Statistical Yearbook Thailand 2012

The Kingdom of Thailand The Kingdom of Thailand is situated in the heart of Southeast Asia. It is bordered, to the east by the Lao People’s Democratic Republic and the Kingdom of Cambodia, to the south, by the Gulf of Thailand and Malaysia, to the west, by the Andaman Sea and the Union of Myanmar and to the north by the Lao People’s Democratic Republic and the Union of Myanmar. Thailand spreads out over 513,119 square kilometers. The population in Thailand is approximately 66 million people: 95.9% are Thais, 41% are multi nationality; such as Myanmar, Laos and Cambodia. 93.4 % are Buddhists, 5.2 % are Muslim and 4.1 % are Christain and the others. Official language is Thai. The Baht is the standard currency unit. Thailand’s national flag called in Thai the “Trirong”, firstly introduced by the King Vajiravudh (Rama VI). With regard to the meaning of Trirong flag, the outer bands of red symbolize blood spilt to protect Thailand’s independence and often more simply describe as representing the nation. The inner bands of white symbolize the religion of Buddhism, the predominant religion of the nation and the blue bands symbolize the monarchy of the nation, which is recognized as the center of Thai people’s hearts. In terms of international perspective, Thailand has been a member of the United Nations, APEC and ASEAN. Politics and administrative divisions Thailand is constitutional monarchy with Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej, the ninth king of the House of the Chakri, as the ruling monarch. He has reigned for more than half a century, the longest reigning Thai monarch and the longest current monarch in the world. Democratic System is divided into three parties; Council of Ministers, Legislative and Judiciary Department. The Prime Minister is head of the government. Legislative party: the Parliament house comprises the Senate, holding the position for 6 years term and House of Representatives, holding the position for 4 years term, and members of the 2 councils were from election and nominating committee. Judiciary Division includes court of justice, the constitutional court and the administrative court, where the members are from selective system. Currently Thailand is under the 2007 Constitution.