During 1970-2018 Thailand's GDP at current prices increased by $497.6 billion (68.4 times) to $505.0 billion; the change was $6.4 billion due to population growth of $32.2 million, and $491.2 billion due to GDP per capita growth of $7,099.0. Thailand's average annual GDP growth is $10.4 billion or 9.2%. Thailand's average annual GDP growth at constant prices was 5.5%. The share in the world increased by 0.37%. The share in Asia increased by 0.15%. The minimum of GDP was in 1970 (7.4 billion dollars). The maximum GDP was in 2018 ($505.0 billion).

During 1970-2018. GDP per capita in Thailand increased by $7,099.0 (36.5 times) to $7,299.0. The average annual increase in GDP per capita in current prices is $147.9 or 7.8%.

The change in Thailand's GDP is described by a linear correlation-regression model: y=9.3x-18 452.5 , where y is the estimated value of Thailand's GDP, x is the year. Correlation coefficient = 0.926. Coefficient of determination = 0.858.

Thai GDP, 1970

Thailand GDP in 1970 it was 7.4 billion dollars, ranked 43rd in the world and was at the level of the GDP of the Philippines (7.4 billion dollars). The share of Thailand's GDP in the world was 0.22%.

In 1970 it was 200.0 dollars, ranked 148th in the world and was at the level of GDP per capita in the Congo (208.0 dollars), GDP per capita in Bhutan (207.0 dollars), GDP per capita in the Philippines (207.0 dollars), GDP per capita in Tonga ($203.0), GDP per capita in Grenada ($202.0), GDP per capita in Cameroon ($202.0), GDP per capita in the Solomon Islands ($200.0). Thailand's GDP per capita was less than the world's GDP per capita ($924.0) by $724.0.

Comparison of the GDP of Thailand and neighbors in 1970. Thailand's GDP was 91.2% larger than Malaysia's ($3.9 billion), Myanmar's ($2.7 billion) 2.7 times, Cambodia's ($0.8 billion) 9.6 times, Laos's ($0.1 billion) . dollars) by 62.0 times. GDP per capita in Thailand was greater than GDP per capita in Cambodia ($110.0) by 81.8%, GDP per capita in Myanmar ($102.0) at 96.1%, GDP per capita in Laos ($44.0) at 4.5 times, but was less than Malaysia's GDP per capita ($358.0) by 44.1%.

Comparison of Thailand's GDP and leaders in 1970. Thailand's GDP was 99.3% less than the US GDP ($1,073.3 billion), the Soviet Union's GDP ($433.4 billion) by 98.3%, Germany's GDP ($215.8 billion) by 96.6%, Japan's GDP ($212.6 billion dollars) by 96.5%, French GDP (148.5 billion dollars) by 95%. GDP per capita in Thailand was 96.1% less than GDP per capita in the United States ($5,121.0), GDP per capita in France ($2,853.0) by 93%, GDP per capita in Germany ($2,747.0) ) by 92.7%, GDP per capita in Japan (2,026.0 dollars) by 90.1%, GDP per capita in the USSR (1,788.0 dollars) by 88.8%.

Thailand's GDP potential in 1970. With GDP per capita at the same level as the US GDP per capita ($5,121.0), Thailand's GDP would be $189.2 billion, 25.6 times the actual level. With GDP per capita at the same level as the world's GDP per capita ($924.0), Thailand's GDP would be $34.1 billion, 4.6 times the actual level. With GDP per capita at the same level as Malaysia's GDP per capita ($358.0), the best neighbor, Thailand's GDP would be $13.2 billion, which is 79% more than the actual level. With GDP per capita at the same level as Asia's GDP per capita ($247.0), Thailand's GDP would be $9.1 billion, 23.5% more than the actual level.

Thailand GDP, 2018

Thailand GDP in 2018 it was 505.0 billion dollars, ranked 25th in the world and was at the level of the GDP of Argentina (518.5 billion dollars), the GDP of Iran (473.1 billion dollars). The share of Thailand's GDP in the world was 0.59%.

GDP per capita in Thailand in 2018 was $7,299.0, ranked 99th in the world and was at the level of GDP per capita in the Dominican Republic ($7,470.0), GDP per capita in Dominica ($7,414.0), GDP per capita in St. Vincent and Grenadines ($7,362.0), GDP per capita in Serbia ($7,216.0), GDP per capita in Turkmenistan ($6,964.0), GDP per capita in Peru ($6,827.0). Thailand's GDP per capita was less than the world's GDP per capita ($11,230.0) by $3,931.0.

Comparison of the GDP of Thailand and neighbors in 2018. Thailand's GDP was 40.8% larger than Malaysia's ($358.6 billion), Myanmar's ($72.7 billion) 6.9 times, Cambodia's ($24.6 billion) 20.6 times, Laos's ($18.0 billion) . dollars) by 28.1 times. GDP per capita in Thailand was 2.8 times greater than GDP per capita in Laos ($2,579.0), Cambodia's GDP per capita ($1,513.0) was 4.8 times, GDP per capita in Myanmar ($1,351.0) ) by 5.4 times, but was less than the per capita GDP in Malaysia ($11,191.0) by 34.8%.

Comparison of Thailand's GDP and leaders in 2018. Thailand's GDP was 97.5% less than the US GDP ($20,580.2 billion), China's GDP ($13,608.2 billion) by 96.3%, Japan's GDP ($4,971.3 billion) by 89.8%, Germany's GDP (3 949.5 billion dollars) by 87.2%, UK GDP (2 855.3 billion dollars) by 82.3%. GDP per capita in Thailand was less than GDP per capita in the US ($62,981.0) by 88.4%, GDP per capita in Germany ($47,993.0) by 84.8%, GDP per capita in the UK ($42,889.0) ) by 83%, GDP per capita in Japan ($39,087.0) by 81.3%, GDP per capita in China ($9,617.0) by 24.1%.

Thailand's GDP potential in 2018. With GDP per capita at the same level as US GDP per capita ($62,981.0), Thailand's GDP would be $4,357.4 billion, 8.6 times the actual level. With GDP per capita at the same level as the world's GDP per capita ($11,230.0), Thailand's GDP would be $777.0 billion, 53.9% more than the actual level. With GDP per capita at the same level as Malaysia's GDP per capita ($11,191.0), the best neighbor, Thailand's GDP would be $774.3 billion, which is 53.3% more than the actual level.

picture. Thailand GDP, 1970-2018

picture. GDP per capita in Thailand, 1970-2018

picture. GDP growth in Thailand, 1970-2018

Thailand GDP by expenditure

picture. Thailand GDP by expenditure, 2018, %

Comparison of the GDP of Thailand and neighboring countries

Thailand is a developing agro-industrial country whose economy is heavily dependent on foreign capital. The basis of the economy is agriculture (provides about 60% of the gross national product) and a relatively developed mining industry.

Thailand leads by a wide margin in terms of economic power among the countries of Indochina and slightly loses to Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia and, if we take the entire Southeast Asian region as a whole. The country stands firmly on its feet and occupies a position in the world comparable to Russia, in the list of leading countries with an average level of development.

The capital of the country, if not completely glamorous, like Kuala Lumpur or Singapore, but very, very eager to conform. Thailand is the Asian dragon of the so-called "second wave". The first were Korea, Japan, Taiwan and Hong Kong in the 60-70s. In the 1980s and 1990s, they were followed by Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia. Prem Tinsulanon's reforms were based on low taxes and attracting investment. Therefore, under him, the production of electronics, clothing and footwear under the brand name of well-known Japanese and Korean brands flourished.

As well as the completion of the continuous electrification of the country, the construction of highways, ports and the terminal of Don Mueang International Airport. Thailand's GDP is $150 billion. This is the 33rd place in the world, about a third of Russia's GDP. GDP per capita - $2309, GDP PPP - $7580. The growth rate of the Thai economy slowed down in 2005, but still averages 3-4% per year. But, as is usually characteristic of countries with an average level of development, the distribution of wealth is very uneven: there are beggars and there are “new Thais”. On the other hand, there are very few beggars (less than 10%). The minimum wage in the country is 150B per day (about $3).

The monetary unit of Thailand is the baht (THB), which is divided into 100 satang. $1 = 45 V, but for convenience, you can round up to 50. There are different baht: 20.50, 100, 500 and 1000. There are coins of 1, 5 and 10 baht. The most popular banknotes are 100 V (red) and 50 V (blue). In all tourist places they like cash dollars, but they do not accept old, shabby ones. ATMs are everywhere, but cash is preferred to credit cards. There are many exchangers, the best rate is in large shopping centers and airports.

The central region of the country is richer and more powerful than the rest of the regions. Most industrial enterprises, banks, trading companies and transport facilities are concentrated in Bangkok and its environs. The most fertile lands of Thailand are confined to the Central Plain. Rice, sugarcane, corn, and cassava are grown here. This area generates a disproportionate share of the national income.

The economic development of the Northeast is constrained by poor soils, a relatively arid climate, and a lack of financial resources. Despite the implementation of state programs for road construction, improvement of the water supply system and strengthening of social services, it is not possible to overcome the backwardness of the region, and it is the poorest in the country.

In northern Thailand, agriculture is only possible in the valleys. Since ancient times, timber has been the main commodity here, but due to the spread of agriculture and excessive logging, the forested area has decreased. Currently, industrial logging is prohibited on public lands.

The south of the country, which occupies only 1/7 of its territory, faces the sea with a wider front than all other regions combined. Therefore, there are many small fishing harbors. Foreign trade operations are conducted through the main local ports of Songkhla and Phuket. The main products of this region are rubber and tin.

Thai industry

The share of the mining industry in GDP is only approx. 1.6%, but this industry remains a significant source of export foreign exchange earnings. Thailand is one of the leading suppliers of tin and tungsten to the world market. Some other minerals are also mined on a small scale, among them gems such as rubies and sapphires. In the 1980s, the development of natural gas fields began in coastal waters.

The manufacturing industry developed rapidly in the 1990s and became the most important sector of the economy, in which in 1996 almost 30% of GDP was created. Such branches of industry as electronic, petrochemical, car assembly, jewelry are developed.

In the 1960s and 1970s, enterprises of the textile and food industries emerged (including the production of soft drinks, freezing shrimp and canned seafood). The output of tobacco products, plastics, cement, plywood, car tires continues to grow. The population of Thailand is engaged in traditional handicrafts - woodcarving, the production of silk fabrics and lacquer products.

Industry now provides 44% of Thailand's GDP. Technological industries are at the forefront: assembly of computers, other electronics, assembly of cars. Car factories are located in special offshore zones. The domestic market is dominated by the Toyota and Isuzu concerns. The country's achievements in the chemical industry (petrochemistry, pharmaceuticals) are significant, and the traditionally strong textile industry (Thailand is the largest exporter of silk). We should not forget about tourism (6% of GDP). This industry is aimed at pumping money out of visiting farangs as much as possible. At the provincial level, various handicrafts are very developed. Prime Minister Thaksin even put forward the slogan: "One village - one product", meaning by this the centralized specialization of local industry. Thai subsoil is primarily tungsten and tin (3rd largest in the world in terms of reserves), which are famous for their purity and the absence of impurities. As already noted, the forests were up to a fig, but they cut it too intensively (27 million cubic meters annually) and in the end they decided not to cut it anymore, but to buy it in Burma and other neighboring countries. There are also many fish in Thailand (or rather, in the seas surrounding it). And here Thailand does not miss its own, constantly increasing its "fishing muscles" - about 4 million tons are caught a year, canned fish are distributed all over the world, including to Russia. There is also such a thing as precious stones - according to them, Thailand, together with its neighbor Burma, is one of the world leaders.

Agriculture in Thailand

Since the mid-1970s, there has been a decrease in the role of agriculture, in which in 1996 only 10% of national income was created against 34% in 1973. Nevertheless, the industry satisfies domestic demand for food.

Approximately one third of the entire territory of the country is occupied by cultivated land, of which half is reserved for rice crops. Peasant farms suffer from a lack of land, but in the period after the Second World War they managed to achieve a gradual increase in grain harvests. Since the early 1980s, Thailand has become the world's largest exporter of rice, and in the late 1990s, in terms of gross rice harvest (22 million tons), it ranked 6th in the world.

Government actions aimed at diversifying the sectoral structure of agricultural production in the 1970s contributed to the growth of yields and increased sales abroad of a number of agricultural products, including cassava, sugar cane, corn and pineapples. The rise, although slow, was observed in the rubber industry. All this allowed the Thai economy to react less painfully to fluctuations in world rice prices. Cotton and jute are also grown to a significant extent.

Animal husbandry plays a subordinate role. For plowing the fields they keep buffaloes, which are gradually being replaced by relatively inexpensive small-scale mechanization. Most peasants breed pigs and chickens for meat, and commercial poultry farming grew especially rapidly in the 1970s and 1980s. In the Northeast, raising cattle for sale has long been an important source of income for local residents.

In the Thai diet, fish is the main source of protein. For rural residents, freshwater fish and crustaceans are especially important, which are caught and even bred in paddy paddy fields, canals and reservoirs. Since the 1960s, sea fishing has become one of the leading sectors of the national economy. Since the late 1980s, shrimp farming has become very important. At the end of the 1990s, Thailand ranked 9th in the world in terms of seafood catch (approx. 2.9 million tons).

The forests of Thailand feature many valuable hardwood tree species, including teak. The export of teak was banned in 1978, at which time the contribution of the newly important industry to the national income was reduced to 1.6%. However, the volume of logging did not decrease much, which forced in 1989 to take urgent legislative measures to almost completely limit them. Nevertheless, illegal logging continues, including for the purpose of expanding the areas of agricultural land and settlements. Back in the late 1980s, approx. 5 million people.

Thailand foreign trade

Between 1952 and 1997, Thailand experienced a constant trade deficit, which had to be covered by income from foreign tourism and foreign loans. After the end of the Cold War, loans began to come mainly from foreign private banks and investors. Until 1997, Thailand was considered a reliable and attractive country for investment, but then this reputation was undermined as a result of a crisis caused by accumulated debt obligations, as well as a decline in exports.

Thanks to the development of export industries in the 1990s, Thailand is now less dependent on the supply of its agricultural products to the world market, which generates approx. 25%. The main export items are computers and components, integrated circuits, electrical transformers, jewelry, ready-made clothing, fabrics, various plastic products, tin, fluorspar, zinc ore, agricultural products (rice, rubber, tapioca, sorghum, kenaf, jute) , seafood. Imports consist mainly of machinery and equipment, consumer goods, oil and oil products.

Exports go primarily to the United States, followed by Japan. The latter is the main supplier of goods for the domestic market of Thailand. The bulk of investment comes from the US and Japan.

Thailand's exports are based on two pillars: electronics - computers produced under the licenses of world monsters, and traditional rice. Among contractors, the United States (22%), Japan (14%), other Asian countries prevail, among Europeans the UK, the Netherlands and Germany excel (4% each). Thailand's main import product is fuel and heavy equipment. Fuel comes from Brunei and Indonesia, equipment from the US and Japan. Thailand's external debt is large ($50 billion), but there is a tendency to reduce it. In absolute terms, Thailand's export-import fluctuates between $110-120 billion per year. The Thai army has 300,000 men and the king is the supreme commander. The army has not waged serious wars for a very long time, since the Burmese invasion (late 18th century), and the principle of the country's foreign policy is to avoid all conflicts, from which it is possible. The functions of the army are directed more towards the interior of the country: the suppression of any partisans on the borders and the maximum participation in the division of the political and economic pie. Becoming a military man in Thailand means in 90% of cases economically providing for a family. But there is not enough for everyone, so skirmishes are very common, both military and civilian, and between the military. In terms of weapons and joint maneuvers in Thailand, the orientation towards the United States continues.

Thailand transport

Thailand's railways are approx. 4 thousand km and connect Bangkok with the main cities in the north and northeast of the country, as well as with Malaysia and Singapore. A developed system of roads (over 70 thousand km long) allows you to get to any corner of Thailand. Of great importance for internal communication is water river transport, which provides approx. 60% of traffic. Through the international airport in Bangkok, Thailand is connected to many countries in Europe, Asia, America and Australia with daily scheduled flights. There is regular air communication with many cities of the country. The main seaports are Bangkok, Sattahip, Phuket, Songkhla, Kantang. Most imports and exports pass through the port of Bangkok.

What keeps the economy of Thailand? The first thing that comes to mind is tourism. The country of snow-white beaches, coral reefs, cozy lagoons and coconut trees.

What else is there to make money on? However, the first impression of a visiting tourist is deceptive. The Kingdom of Thailand is one of the fastest growing countries in the world.

Kingdom of free people

Thailand, formerly Siam, is the only country in Southeast Asia that has never been a colony. On the one hand, the existence of "no man's territory" between the possessions of Great Britain and France was convenient for Europeans. On the other hand, local rulers turned out to be strong enough to keep power in their hands without sharing it with foreigners (although for this they had to give up part of the land). So the country could develop on its own, a luxury that its neighbors did not have.

Nevertheless, by the 19th century, English monopolies were able, in fact, to take over important areas of the economy of Thailand (Siam): for example, banking, mining of tungsten and tin. By the beginning of World War II, Britain controlled up to 70% of foreign investment in the country. In general, while formally remaining independent, the state actually turned into a semi-colony. In the post-war period, the center of influence shifted from England to America. In 1950, the United States entered into an agreement with Thailand on military assistance, economic and technical cooperation. Several US air and naval bases are located on the territory of the kingdom, Thailand entered the military-political bloc SEATO (South-East Asia Treaty Organization - Southeast Asia Treaty Organization). Participation in it cost the country's budget a tidy sum, but in return Thailand received large-scale economic assistance, and American private companies invested in the development of Thai industry.

Fat years, lean years

Foreign investment is a good impetus for development, and Thailand has relied on it. Foreign capital was welcomed in every way, and this policy remained unchanged even during military coups. No expropriations and nationalizations. On the contrary, the inviolability of property was guaranteed by law. The authorities were generous with benefits: foreign entrepreneurs were allowed to import equipment duty-free, and their new enterprises were exempted from taxes for five years.

There is, however, one "but". Investment is not only the creation of new enterprises. The kingdom also actively accepted financial assistance from abroad. Loans, subsidies... by the 1990s, the external debt was so huge that in the end the country simply failed to pay off its obligations. It was from Thailand that the large-scale Asian crisis of 1997-98 began. The government was forced to devalue the currency: the Thai baht exchange rate almost halved overnight, which was a very serious blow to the Thai economy. It took a while for the kingdom to overcome the crisis and get back on its feet. And yet it happened.

Today the country is experiencing a period of prosperity. Modern branches of the economy are rapidly developing. For example, Thailand produces almost half of all components for computer hard drives. It ranks third in Asia - after Japan and South Korea - in car production. In terms of exports of electrical equipment, the kingdom has come close to the top ten supplier countries. Many major developers, including free Forex trading programs, continue their expansion in Thailand. The policy of openness to foreign business is bearing fruit: world giants of the industry are building their factories in Thailand. And each new enterprise is also jobs. The unemployment rate here is one of the lowest in the world: less than a percent! (For comparison: in such European countries as Greece and Spain, this figure now exceeds 26%. That is, every fourth resident is unemployed). Moreover, Thais work not only as ordinary workers.

In the country, 96% of the population is literate (the first six years of education are compulsory and free for everyone). The authorities are actively promoting technical education, and already now, in large international companies, a third of engineers come from Thailand.

Yes, and of course, agriculture is worth mentioning - although its share in the modern economy of Thailand is no longer as large as it used to be. However, the kingdom remains one of the world's leading exporters of rice, as well as shrimp, coconuts, sugar cane, pineapples and corn. The climate allows farmers to harvest three crops of some crops a year.

And what about tourism? Of course, this industry also contributes to the general treasury. But 6%, you see, is a rather modest figure.

Margin of safety

The climate and location of Thailand bring not only benefits. Unfortunately, they also carry serious risks.

A terrible tragedy occurred on December 26, 2004, when an underwater earthquake in the Indian Ocean caused a powerful tsunami. A giant wave hit the coast, killing at least two hundred thousand people. Thailand was among the countries most severely affected by the disaster. Nothing compares to the grief of people who have lost their loved ones. But the country's economy also suffered enormous damage: houses, roads, and communications were destroyed.

Through the efforts of local residents and volunteers from different countries, the destroyed areas were restored in the shortest possible time. Buildings on the coast are now built only in accordance with special requirements. The best engineers carefully studied the houses that were less affected by the impact of the giant wave to determine the most durable designs. In addition, with the assistance of foreign experts, the world's largest deep-sea system for early tsunami detection was installed.

Seven years later, when nothing reminded of the tragedy on the coast of Thailand, a new attack hit the country. The 2011 flood was the worst in 50 years. A significant part of the crops and hundreds of large enterprises were flooded. Water reached the capital and other large industrial zones. And again - numerous casualties and destruction. The international computer market lamented the skyrocketing prices of hard drives (you remember: half of the world's hard drive components are in Thailand), but the country faced a much more global problem. It was necessary to practically rebuild the economy.

Slowly but surely there was a revival of the destroyed. Factories were reopened. Roads were rebuilt. And now, after a sharp drop in production, Thailand's economy has gone up again and shows a very good pace compared to many developed countries in the West. Although Thais are now much less confident in the prospects of doing business in their own country than before the floods, according to polls, these figures are also gradually returning to their previous levels. No wonder Thailand belongs to the generation of new Asian tiger countries: strong and hardy, these countries will not give up their place under the sun.

Thailand: general information

The Kingdom of Thailand is located in Southeast Asia, namely in the north of the Malay Peninsula and in the southwestern part of the Indochinese Peninsula. The capital of Thailand is the city of Bangkok.

Thailand is bordered by four states:

• with Malaysia in the south;
• with Myanmar in the west;
• with Laos and Cambodia to the east.

The total area of ​​the country is 514 thousand km. km., where about 66.2 million people live. The average population density is 128.77 people/sq.km.

The population of Thailand is formed mainly by Laotians and ethnic Thais. Together they account for about 80% of the population. There is also a significant community of ethnic Chinese (about 10% of the population).

Remark 1

The territory of the country is divided into 77 provinces. The state religion is Buddhism. The monetary unit is the Thai baht.

As for the political system, the form of government in Thailand is a constitutional monarchy. The king leads the country. The bicameral parliament takes an active part in the political life of the state.

A country's economy

Currently, Thailand is considered one of the most developed countries in the Asia-Pacific region. Industry and the service sector are characterized by particularly high rates of economic growth.

The tourism industry is of particular importance for the country; in fact, it is one of the main sources of its income. Due to its geographical location and favorable climate, Thailand is a leading exporter of fruits, rice and rubber. The main crops grown are rice, cotton and sugar cane. About 60% of the country's population is employed in agriculture. It is also the basis of the national economy, bringing more than half of the gross domestic product (GDP). In addition, Thailand is characterized by a developed automotive, woodworking, electronics and jewelry industries. The mining industry plays a significant role in the country's economy.

Today Thailand is a developing country of agro-industrial type. Its economy is strongly dependent on foreign capital. Its main advantages and disadvantages are shown in the figure below:

Figure 1. Advantages and disadvantages of the Thai economy. Author24 - online exchange of student papers

Remark 2

In general, we can say that the Thai economy is characterized by uneven development. The most economically developed regions are the central and southern regions of the country; the development of the northeastern region is constrained by economic and geographical factors such as poor soils, arid climate and financial resources. At the same time, among countries with an average level of development, Thailand occupies a leading position.

Features of the development of the industrial sector

Industry, along with handicraft production, is one of the most developed branches of the national economy. A special role is assigned to the mining industry, which is based on the extraction of natural gas, tungsten and tin. In addition, although in small volumes, precious stones are still mined.

Despite the fact that the mining industry accounts for less than 2% of GDP, it is one of the main sources of export earnings in the country's economy.

About 60% of all industry is represented by rice-cleaning, food, textile and sawmill enterprises. In the textile segment, the main focus is on the export of silk and cotton production. At the same time, this segment accounts for about half of the entire light industry of the country.

The most developed sectors of the manufacturing industry are: petrochemical, electronic, jewelry, and automotive industries. Most of the manufacturing industry is represented by small firms.

Most of the country's automobile factories are located offshore. Cars of Japanese, American and European brands, as well as motorbikes are subject to assembly here. In addition to the assembly of the car itself, the production of component parts is carried out. Today, the automotive industry in Thailand is considered to be one of the largest in Southeast Asia.

Thailand is not far behind in the production of electronics and household appliances. It collects components for computers, hard drives, cameras, refrigerators, washing machines, etc.

In the food industry, emphasis is placed on the export of fish and seafood; in particular, the annual export of canned fish to the world market is about 4 million tons.

As for jewelry production, Thailand is one of the world leaders in terms of precious stones. In particular, the country is famous for the so-called "transparent" gems - sapphires and rubies. The center of their production is the province of Chanthaburi. Thailand is one of the largest importers of energy resources, in particular oil. The main raw material of the petrochemical industry is natural gas, produced mainly in the Gulf of Thailand and offshore zones. In general, the chemical industry plays an important role in the country's GDP. Its main direction is the production of chemical products and polymers, which are further exported.

For the most part, the entire industry of Thailand is concentrated in four cities:

• Bangkok;
• Nakhon Sritamarat;
• Korat;
• Chiengmai.

Thus, the Thai industry is characterized by a rather high degree of centralization and concentration. One way or another, the industry of Thailand acts as one of the pillars of the national economy of the state. In total, it accounts for about 44% of the country's gross domestic product.

Remark 3

In the foreseeable future, the development of Thailand's industry will be inextricably linked with the development of infrastructure and the creation of industrial parks. Their main goal will be the development of industries focused on exports and import substitution. At the same time, in conditions of limited domestic demand, the situation in international markets will have a significant impact on the country's industry and investment in its development.

The most developed economically is the Central region. Most industrial enterprises, banks, trading companies and transport facilities are concentrated in Bangkok and its environs. The most fertile lands of Thailand are confined to the Central Plain. Rice, sugar cane, corn, cassava are grown here.

Economic development of the Northeast constrained by infertile soils, relatively arid climate and lack of financial resources. Despite the implementation of state programs for road construction, improvement of the water supply system and strengthening of social services, it is not possible to overcome the backwardness of the region, and it is the poorest in the country.

In Northern Thailand only in the intermountain valleys are there conditions for agricultural production. Since ancient times, timber has been the main commodity here, but due to the spread of agriculture and excessive logging, the forested area has significantly decreased. Currently, industrial logging is prohibited on public lands.

In the south of the country there are many small fishing harbours. Foreign trade operations are conducted through the main local ports of Songkhla and Phuket. The main products of the area are rubber and tin.

Since the 1970s, the average annual growth rate of the country's economy has been about 7%, and in some years it reached 13%. Gross national product per capita in 1997 was estimated at approx. $2,800 In 1997, the baht depreciated due to excessive government indebtedness, which led to a significant decline in production.

Energy highly dependent on oil imports. In 1982, the share of oil was 25% of the value of imports. This figure dropped to 8.8% in 1996 due to the general expansion of imports. The energy crisis associated with rising liquid fuel prices forced the Thai government to look for alternative approaches. The most significant results have come from the discovery of offshore natural gas fields and the development of hydroelectric power. In the mid-1990s, dependence on oil imports increased again.
Most of the settlements in Thailand are electrified (except those located in remote areas). In electricity consumption, the hegemony of the metropolitan area of ​​Bangkok is clearly expressed.

Agriculture. Since the mid-1970s, there has been a decrease in the role of agriculture, in which in 1996 only 10% of national income was created against 34% in 1973. Nevertheless, the industry satisfies domestic demand for food. Approximately one third of the entire territory of the country is occupied by cultivated land, of which half is reserved for rice crops. Peasant farms suffer from a lack of land, but in the period after the Second World War they managed to achieve a gradual increase in grain harvests. Since the early 1980s, Thailand has become the world's largest exporter of rice, and in the late 1990s, in terms of gross rice harvest (22 million tons), it ranked 6th in the world.

state events, aimed at diversifying the sectoral structure of agricultural production in the 1970s, contributed to the growth of yields and increased sales abroad of a number of agricultural products, including cassava, sugar cane, corn and pineapples. The rise, although slow, was observed in the rubber industry. All this allowed the Thai economy to react less painfully to fluctuations in world rice prices. Cotton and jute are also grown to a significant extent.

Animal husbandry plays a subordinate role. For plowing the fields they keep buffaloes, which are gradually being replaced by relatively inexpensive small-scale mechanization. Most peasants breed pigs and chickens for meat, and commercial poultry farming grew especially intensively in the 1970s and 1980s. In the Northeast, raising cattle for sale has long been an important source of income for local residents.

Fishing. In the Thai diet, fish is the main source of protein. For rural residents, freshwater fish and crustaceans are especially important, which are caught and even bred in paddy paddy fields, canals and reservoirs. Since the 1960s, sea fishing has become one of the leading sectors of the national economy. Since the late 1980s, shrimp farming has become very important. In the late 1990s, Thailand ranked 9th in the world in terms of seafood catch (about 2.9 million tons).

Forestry. The forests of Thailand feature many valuable hardwood tree species, including teak. The export of teak was banned in 1978, at which time the contribution of the newly important industry to the national income was reduced to 1.6%. However, the volume of logging did not decrease much, which forced in 1989 to take urgent legislative measures to almost completely limit them. Nevertheless, illegal logging continues, including for the purpose of expanding the areas of agricultural land and settlements. Back in the late 1980s, about 5 million people lived on protected forest lands.

mining industry. Its share in GDP is only about 1.6%, but this industry remains a significant source of export foreign exchange earnings. Thailand is one of the leading suppliers of tin and tungsten to the world market. Some other minerals are also mined on a small scale, among them gems such as rubies and sapphires. In the 1980s, the development of natural gas fields began in coastal waters.

Manufacturing industry developed rapidly in the 1990s and became the most important sector of the economy, in which in 1996 almost 30% of GDP was created. Such branches of industry as electronic, petrochemical, car assembly, jewelry are developed.
In the 1960s and 1970s, enterprises of the textile and food industries arose (including the production of soft drinks, the freezing of shrimp and canned seafood). The output of tobacco products, plastics, cement, plywood, car tires continues to grow. The population of Thailand is engaged in traditional handicrafts - wood carving, production of silk fabrics and lacquer products.

International trade. Between 1952 and 1997, Thailand experienced a constant trade deficit, which had to be covered by income from foreign tourism and foreign loans. After the end of the Cold War, loans began to come mainly from foreign private banks and investors. Until 1997, Thailand was considered a reliable and attractive country for investment, but then this reputation was undermined as a result of a crisis caused by accumulated debt obligations, as well as a decline in exports.
Thanks to the development of export industries in the 1990s, Thailand is now less dependent on the supply of its agricultural products to the world market, which generates approx. 25%. The main exports are computers and components, integrated circuits, electrical transformers, jewelry, ready-made clothing, fabrics, various plastic products, tin, fluorspar, zinc ore, agricultural products (rice, rubber, tapioca, sorghum, kenaf, jute) , seafood. Imports consist mainly of machinery and equipment, consumer goods, oil and oil products.

Export goes primarily to the United States, followed by Japan. The latter is the main supplier of goods for the domestic market of Thailand. The bulk of investment comes from the US and Japan.

Transport. Thailand's railways are approx. 4 thousand km and connect Bangkok with the main cities in the north and northeast of the country, as well as with Malaysia and Singapore. A developed system of roads (over 70 thousand km long) allows you to get to any corner of Thailand. Of great importance for internal communication is water river transport, which provides approx. 60% of traffic. Through the international airport in Bangkok, Thailand is connected to many countries in Europe, Asia, America and Australia with daily scheduled flights. There is regular air communication with many cities of the country. The main seaports are Bangkok, Sattahip, Phuket, Songkhla, Kantang. Most imports and exports pass through the port of Bangkok.

Cities. The largest city in the country is Bangkok. Its metropolitan area includes, in addition to the capital itself, located on the eastern bank of the Chao Phraya river, the city of Thonburi on its western bank and several suburban areas. In 1995, 6547 thousand people lived here, or over 60% of the country's urban population. Since the late 1980s, the city of Chonburi, the center of the iron and steel industry and the sugar industry, located on the coast of the Gulf of Thailand in relative proximity to the capital, has experienced unusually rapid growth. Second only to Bangkok in terms of population, Chiang Mai is the center of the political, economic and cultural life of Northern Thailand. Real estate in Pattaya is especially popular among investors today. The city is the administrative center of the province of the same name and in the past was the capital of the ancient Thai kingdom. Nakhon Ratchasima, also known as Korat, is the largest economic and administrative center in the east of the country, an important junction of railways and highways. Another successful commercial center in the east is Ubon Ratchathani. In the south of Thailand, near the border with Malaysia, the city of Hat Yai stands out. It is located on the Bangkok-Singapore railway line and is a transshipment point for local rubber plantation products exported to Malaysia.