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| Demographics |
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The population of Thailand reached 64.86 million in 2004, of which approximately 25 percent are under the age of 15. With a growth rate of 1.2 to 1.4 percent per year the population is projected to exceed 70 million by 2010.
Age Structure: 0-14 years: 22% (male 7,284,068/female 6,958,632)
15-64 years: 70% (male 22,331,312/female 22,880,588)
65 years and over: 8% (male 2,355,190/female 2,821,805) (2006 est.)
Capital: Bangkok
Main urban areas: Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Nakhon Ratchasima
Ethnic groups: Thai 75%, Chinese 14%, other 11%
Languages spoken: Thai, ethnic and regional dialects
Climate: Tropical; rainy, warm, cloudy southwest monsoon (mid-May to September); dry, cool northeast monsoon (November to mid-March); southern isthmus always hot and humid |
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| POPULATION |
| 2005 (est) |
65.97 Million |
| 2004 |
64.86 Million |
| 2003 |
63.8 Million |
| 2002 |
62.5 Million |
| 2001 |
62.9 Million |
| 2000 |
62.4 Million |
| 1999 |
61.8 Million |
| 1998 |
61.2 Million |
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Median Age: 30.5 |
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Population Growth Rate 0.91% |
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Birth Rate: 16.04/1,000 Population |
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Death Rate 6.94/1,000 Population |
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Life Expectancy at Birth: 71.41 Years |
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Population Below Poverty Line: 10.4% |
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Source: National Statistical Office and Bank of Thailand |
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The size of the work force now exceeds 34.1 million, with the majority of the workforce under 30 years of age. Each year about 800,000 people join this force, with a literacy rate above 90 percent. Many standard labor practices apply, including mandatory severance packages, and overtime payments for work in excess of the normal workday.
The minimum wage in Thailand is currently 191 baht per day in Bangkok and slightly less in the provinces. While not the lowest labor market in the region, Thailand's workforce is among the most cost-efficient in the world, as they have earned a reputation for diligence and adaptability. |
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| Minimum Daily Wage Rates 2007 |
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Baht |
US$ |
Bangkok, Nonthaburi, Nakhon Pathom,
Pathumthani, Samut Prakan and Samut Sakhon |
191 |
5.16 |
Phuket |
186 |
5.03 |
Chonburi |
172 |
4.65 |
Saraburi |
168 |
4.54 |
Nakhon Ratchasima |
162 |
4.38 |
| Rayong |
161 |
4.35 |
| Chachoengsao, Ayutthaya and Ranong |
160 |
4.32 |
Chiang Mai and Phang Nga, |
159 |
4.30 |
Krabi and Petchaburi, |
156 |
4.22 |
Kanchanaburi Chanthaburi and Lopburi |
155 |
4.19 |
Ratchaburi, Samut Songkhram and Srakeaw |
154 |
4.16 |
Trang, Prachuapkirikan, Prachinburi, Songkhla, Singburi and Ang Thong |
152 |
4.11 |
| Loei and Udon Thani |
150 |
4.05 |
Chumphon, Trat, Lampang, Lamphum, Sukothai and Suphanburi |
149 |
4.03 |
Kalasin, Khon Kaen, Nakhon Phanom, Nakorn Si Thammarat, Narathiwat, Buriram, Pattani, Yala,
Satun and Nong Khai |
148 |
4.00 |
Kamphaengphet, Tak, Nakorn Na Yok, Nakorn Sawan, Phattalung, Phitsanulok, Phetchabun, Surat Thani and Uttaradit |
147 |
3.97 |
Chainat, Chaiyaphum, Chiang Rai, Mahasarakram
Mukdahan, Yasothon, Roi Et, Sri Sa Ket, Sakhon Nakhon, Nong Bua Lamphu and U Thaithani |
146 |
3.94 |
Phichit, Mae Hong Son,
Surin, Ubon Ratchathani and Amnat Charoen |
145 |
3.92 |
Payao and Phrae |
144 |
3.89 |
| Nan |
143 |
3.86 |
| Source Royal Thai Government, January 2007 |
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| Literacy |
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| The literacy rate in Thailand is quite high and in recent years there has been an increased emphasis on education. This emphasis is sure to continue, as the Eighth National Economic and Social Development Plan (1997-2002) focuses on development of the Kingdom's human resources as its highest priority. |
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Basic Information |
Official language: Thai
Government: Constitutional monarchy
GDP: $175.9 billion (Source: NESDB)
GDP: per capita: $2,713 (Source: NESDB)
Currency: Baht (THB)
Time zone: UTC+7
Internet TLD: .th
Calling code +66 |
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