard.
Average January temperatures
26°C (79°F).
Average July temperatures
29°C (84°F).
Annual rainfall
1,500mm (58.5 inches).
History
The absolute rule of the monarchy ended in 1932 when it was replaced by a system of constitutional monarchy. To this day, the monarchy is regarded with almost religious reverence and it is an offence, punishable by imprisonment, to insult the royal family. His Majesty King Bhumibol is the longest-reigning monarch in the world, having come to power in 1946.
Following the end of absolute monarchy, Thailand moved towards democracy, but this has been thwarted by the military, which has often staged coups in protest at government policies. The most recent was in September 2006 when a bloodless coup overthrew the Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra and replaced him with an interim prime minister until elections finally took place in December 2007.
Thailand has successfully survived the economic crisis of the late 1990s, dealing with SARS, the devastating Tsunami in December 2004 and the Avian influenza crisis more recently.
Thailand is staunchly anti-Communist, as seen during the Vietnam War when it was a strategic ally for the USA. Latterly, it has softened its stance and relations have improved with its Communist neighbours who have now become members of the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN), of which Thailand is an influential member.
Main Industries
Thailand’s main industries are tourism, textiles and electronics. Despite over half of Thai citizens working in agriculture, it only accounts for 15% of the GDP, although Thailand is still the world’s largest exporter of rice. The difference in growth between industry and agriculture during the past few decades has resulted in enormous inequality between the city and countryside.
Best Time to Go
Thailand is a tropical country so it is hot throughout the year, but the best time to visit is between November and March, during the dry season. During the rainy season, humidity is very high and the downpours are short but violent and the streets of the major cities often flood.