Background:
A unified Thai kingdom was established in the mid-14th century. Known as Siam
until 1939, Thailand is the only Southeast Asian country never to have been
taken over by a European power. A bloodless revolution in 1932 led to a
constitutional monarchy. In alliance with Japan during World War II, Thailand
became a US ally following the conflict.
Climate:
Rainy season, warm, cloudy southwest monsoon (mid-May to September)
Dry Season,
cool northeast monsoon (November to mid-March)
Southern isthmus always hot and
humid
Population:
64,265,276 (July 2003 est.)
Area - comparative:
slightly more than twice the size of Wyoming
Land boundaries:
total: 4,863 km border countries: Burma 1,800 km, Cambodia 803 km, Laos 1,754
km, Malaysia 506 km
Exchange rates:
baht per US dollar - 40
GDP
per capita purchasing power parity - $7,000 (2002 est.)
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