The majority of the Thai population belongs to the Thai group (75-80%), and more than 90% rofess Buddhism. About two-thirds of the Thai group are Thais, and a third are Lao. In the Isan region, the percentage of Lao is much higher; in many areas, they constitute most of the population. Most Thais and Lao are Buddhist. Malays live in the south, most of them profess Islam. On the border with Myanmar live Karen, Miao, and Mon, who have widespread Christianity, and the Thai-Cambodian Khmer. After the Vietnam War, the number of Vieta increased, mainly in the northeast of the country. Every seventh person in Thailand is an ethnic Chinese. The Chinese live throughout the country, but mostly in isolation, in separate neighborhoods.
Public displays of passion in traditional Thai society, especially between lovers, are discouraged. However, this custom is not always observed among young people. In Thailand, the social norm states that touching someone else’s head can be considered rude. It is also considered rude to place legs above someone else’s head, especially if this person has a high social status. This view comes from the fact that Thais consider the feet as the dirtiest part of the body and the head as the most respected part. This also affects the way Thais sit – they keep their legs away from those present. Conflicts and expressions of anger are foreign to Thai culture.
Disagreements or disputes are resolved with a smile; one should not try to blame another. In daily life in Thailand, there is an emphasis on the thought that life should be fun. By following this principle, Thais can be happy at work and in everyday life. Displaying positive emotions in communication is essential in Thai culture. During disagreements, Thais often use the phrase may pen rai, which translates to “it does not matter.” The ubiquitous use of this phrase in Thailand reflects a tendency to minimize conflict and discord.
Agriculture in Thailand is a competitive, diversified, and specialized industry; its export products are successful in international markets. Rice is the country’s crucial agricultural crop; Thailand is one of the world’s top rice exporters. Other agricultural products produced in significant quantities are fish and seafood, tapioca, rubber, wheat, and sugar. Exports of industrially processed foods such as canned tuna, pineapple, and frozen shrimp are on the rise. Black ivory coffee is produced in the north of Thailand.
Thailand is an agro-industrial country. The country’s economy is highly dependent on international trade, with exports accounting for two thirds of GDP. The main export goods are electronics, in particular, components for computer technology, cars and components for them, agricultural products, including canned and frozen products. Agriculture provides about 10% of GDP and employs a third of Thailand’s working-age population.
In 2015, electricity production amounted to 167.9 billion kWh (24th globally), and its consumption was 168.3 billion kWh (23rd in the world). Electricity imports exceed exports – 14.41 billion kWh versus 2.267 billion kWh. The total nominal generating capacity of power plants in Thailand is 40.97 million kW (24th in the world), of which 76.7% are from thermal power plants (mainly natural gas), 8.9% from hydroelectric power plants, and 14.2% to alternative renewable sources. Thailand’s oil demand is partially covered by its production, which in 2016 was 257.5 thousand barrels per day (33rd place in the world), but oil imports far exceed exports – 830.5 thousand against 12.2 thousand barrels per day. Thus, Thailand is one of the most successful countries in Southeast Asia: its economy is quite strong and reliable.
One of the crucial trade areas in Thailand is retail. The demand of consumers is growing, so it is essential to develop this field. The biggest retail segments are food and beverage since the goods produced in the country are not expensive but high-quality. Some of the biggest competing retail companies are CP All Public Company Limited, 7-Eleven, Tesco Lotus, FamilyMart, and 108 Shop. These shops replaced old traditional markets and small businesses which helped satisfy buyers better.
Thai consumers do not like buying goods from foreign companies with unknown names because they do not have enough information about them. Thus, it is hard for big international companies to join this market. Notably, Thailand is still a cash-driven society, and cards are still not too relevant for payment. Cash is still much more convenient for daily activities such as taxi or street food.
Tourism in Thailand is one of the most significant sectors of the country’s economy. Tourism revenues account for a substantial proportion of Thailand’s GDP. The beginning of mass tourism in Thailand can be traced back to the 1960s, when the country played the role of a home front for American soldiers who fought in Vietnam. Large military bases were located here, as well as recreational facilities for US military personnel on vacation.
Since the late 1960s, massive construction of hotels, bars, massage parlors, and related tourist infrastructure began in southern Thailand. At the same time, numerous travel agencies were opened. They organized excursions to the most exciting sights. After the war, soldiers who were at home returned to Thailand with their families and spent their holidays here. There are still numerous people who are coming to Thailand for weeks or months, and their number keeps growing, strengthening the country’s economy.