Thai Economy

Thailand is quickly shedding its image as a developing nation. 

Although Thailand is often categorized as a developing nation, visitors to Bangkok are often surprised at how advanced the infrastructure is.  This city of 8 million residents boasts an underground and skytrain, countless museums, numerous temples, luxury shopping, excellent dining, and a vibrant nightlife.  Because Bangkok is such an incredibly diverse city, tourists can easily find all the conveniences that they might expect in their home countries.  French restaurants, Gucci stores (both fake and real), multiplex theaters, ATMs, hot showers, luxury apartments and hotels, picturesque parks, and modern night clubs are just a few of the perks that you can enjoy if you ever have an opportunity to visit this expansive city. 

When one travels outside of Bangkok, the country's developing nation status becomes more apparent.  With the exception of popular destinations like Chang Mai, Ayuttayah, and seaside locales, Thailand has adhered very closely to its agricultural roots.  Rice fields, small towns, minor mountain ranges, and rain forests decorate the majority of Thailand.  There are also various reservations and wildlife preserves spread throughout the country. 

Every year, Thailand exports over $100 billion worth of products, goods, and services.  It is currently the world's number one exporter of rice (roughly 7 million tons annually), but other popular natural resources include lead, fish, timber, rubber, natural gas, tin, tungsten, and fluorite.  Tourism accounts for roughly 5% of Thailand's total GDP, with electronics, automobile, and computer manufacturing making up fairly sizable percentages as well.