Thailand: Statistical Overview

Total Population: 71,697,030

Natural Increase: 0.1%

Density: 140 Inhabitants/km²

Urban Population: 52.9%

Population of main cities: Bangkok (5,666,300); Nonthanburi (254,400); Pak Kret (190,300); Hat Yai (156,800); Chaophraya Surasak (143,100); Surat Thani (132,100); Udon Thani (130,600); Chiang Mai (127,300); Nakhon Ratchasima (126,400)

Ethnic Origins: Although over 97% of the population is classified as Thai, the country has a complex ethnic composition. The Thais themselves are very different, those from the central plain being distinctly different in culture and language from those from the north and north-east, known as Lao. Many Thais have Chinese ancestry and Thai-Chinese are the largest minority group in the country (over 15%). About 1.5% of the population is of Burmese origin. (National Statistics Office)

Official Language: Thai

Other Languages Spoken: English is a second language taught in most schools. However it may be difficult to find people able to speak English. Chinese is also often used.

Business Language(s): Thai and English.

Religion: 95% of Thais are Buddhists of the Theravada tradition. Muslims are the second largest religious group in Thailand at 4.5%. Thailand's southernmost provinces - Pattani, Yala, Narathiwat and part of Songkhla Chumphon have dominant Muslim populations, consisting of both ethnic Thai and Malay. Most often Muslims live in separate communities from non-Muslims.

Literacy Rate: 92.6%

Area: 513,120 km²

Type of State: The Kingdom of Thailand is a constitutional monarchy based on parliamentary democracy.

Type of Economy: Upper-middle-income economy, emerging financial market.
One of the most successful economies of South East Asia; economy based on the agri-food production, tourism, production of automotive and exports of electronic products

HDI*: 0.726/1

HDI (World Rank): 93/188

Telephone Code:
To call from Thailand, dial 001
To call Thailand, dial +66

Internet Suffix: .th

Computers: 5.8 per 100 Inhabitants

Telephone Lines: 9.1 per 100 Inhabitants

Internet Users: 26.5 per 100 Inhabitants

Access to Electricity: 100% of the Population