Thailand: Statistical Overview

Total Population: 71,668,011

Natural Increase: -0.0%

Density: 140 Inhabitants/km²

Urban Population: 54.3%

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: Buddhist 92.5%, Muslim 5.4%, Christian 1.2%, other 0.9%

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: Variable income, mixed economy based on resources and services..
The Thai economy is recovering, mainly thanks to tourism and strong domestic demand, although manufactured exports remain at a low level.

HDI*: 0.798/1

HDI (World Rank): 78/192

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

Internet Suffix: .th

Households with a computer: 22.6 per 100 Inhabitants

Telephone Lines: 9.1 per 100 Inhabitants

Internet Users: 90.9 per 100 Inhabitants

Access to Electricity: 100% of the Population