last edited Dec 11, 2019
Overview of Thailand
Quick Overview
Thailand is part of the Indochinese Peninsula. Its center consists of a vast plain that is home to the country's largest river, the Chao Phraya. This area forms the most densely populated and agriculturally rich region in the country.
Key Facts
- Latitude/longitude: 15°00' N, 100°00' E.
- Local time:
- Capital: Bangkok.
- Nature of the state: constitutional monarchy.
- Official language: Thai.
- Currency: baht.
- Population: 68,615,858 inhabitants (2018).
- Area: 514,000 km²
- Density: 133 inhabitants/km².
- Highest point: Doi Inthanon (2,576 m).
- Lowest point: sea level.
- Coastline: 3,219 km.
- Driving: on the left.
- Flag: [drapeau: Thaïlande]
Tourism
It is the most tourist-friendly yet also the most diverse country in the region, though it offers both the best and the worst in many areas, and the Thai government is now aiming to "select" a slightly more upscale form of tourism than in the past. Nevertheless, every visitor to Thailand generally finds what they're looking for, whether in nature, adventure, culture, or relaxation. The key is perhaps just knowing where you're going and what you plan to do...
Even though visitor numbers can fluctuate depending on the socio-political situation, as in 2014, Thailand now welcomes over 35 million visitors per year, with 38.277 million in 2018 (compared to 16 million in 2010). Among these, Chinese visitors remain the most numerous (a quarter of all arrivals), ahead of travelers from other countries in the region. Russians and Americans (7th and 8th largest groups) outnumber the British, Germans, and Australians. As for the French, 738,000 were recorded in 2016, along with 245,000 Canadians and 210,000 Swiss.
Travel Essentials
- Destination: for beginner to somewhat experienced travelers.
- By air: France-Bangkok.
- Entry requirements: no visa required for stays of (15 or) 30 days or less, but passport must be valid for at least 6 months after the planned arrival date + return or onward ticket.
- Currency to bring: euros.
- Exchange rate:
- Daily "backpacker" budget:
- Best for accommodation:
- Best for getting around:
- Risks:
- Best period for climate/crowds/prices:
- Interests (out of ): Nature ; Adventure ; Culture ; Relaxation .
Useful Addresses
Socio-Economic Statistics
- "Quality of life": 83/188 (rank in 2018)
- GDP per capita: $17,900 (2017)
- Average monthly income: ()
- Inflation: +0.7% (2017)
- "Official" unemployment: 0.7% (2017)
- Population below the poverty line: 7.2% (2015)
- Life expectancy: 75.1 years (2018)
- Migration rate per 1,000 inhabitants: 0 (2017)
- Population growth: +0.29% (2018)
- Literacy rate: 92.9% (2015)
- Urban population: 49.9% (2018)
- Press freedom: 140/180 (rank in 2018)
- Political regime: hybrid regime (106/167 in 2018)
Sources: World Bank, Human Development Indicators, RSF, The Economist, The World Factbook