FREE ESSAY ON THAILAND

THAILAND

THAILAND
International Marketing
October 13, 1998
Thailand was Siam for most of its history. It is unique among southeast countries because
it was never colonized by Europe. This phenomena affects the very nature of the land and
its people to this day. The Thais call their country Prathet Thai, which can be
translated as Land of the Free. Thai people came from China's Pamir Plateau around the
10th century A.D. because of the agricultural potential in the region. Modernization of
Thailand began in the 19th century under King Mongkut and his son, Chulalongkorn. He
ended slavery and exposed the nation to Western concepts and technology. The exposure
lead to a revolution in 1932, and the absolute monarchy was replaced. Siam became
Thailand in 1939. For many years there was continual conflict between military and civil
forces for control of the country. In 1988 there was a democratic transfer of power, and
1992 saw a constitutional reform which stated that no military member could serve as the
Prime Minister. The democratic transfer of power was a smooth one. (Exergy).
Today Thailand is a constitutional monarchy. The king is the chief of state but has few
executive responsibilities. King Bhumibol Adulyadej has been king for 50 years and is
very respected. The prime minister, currently Chuan Leekpai, heads the government. The
legislative National Assembly consists of two houses: a 270-member Senate, whose members
are appointed by the king, and a 360-seat House of Representatives, whose members are
directly elected. The judicial branch consists of three court levels, of which the
highest is the Supreme or Sarndika. All over the age of 18 are able to vote. In villages,
local chiefs are elected by the people. (1,5).
Thailand is located in Southeastern Asia, bordering the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of
Thailand, southeast of Burma. It borders Burma, Laos, Cambodia, and Malaysia. Thailand
has a tropical climate characterized by three seasons. From May to October the southwest
monsoon brings warm, heavy rain. From November to February during the northeast monsoon
the weather is dry and cool. The hot season, from March to May is characterized by high
temperatures, humidity, and an absence of rain. (8)
Topographically Thailand can be divided into four regions. The North is a mountainous
region consisting of natural forests, ridges and deep, narrow, alluvial valleys. The
Central region, the basin of the Chao Phraya River, is a lush, fertile valley. It is the
richest and most extensive rice-producing area in the country and has often been called
the Rice Bowl of Asia. Bangkok, the capital and most populated city, is located here. The
Northeast, or the Korat Plateau, is an arid region characterized by a rolling surface and
undulating hills. Harsh climactic conditions often result in this region being subjected
to floods and droughts. The South is a hilly to mountainous area with thick virgin
forests and rich deposits of minerals and ores. This region is the center for the
production of rubber and the cultivation of other tropical crops. Thailand's minerals and
resources consist of the following: tin, tungsten, timber, rubber, natural gas, lead,
tantalum, gypsum, lignite, fluorite, and fish. (9)
Local transportation in Thailand are usually by bus or taxi. While most people do not
have cars, greater ownership has significantly increased urban traffic problems. (Traffic
moves on the left side of the road.)
Railways 4,623 total km
Highways 56,903 total km
52,806 paved km
4,097 unpaved km
Canals are often used for transportation in rural and some urban areas. The Chao Phraya
River serves as the most important waterway for Bangkok. Merchant and commuter traffic on
this river is common. There are 3,999 km of principal waterways and numerous minor
waterways navigable by shallow-draft native craft. Ports and harbors are in Bangkok, Laem
Chabang, Pattani, Sattahip, Si Racha, and Songkhla.
There are about 40 international airlines with 288 flights in and out of Bangkok's Don
Muang International Airport per day. International flights are now available to
provincial centers such as Chiang Mai, Phuket and Had Yai. Domestic air services also
connect Bangkok with the Kingdom's provincial cities.
Airports 100 total
86 paved runways
14 unpaved runways
Heliports 2 total
The government communications system is well developed, and the public telephone system
is adequate for most needs. There are 1,553,200 telephone sets in use. (5,8,9)
The most interesting thing Thailand has to offer, though, are its people. Thailand's
total population is at 60 million. Other significant information include the following:
growth rate 1%
birth rate 17 births/1,000 pop.
death rate 7.05 deaths/1,000 pop.
age breakdown
mean 25.6
-14 25%
15-64 69%
65- 6% (8)
sex 49.91% male
50.09% female
net migration rate 0/1000
pop. doubling time 67 years (16)
urban population 18.3%
rural population 81.7%
Major cities of Thailand include Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Suratthani, Songkhla,
Chantaburi, Rayong, Nakon Ratchasima, Korat, and Khon Khaen. (9)