Thailand

Despite the crises that have regularly occurred in the system of public administration, Thailand is a country with democratic values, whose inhabitants honor their history and preserve their cultural heritage.

Climatic conditions

Since the Kingdom is geographically stretched along the meridian, the climate in the country is heterogeneous. In particular, the central and southern parts of Thailand are influenced by tropical monsoons, when hot summers alternate with heavy rainfall. In the north of the country, a humid climate prevails, which is characterized by cloudiness and a high solstice at noon.

The temperature range in Thailand is quite wide, but even in winter in the north of the country, the thermometer rarely drops below +18°C. In the southern resorts of the Asian state, it is very hot in the summer (+40°C and above). The optimal period for rest is from November to February, when dry weather prevails, and the thermometer shows a maximum of +30°C.

Demography

According to the results of the latest census, the majority of the population of the Kingdom are Thais (75-80%). The indigenous people profess Buddhism.

A small proportion of the Thai group is represented by Laotians (15-25%), but in some locations of the Kingdom they are numerous. In the western part of Thailand, there are such peoples as the Mon, Miao and Karen, who adhere to Christianity. Khmers can be found on the border with Cambodia, and Viets can be found in the north-eastern part of Thailand. About 10% of the local population are ethnic Chinese.

The Thai language is considered to be the state language in the country, it is spoken by 60 million citizens of the Kingdom. Small ethnic groups communicate in Isan, Kham Muanga and Khmer.

The average life expectancy in Thailand is 78.7 years (74.5 years for men and 83 years for women). According to this parameter, the Asian country occupies the 54th position in the world ranking.

Thailand has a low fertility rate (1.6 per day). The mortality rate is 1.5 people per day. Experts predict a gradual reduction in the working-age population and an increase in the number of elderly people in the future.

Economy

In terms of economic growth, Thailand is one of the leading powers in Southeast Asia. The treasury replenishment is ensured by export supplies of cars, electronics, minerals, seafood, and timber. About 10% of GDP is accounted for by agriculture (rice farming, fruit growing, coffee plantations). Tourism is a significant item of income received by the budget of the Asian country. The share of GDP in annual tourist visits to Thailand is 20%.

Companies engaged in the manufacturing sector, agriculture, wholesale and retail trade provide maximum jobs for the local population.

According to the online edition, the annual inflation rate in June 2024 was 0.62%, which is 0.9 points lower than last month. The growth rates of prices for housing (from 2.06% to - 0.8%), food (from 1.1% to 0.4%) and non-food products (from 1% to 0.7%) slowed down. Last year, the Kingdom's GDP per capita was $6,385. If purchasing power parity is taken into account, the size of GDP in 2023 reached $21,112.

The leading positions in the ranking of cities with a high cost of living index are occupied by: Bangkok (40.2); Phuket (38); Pattaya (34.9) and Chiang Mai (31.8).

Freedom of movement

According to the Internet portal, Thai passport holders are allowed visa-free entry to 40 countries of the world. 50 foreign countries require a visa on arrival. Citizens of Thailand are required to have an electronic entry permit when crossing the borders of 6 foreign countries. In the ranking of the strength of passports, the state of Southeast Asia occupies the 50th position. The coefficient of freedom of movement is 96.

In accordance with the decision of the Thai authorities, Russians staying in the country for business or tourism purposes have the right not to apply for a visa for 2 months with the possibility of extending the status for another 1 month. This innovation is valid from July 15, 2024.