Contents
Country Overview
Thailand is a mainland Southeast Asian constitutional monarchy with a diversified economy in manufacturing, tourism, agriculture, trade and services. The country contains the Chao Phraya basin, northern highlands, northeastern Khorat Plateau and two distinct peninsular coastlines. Following the February 2026 House election, Anutin Charnvirakul was appointed prime minister again in March with a Bhumjaithai-led coalition. This country profile uses dated World Bank GDP and population series, identifies the WTO goods-trade profile as calendar 2024, and incorporates UNESCO’s ninth property inscribed in 2026. The monarchy, bicameral legislature and the distinct indirectly selected Senate are described separately.
CapitalBangkokNational seat of government [1]
Population71.62 millionWorld Bank 2025 annual estimate [2]
GDPUS$577.01 billionWorld Bank nominal GDP, 2025 [2]
MonarchMaha VajiralongkornKing Rama X [6]
Prime ministerAnutin CharnvirakulReappointed March 19, 2026 [5]
World Heritage9 propertiesUNESCO: 6 cultural, 3 natural [14]
Data and status note: The World Bank reports 71,619,863 residents and US$577.01 billion in 2025 nominal GDP, with 2.4% real growth. Thailand’s official civil-registration counts and international model estimates can differ in methodology. The February 8, 2026 House election returned a 500-seat assembly, with Bhumjaithai winning 192 seats and the People’s Party 120; Anutin was appointed prime minister on March 19. The Senate was selected indirectly in 2024 and is not a second directly elected 500-seat chamber. The WTO detailed merchandise profile lists exports of US$300.7594 billion and imports of US$301.4667 billion in 2024, while UNESCO now counts nine properties (six cultural, three natural).
Identity & State Formation
- Official name
- Kingdom of Thailand (Ratcha-anachak Thai). [1] [4]
- Common name
- Thailand. [1]
- Historical name
- Siam was the earlier widely used international name. [4]
- Capital
- Bangkok (Krung Thep Maha Nakhon). [4] [1]
- UN statistical subregion
- South-eastern Asia. [1]
- ISO codes
- TH / THA / 764. [1]
- State form
- Constitutional monarchy with parliamentary cabinet government. [4] [8]
- Monarch
- King Maha Vajiralongkorn, Rama X. [6]
- Prime minister
- Anutin Charnvirakul, reappointed March 2026. [5]
- Official language
- Thai. [4]
- Writing system
- Thai script. [4]
- National currency
- Thai baht (THB). [10]
- Subunit
- One baht equals 100 satang. [10]
- Flag
- Five horizontal red, white and blue bands. [4]
- Religious landscape
- Theravada Buddhism is predominant; Islam and other religions are present. [4]
- Early states
- Dvaravati and other historic cultures preceded later Thai kingdoms. [14]
- Sukhothai
- Historic kingdom remembered in Thai state and cultural history. [14]
- Ayutthaya
- Major kingdom and capital from fourteenth to eighteenth centuries. [14]
- Bangkok era
- Chakri dynasty became established in Bangkok in 1782. [4]
- Constitutional transition
- 1932 revolution transformed absolute monarchy into constitutional monarchy. [4]
- Modern state
- The kingdom's constitutional and military-political history includes repeated coups. [19]
- ASEAN founding
- Thailand was a founding ASEAN member in 1967. [16]
- UN membership
- Joined the UN on December 16, 1946. [17]
- 2017 constitution
- Primary current constitutional framework, with later changes and judicial interpretation. [4]
- House election
- Held February 8, 2026. [7]
- Bhumjaithai
- Largest party in the February 2026 House election. [7]
- March 2026 cabinet
- New coalition formed under Anutin Charnvirakul. [5] [7]
- Cultural identity
- Thai regional traditions coexist with diverse minority cultures. [15]
- Religious architecture
- Buddhist temples and historic monastic settlements shape public heritage. [14]
- National day
- December 5 is observed as National Day and commemorates King Bhumibol's birth. [4]
- Statistical caution
- National registration counts and international population estimates differ. [2] [11]
Geography & Population
- Country position
- Mainland Southeast Asia with a long southern peninsula. [1]
- Western neighbor
- Myanmar. [1]
- Northern/eastern neighbor
- Laos. [1]
- Eastern neighbor
- Cambodia. [1]
- Southern neighbor
- Malaysia. [1]
- Maritime west
- Andaman Sea and Bay of Bengal approaches. [12]
- Maritime east
- Gulf of Thailand. [12]
- Land area
- Approximately 513,120 km². [1]
- Central basin
- Chao Phraya plain is a historic rice-growing and urban corridor. [12]
- Chao Phraya River
- Key central river crossing Bangkok. [12]
- Mekong basin
- River marks large parts of northeastern frontier with Laos. [12]
- Northern mountains
- Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai lie amid mountainous northern landscapes. [12]
- Highest mountain
- Doi Inthanon, approximately 2,565 m. [12]
- Khorat Plateau
- Northeast region (Isan) with distinctive rainfall and agriculture. [12]
- Eastern seaboard
- Coastal industrial corridor east and southeast of Bangkok. [3]
- Southern peninsula
- Narrow landforms and coastal communities between two seas. [12]
- Bangkok metro
- Major population, transport and commercial hub. [2]
- Chiang Mai
- Regional center of northern Thailand. [20]
- Chiang Rai
- Northern urban center near border trade routes. [20]
- Nakhon Ratchasima
- Important northeastern transport and market city. [20]
- Khon Kaen
- Isan regional education and commerce hub. [20]
- Phuket
- Island tourism center in the Andaman Sea. [20]
- Songkhla/Hat Yai
- Southern commercial and transport centers. [20]
- Climate pattern
- Tropical monsoonal conditions with seasonal rainfall. [12]
- Rainy season
- Southwest monsoon brings much of the precipitation. [12]
- Hot season
- Heat and humid temperatures affect much of the country. [12]
- Flooding
- Chao Phraya basin and other lowlands face severe floods. [12]
- Drought
- Northeast and agricultural regions face seasonal drought vulnerability. [12]
- Coastal exposure
- Tourism and cities face storm, erosion and sea-level risks. [12]
- Tropical forests
- Upland and southern protected areas support biodiversity. [14]
- 2025 population
- World Bank annual estimate 71,619,863. [2]
- Population growth
- World Bank reported about -0.1% in 2025. [2]
- Population aging
- Older age profiles raise pension, healthcare and labor policy needs. [2]
- Ethnolinguistic diversity
- Thai-speaking majority alongside Isan, northern, Malay and hill communities. [4]
- Protected parks
- Kaeng Krachan and Dong Phayayen–Khao Yai are UNESCO natural sites. [14]
- Wildlife conservation
- Thungyai–Huai Kha Khaeng shelters large forest ecosystems. [14]
Population and social indicators
Different series and years must be kept distinct. [2]
| Metric | Value | Reference year |
|---|---|---|
| World Bank population | 71,619,863 | 2025 |
| Population growth | −0.1% | 2025 |
| Life expectancy | 77 years | 2024 |
| GDP per capita | US$8,056.6 | 2025 |
Selected geographic regions
Descriptive regional divisions; not official census strata. [12] [3]
| Region | Principal landform | Representative activity |
|---|---|---|
| Central | Chao Phraya plain | Administration and industry |
| Northern | Highland valleys | Tourism and mountain agriculture |
| Northeastern / Isan | Khorat Plateau | Agriculture and cross-border trade |
| Eastern | Seaboard | Industry and ports |
| Southern | Peninsula and islands | Tourism, fishing and rubber |
Economy & International Trade
- Economic framework
- Manufacturing, tourism, services and agriculture support output. [2] [3]
- 2025 GDP
- World Bank current-dollar estimate US$577.01 billion. [2]
- 2025 GDP per capita
- Approximately US$8,056.6 in World Bank series. [2]
- 2025 real GDP growth
- 2.4% in World Bank annual data. [2]
- 2025 unemployment
- World Bank reports about 0.8% ILO modeled unemployment. [2]
- 2025 inflation
- Approximately -0.1% consumer inflation in World Bank 2025 series. [2]
- Monetary authority
- Bank of Thailand. [10]
- National currency
- Thai baht (THB). [10]
- Fiscal and industrial policy
- Public investment, industrial upgrading and household debt are major concerns. [3] [11]
- Automotive production
- Thailand is a major regional automobile assembly hub. [9] [3]
- Auto parts
- Vehicle components are major manufactured goods. [9]
- Electronics
- Integrated circuits and electronic equipment are central to supply chains. [9]
- Computer hardware
- Data-processing machinery and components feature in exports. [9]
- Rubber
- Natural rubber and manufactured rubber products are important. [9]
- Rice
- Major domestic crop and agricultural export. [3]
- Seafood and food processing
- Agricultural and marine products support manufacturing. [3]
- Tourism
- Beach, urban, cultural and ecological destinations generate services revenue. [20] [3]
- Medical tourism
- Hospitals and health services attract international patients. [3] [13]
- Bangkok finance
- Banks and commercial enterprises concentrate in capital region. [10]
- Eastern Economic Corridor
- Industrial development policy focuses on parts of eastern seaboard. [11]
- International logistics
- Ports and border crossings support regional trade. [3] [16]
- 2024 WTO goods exports
- US$300.7594 billion. [9]
- 2024 WTO goods imports
- US$301.4667 billion. [9]
- 2024 goods trade balance
- Approximately US$707.3 million merchandise deficit by subtraction. [9]
- Top 2024 export market
- United States accounted for about 18.3% of goods exports. [9]
- Other export partners
- China, EU and Japan important 2024 destinations. [9]
- Largest 2024 import partner
- China supplied about 26.7% of merchandise imports. [9]
- Other import origins
- Japan and Taiwan were significant 2024 suppliers. [9]
- Petroleum imports
- Crude oil is an important import category. [9]
- Tourism versus merchandise
- Visitor-service revenue is not included in goods-export totals. [10] [9]
- Trade data-year note
- WTO product profile provides detailed calendar-2024 trade figures. [9]
- Public debt and households
- Household leverage and growth distribution remain policy issues. [3]
- Labor market
- Manufacturing and services rely on domestic and migrant workforces. [18]
- Climate risks
- Flood and extreme heat can interrupt supply chains and agriculture. [12]
- Growth challenge
- Productivity and demographic aging are medium-term priorities. [3]
World Bank economic indicators, 2025
World Bank calendar 2025 figures; later revisions are possible. [2]
| Indicator | Value | Measure |
|---|---|---|
| Nominal GDP | US$577.01 billion | Current US dollars |
| Real GDP growth | 2.4% | Annual growth |
| Consumer inflation | −0.1% | Annual CPI |
| Modeled unemployment | 0.8% | ILO modeled measure |
| GDP per capita | US$8,056.6 | Current US dollars |
WTO merchandise trade in 2024
WTO detailed profile year is 2024. These totals exclude travel and other services. [9]
| Measure | Value | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Exports | US$300,759.4 million | Calendar 2024 |
| Imports | US$301,466.7 million | Calendar 2024 |
| Goods trade balance | −US$707.3 million | Exports minus imports |
| Largest export destination | United States, 18.3% | 2024 exports |
| Largest import source | China, 26.7% | 2024 imports |
People & Society
- Thai language
- National official language with diverse regional varieties. [4]
- Central Thai
- Major source of standard administrative and media Thai. [4]
- Isan languages
- Northeast speech includes Lao-related varieties. [4]
- Northern dialects
- Northern Thai forms contribute to regional identity. [15]
- Southern languages
- Southern Thai and Malay are important in peninsular areas. [4]
- Malay Muslim communities
- Prominent in several southern provinces. [4]
- Hill and upland groups
- Distinct ethnolinguistic communities reside in northern highlands. [18]
- Buddhist majority
- Theravada temples and monastic institutions influence public culture. [14]
- Muslim minority
- Islamic faith significant in southern regions and urban communities. [4]
- Other faiths
- Christian, Chinese religious and other traditions also practiced. [4]
- Temple festivals
- Buddhist holiday calendars include Songkran and other observances. [15]
- Songkran
- Traditional Thai New Year celebrated in April. [15]
- Loy Krathong
- Widely observed light and floating-offering festival. [15]
- Khon
- Classical masked dance-drama tradition. [15]
- Traditional massage
- Nuad Thai is recognized on UNESCO intangible heritage lists. [15]
- Regional cuisine
- Central, northern, Isan and southern food traditions differ. [15]
- Rice-based food
- Rice and noodles form staple meals in many regions. [15]
- Muay Thai
- Widely recognized Thai martial and sporting tradition. [20]
- Football and badminton
- Popular organized sports alongside Muay Thai. [4]
- Education
- School and university systems serve a large national population. [4]
- Health system
- Universal health coverage has been an important national policy achievement. [13]
- Life expectancy
- World Bank reports around 77 years for 2024. [2]
- Aging society
- Rising old-age share challenges health and income-support systems. [2] [3]
- Urban concentration
- Bangkok and its metro provinces dominate higher-wage employment. [3]
- Rural livelihoods
- Rice farming and small businesses remain important. [3]
- Migrant workers
- Neighbor-country migrants support construction, agriculture and service work. [18]
- Regional inequality
- Bangkok and some tourist corridors differ economically from rural areas. [3]
- Human rights
- Monitoring groups report debates over freedom of expression and political activity. [19]
- Culture and monarchy
- Royal ceremonies are significant state and public events. [4]
- Religious minorities
- Public institutions coexist with regional religious diversity. [4]
- World Heritage
- UNESCO inscribed sites include ancient cities and natural parks. [14]
- Ancient Ayutthaya
- Historic capital on UNESCO list. [14]
- Sukhothai
- Historic town and associated settlements are a UNESCO property. [14]
- Phu Phrabat
- Stone tradition monument became World Heritage in 2024. [14]
- 2026 inscription
- Wat Phra Mahathat Woramahawihan added to UNESCO list in 2026. [14]
Government & Institutions
- National system
- Constitutional monarchy with parliamentary government. [4]
- Monarch
- King Maha Vajiralongkorn (Rama X). [6]
- Prime minister
- Anutin Charnvirakul, reappointed March 19, 2026. [5]
- House of Representatives
- Elected lower chamber with 500 seats. [7]
- 2026 general election
- House election held February 8, 2026. [7]
- Bhumjaithai Party
- Won 192 House seats in 2026. [7]
- People’s Party
- Won 120 seats and became largest opposition force. [7]
- Pheu Thai Party
- Won 74 seats; joined coalition negotiations. [7]
- Kla Tham Party
- Won 58 seats. [7]
- Democrat Party
- Won 21 seats. [7]
- Coalition agreement
- Anutin announced an arrangement with Pheu Thai and smaller parties in February. [7]
- March prime-minister vote
- House selected Anutin March 19, 2026. [5] [7]
- Cabinet appointment
- Royal command established the new cabinet in March 2026. [4]
- Senate
- Upper chamber, separately selected under distinct procedures. [8]
- 2024 Senate selection
- Upper-house selection held indirectly in June 2024. [8]
- Senate size
- 200 senators under the 2017 constitutional framework as amended. [8]
- Constitution
- 2017 constitution forms the present institutional basis. [4]
- Election regulator
- Election Commission administers national elections. [7]
- Judiciary
- Constitutional Court and other courts interpret law. [4]
- Political reforms
- Democracy, military power and judicial intervention remain debated. [19]
- Civil liberties
- Media and assembly rights are governed by laws with continuing debate. [19]
- Lèse-majesté law
- Criminal legal provisions on royal insult remain politically contested. [19]
- Provincial administration
- Provinces divided into districts and local authorities. [4]
- Local governance
- Municipal and provincial bodies administer services. [4]
- Cabinet policy
- Economic and social policy directed by prime minister and ministers. [4]
- Monetary policy
- Bank of Thailand is responsible for financial and monetary frameworks. [10]
- National planning
- NESDC coordinates development planning. [11]
- Political history
- Repeated political interventions inform current constitutional debate. [19]
- Election period distinction
- 2026 election supersedes 2023 House results. [7]
- Legislative distinction
- The Senate is not directly elected through the February 2026 House vote. [8] [7]
- Officeholder date
- Current leadership reflects November 2026 cutoff. [6] [5]
February 2026 House election
Seat allocation from IPU. Senate members are separately selected through indirect processes. [7] [8]
| Party or bloc | Seats | Assembly total |
|---|---|---|
| Bhumjaithai | 192 | 500 |
| People’s Party | 120 | 500 |
| Pheu Thai | 74 | 500 |
| Kla Tham | 58 | 500 |
| Democrat | 21 | 500 |
| Other parties combined | 35 | 500 |
International Profile
- United Nations
- Joined in December 1946. [17]
- ASEAN
- Founding member since August 1967. [16]
- Southeast Asia
- UN M49 geographic grouping. [1]
- Malaysia relations
- Neighboring country with intensive border commerce. [16]
- Laos relations
- Mekong, energy and transport links. [16]
- Cambodia relations
- Cultural ties, border administration and trade. [16]
- Myanmar relations
- Migration, trade and security along western border. [18] [16]
- China trade
- Major import source and important export market. [9]
- United States trade
- Largest single 2024 merchandise export destination in WTO profile. [9]
- Japan ties
- Investment, automobiles and technology supply chains. [9]
- Australia links
- Tourism, education and commerce connect both countries. [20]
- European Union trade
- Important partner in exports and investment. [9]
- Mekong cooperation
- River governance and regional infrastructure are diplomatic themes. [16] [12]
- Regional supply chains
- ASEAN manufacturing corridors support trade specialization. [16]
- Climate action
- Conservation and coastal resilience are significant international issues. [12]
- World Heritage total
- Nine inscribed UNESCO sites as of 2026. [14]
- World Heritage cultural
- Six properties cultural. [14]
- World Heritage natural
- Three properties natural. [14]
- Ayutthaya
- Historic City of Ayutthaya inscribed 1991. [14]
- Sukhothai
- Historic Town and Associated Historic Towns inscribed 1991. [14]
- Ban Chiang
- Archaeological Site inscribed 1992. [14]
- Si Thep
- Ancient town and Dvaravati monuments inscribed 2023. [14]
- Phu Phrabat
- Stone tradition property inscribed 2024. [14]
- Wat Phra Mahathat
- Nakhon Si Thammarat temple complex inscribed 2026. [14]
- Thungyai–Huai Kha Khaeng
- Natural wildlife sanctuaries inscribed 1991. [14]
- Dong Phayayen–Khao Yai
- Natural forest complex inscribed 2005. [14]
- Kaeng Krachan
- Natural forest complex inscribed 2021. [14]
- UNESCO tentative list
- Six candidate properties are distinct from nine inscriptions. [14]
- Intangible culture
- Traditional practices are listed in a separate UNESCO register. [15]
- Heritage protection
- Tourism, climate and conservation pressures affect site management. [14] [12]
- Trade distinction
- WTO 2024 partner shares do not measure total services exports. [9] [10]
UNESCO World Heritage inventory
Nine inscribed sites; six cultural and three natural, including 2026 addition. [14]
| Property | Type | Inscription |
|---|---|---|
| Historic City of Ayutthaya | Cultural | 1991 |
| Historic Town of Sukhothai and Associated Historic Towns | Cultural | 1991 |
| Ban Chiang Archaeological Site | Cultural | 1992 |
| Ancient Town of Si Thep and its Associated Dvaravati Monuments | Cultural | 2023 |
| Phu Phrabat, testimony to Sīma stone tradition | Cultural | 2024 |
| Wat Phra Mahathat Woramahawihan, Nakhon Si Thammarat | Cultural | 2026 |
| Thungyai-Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuaries | Natural | 1991 |
| Dong Phayayen-Khao Yai Forest Complex | Natural | 2005 |
| Kaeng Krachan Forest Complex | Natural | 2021 |
Sources and Methodology
MGU Quick Facts separates Thailand’s 2026 House election, indirectly selected Senate, current monarchy and government, World Bank 2025 macroeconomic estimates, WTO detailed 2024 merchandise flows and UNESCO World Heritage 2026 inscriptions. International population estimates differ from some national population-registration figures. Tourism is services activity and is not included in merchandise-export totals; UNESCO tentative entries are not inscribed properties.
Editorial cutoff: November 6, 2026 (Pacific Time). All stated population counts, prices, elections, and legal statuses have specific reference dates or qualifications. This page should be updated following major new statistical releases or changes of government.
- UN Statistics Division — M49 regional classification — South-eastern Asia classification and ISO country codes.
- World Bank — Thailand country indicators — 2025 GDP, population, growth and other demographic metrics.
- World Bank — Thailand country overview — economic sectors, development and reform challenges.
- Royal Thai Government — official portal — constitutional institutions and current cabinet information.
- Royal Thai Government — Anutin appointed prime minister, March 2026 — March 2026 royal appointment following House election.
- Australian DFAT — Thailand heads of government — King Maha Vajiralongkorn, Prime Minister Anutin and cabinet offices.
- Inter-Parliamentary Union — Thailand House election February 2026 — 500-seat assembly, 2026 party distribution and cabinet formation.
- IPU Parline — Thailand Parliament — bicameral legislature, House and Senate distinction.
- WTO Tariff & Trade Data — Thailand — 2024 merchandise trade, product and partner categories.
- Bank of Thailand — official website — baht, monetary policy and economic statistics.
- National Economic and Social Development Council, Thailand — national planning, social and GDP reporting.
- World Bank Climate Change Knowledge Portal — Thailand — monsoons, flooding, coastal exposure and heat.
- World Health Organization — Thailand — health and demographic indicators.
- UNESCO World Heritage Centre — Thailand — nine inscribed properties including 2026 Wat Phra Mahathat.
- UNESCO intangible cultural heritage — Thailand — intangible cultural practices, separate from sites.
- Association of Southeast Asian Nations — official site — regional membership and integration.
- United Nations — Member States — UN membership.
- International Labour Organization — Thailand — employment, migration and informal labor.
- Human Rights Watch — World Report 2026: Thailand — political rights and civil liberties.
- Tourism Authority of Thailand — official website — visitor destinations and sector context.