Population of Thailand: ethnic composition, occupations, languages and religion. Such different Thais: a guide to the nationalities of Thailand Characteristic features of the population of Thailand
Features of the population of Thailand: size, geographical location
Of all its neighboring states, the Kingdom of Thailand has the most “Europeanized” name. And at the same time, only this country escaped colonization from England or France, to which, to one degree or another, all other territories in this corner of Southeast Asia were subject. Isn’t that why the name of this country contains the word “thai”, which means “freedom”. The local equivalent of the name is “Muang Thai” (also with the word “freedom”) or “Phrathet Thai”. However, until 1939, this piece of land in the southwest of the Indochina Peninsula (partly also in the north of the Malacca Peninsula) was generally called Siam (hence the expression “Siamese twins”).
A little geography
The majority of the population of Thailand is employed either in agricultural production or in the tourism business. Both of these activities are facilitated by the state's geographic location. Thailand is stretched vertically, its length is 1860 kilometers. Hence the climatic diversity, in which fruits on agricultural plantations have time to ripen many times during the year. The tourism season stretches, flowing from north to south and vice versa. It is no coincidence that the “Land of the Free” is a year-round paradise for tourists from all over the world.
Density and numbers
According to official data, the population density of Thailand is 130.5 people per square kilometer. About three dozen different nationalities live here. About three quarters of them are Thai (75%, according to other sources - up to 80%). There are ethnic Chinese (14%, according to other sources - 10%), Malays (3%) and Vietnamese. Overall, Thailand's population is 61.8 million.
In the “Land of the Free,” the king is the leader and symbol of the nation, he is the patron and protector of all faiths. The popular adoration of the royal family here is almost religious in nature. Almost the entire population professes Buddhism (94.6%), and only a small part of Thais living in the south are followers of Islam (4.6%). Christianity has been mentioned here since 1505, when a certain Louis from Warsema, traveling in these places, noted the Armenians permanently living in Siam. Judging by his notes, the occupation of these representatives of the teachings of Christ at that time was trade with India.
Economic potential
Despite the fact that Thailand, in the minds of Russians, is associated with tourism, it is a country with very high economic potential, occupying a fairly high position in the world. Judging by official statistics, Thailand's per capita GDP is 150 billion USD, this is the 33rd world indicator and is approximately a third of Russia's GDP.
Thailand is the largest Asian supplier of light goods. Interestingly, the local population is very successful in making handicrafts. All the surrounding shops are full of boxes, fans, umbrellas, and inexpensive jewelry. The Thais are the largest producers and exporters of rice (up to 9 million tons/year, including the so-called “jasmine” rice). Other agricultural crops include corn, pineapples, coconuts, and sweet potatoes, but most of the income here is obtained by exporting durian, known throughout the world as the “king of fruits.”
Peasant
Culture
And Thailand, of course, is a country of Buddhist temples, including the world's largest Buddha statue (Phra Pathom Chedi, height - 127 meters). There are 32,700 temples here, with 1 monk per 170 people. Thailand has its own Buddhist calendar, and the highest temperatures are recorded in April-May - from 35 to 40 degrees Celsius.
Thais are concentrated mainly in the central region of Thailand, where most of them are employed in rice plantations. In Isan in the northeast, the majority of the population is Lao. The northern part of the country, covered with mountains, has a mixed population consisting of small Thai ethnic groups.
Thais are the indigenous people of Thailand
The self-name of the Thais comes from the word from the Thai language “thai” - “free”. The word “franc” had the same meaning in Europe.
The Thais lived in China until the 13th century, from where they were driven out by the Mongols. Gradually settling the territory of the Mekong Valley, they, in turn, ousted the Khmers who lived there and created their own state of Ayutthaya, also known as Siam. The Siamese borrowed writing from the Khmers, and Buddhism from the surrounding peoples.
Absolute monarchy and the veneration of the king as a god always existed in Siam, until the coup of 1932. Then Siam was renamed Thailand and a constitution was adopted, after which the power of the monarch decreased, but not much.
Thus, the division of the Thai language into common and palace, which is spoken only at the royal court, has been preserved.
Buddhism has a very large influence on the lives of modern Thais. There are about 400 Buddhist temples in Bangkok alone. The largest one is Bencham-Obopit, translated as Marble Temple, which is really built of white marble. As in neighboring countries, Buddhist monks do not have the right to work and live on alms.
Traditionally, Thais are engaged in agriculture. They mainly grow rice, vegetables, various cereals, and tea. Fruits include bananas, citrus fruits and mangoes, and in smaller quantities apples and peaches (they have taken root only in the valleys of the northern part of the country).
They raise buffalos, horses for heavy work, all kinds of domestic animals and poultry: goats, pigs, cows, chickens. They catch fish in the sea and rivers with bamboo traps from heavy boats. Some villages specialize exclusively in fishing.
Wood carving is considered the main and most honorable craft. This is a profession that is usually passed down from generation to generation along with all the secrets of the skill. Traditionally, pottery and weaving are considered women's crafts; there is a loom in almost every home. The Thais know how to process precious stones, but they do not work with gold and silver.
The main food is rice, as well as fish, vegetables and fruits. Meat is eaten on holidays. While eating, they sit on mats around a tray of food or a low table. Traditional clothing for men is rolled, unstitched pants - panung, for women - sweaters, a wide scarf - crotch and skirts, also unstitched. The headdress common to men and women is a hat made of palm leaves and sandals as shoes. However, they also go barefoot, this is a common thing.
Lao - inhabitants of the Northeast region of Thailand Isan
The Lao are a distinct ethnic group, most of whom occupy the northeastern region of Thailand called Isan. The Lao have their own language, Lao (close to Thai), which has several dialects, and two types of writing: everyday and sacred, for religious texts.
The main occupation of the Lao people is traditional agriculture. Rice, tea, coffee and pepper are grown. Animals are also raised, although not very actively: buffaloes for work, small livestock and poultry.
Roots and herbs are collected as an additional food source. The soil in this region is not very fertile, and some of the land is completely solid rock. So they rarely harvest more than one harvest a year. However, part of Laos is covered with mountain forests, so the region's economy is significantly supported by logging.
Lao crafts are well developed. They can provide themselves with almost everything they need. Men's occupations include making tools and bamboo utensils, jewelry and blacksmithing, stone and bone carving. Men also make vehicles: two-wheeled carts and dugout boats. Women engage in cotton spinning, embroidery, weaving, shoe making and rice straw weaving. They are also responsible for pottery.
The main type of food, along with rice, is fish. The Mekong River, Asia's largest river, flows through Isan and is rich in fish. They catch it with a special top trap, or hit it in shallow water with a spear. The Lao Fishing Festival is celebrated in the 10th month of the lunar calendar.
Settlements are usually small. Each one must have a temple complex, inside of which there is a statue of Buddha. Houses on stilts, with gable roofs and two or three entrances, are randomly scattered in groups of eight to ten. The house has two or three entrances and two fireplaces - one for family members, the other for guests.
The hearth is made like this: a bamboo frame is filled with earth and clay, and a tripod with a hook for the boiler is placed above it.
The main piece of furniture is a mat; wooden benches and bamboo stools are also used. The menu is based on rice, fresh or dried fish, and vegetables.
For clothing, men wear shirts and jackets made of canvas, regular pants or a piece of cloth wrapped like pants.
Women wear bright dresses decorated with embroidery, sweaters with a stand-up collar and skirts also decorated with an embroidered pattern. A wide scarf acts as a belt. Men and women wear straw hats and headbands as headdresses.
Small Thai peoples of Northern Thailand
Centuries ago, in the Northern region of Thailand, there was the state of Lanna, inhabited by mountain peoples. Their life has remained virtually unchanged since then. They have preserved their traditional culture and way of life, which can be seen thanks to specially organized excursions. Let's name the most numerous of them.
Karens
The Karen are a tribal union. It consists of numerous subgroups, each with its own customs and dialect. Of those seen by tourists, the tribe of "long-necked women" (Paduong, meaning "copper ring") is the most famous.
For women, starting from the age of five, a spiral of hollow brass wire is wrapped around the neck. The wire is thick, and its turns look like rings. With age, the spiral is replaced with a new one, with a higher number of revolutions. Reaches up to twenty-five to twenty-eight rings, weighing from three to eight kilograms. The first wedding night is the only time when a woman can take off the rings, and then they are put back on, but the number of turns is not increased from that moment on.
It must be said that physically the neck does not lengthen at all - it is the collarbones that lower under the weight of the metal. This is a reversible process, and if a woman stops wearing rings, her skeleton will be completely restored within a couple of years.
Akha
Outwardly, they are noticeably different from other peoples of the North of Thailand with their elegant and richly decorated clothes. Their headdress is especially famous. This hat (there are three types) is inherited and represents an entire structure. It is covered with dozens of cowrie shells, silver flakes and coins of various origins and considerable denominations sewn in dense rows.
Due to the large amount of metal, the caps of the Akha people are called “iron”, although it is silver that is used in them. The hats offered to tourists are similar in appearance, only they have tin instead of silver and aluminum Burmese pyyas instead of full-sized Indian rupees. A variety of things are also used to decorate hats: plant seeds, dyed chicken feathers, scraps of fabric, mirror fragments and much more.
Mien
The Mien people (other tribes call them Yao) are the only people among the peoples of mountainous Thailand who have a written language. Many of them make good money by selling handwritten religious scrolls with Chinese-style designs added to them. All men of the tribe know hieroglyphic writing; the boys are taught by their fathers. Sometimes the entire village hires a Chinese teacher to teach all the children together.
Mien women wear easily recognizable clothes: long black jackets with lapels made of bright red wool, similar to boas, a black turban and pants decorated with rich embroidery. Children's clothing is finished with special care and love.
Some of the Myen have recently adopted Christianity, but they all retain faith in spirits and stars and carefully observe the commandments of their ancestors and the instructions of shamans.
Conclusion
The population of Thailand consists of many nationalities whose ancestors came from the Middle East. For the most part, these people retained traditional m
The official name is the Kingdom of Thailand (until 1939 and in 1946-48 Siam). Located in mainland Southeast Asia, it occupies the middle part of the Indochinese Peninsula and the northern part of the Malacca Peninsula. Area 514 thousand km2, population 62.4 million people. (2000). The official language is Thai. The capital is Bangkok (Krungthep) (5.8 million people, 2000). Public holiday - Birthday of the reigning King Rama IX on December 5th. The monetary unit is the baht (equal to 100 satangs).
Member of the UN (since 1946), ASEAN (since 1967), ASEAN Forum on Security and Cooperation in the Asia-Pacific Region, etc.
Sights of Thailand
Geography of Thailand
Located between 5°30' and 20°25' north latitude and 97°20' and 105°35' east longitude. The maximum length of the territory from west to east is 780 km, from north to south 1650 km. It is washed from the south by the Gulf of Thailand of the South China Sea, from the southwest by the Andaman Sea, the total length of the coastline is 2614 km. In the Gulf of Thailand near the border with Cambodia there are the islands of Chang and Kut, off the Malacca Peninsula the islands of Samui, Phangan and others. Off the coast of the Andaman Sea are the islands of Surin, Similan, the largest island of Phuket and other small islands.
Thailand borders in the southeast with Cambodia along the Dangrek mountain range, in the east and northeast, along the Mekong River - with Laos, in the west - with Myanmar, in the extreme south - with Malaysia.
More than 1/2 of the country's territory is made up of low-lying alluvial plains in river valleys, especially the Menam lowland along the Chao Phraya River, located in the central part of the country. The highlands stretch along the northern (Phipannam) and western outskirts (Tanentaunji ridge) of the country, the flat Korat plateau (100-200 m) is in the northeast. The highest point in Thailand is Mount Inthanon (2595 m) in the west of the country. In the southern part of the country, on the Malacca Peninsula, there are plains with island mountains and ridges, the highest mountain is Luang (Khao Luang) (1835 m).
In total, Thailand is occupied by forests of approx. 20% of the territory (in 1965 - 54.6%), 35% in agricultural turnover. Extensive logging has led to the loss of forest cover and the emergence of serious environmental problems. Environmental movements emerged among peasants and in cities.
Minerals: tin, gypsum, limestone, tungsten, lead, fluorite, brown coal, precious colored stones. Natural gas is being extracted in the Gulf of Thailand (estimated reserves are 172 thousand m3), natural gas deposits have been discovered in Khong Khen province on the northeastern plateau, and oil deposits have been discovered in Khampheng Phet province. Beneath the Korat plateau there are deposits of rock salt.
The most common are red-brown savannah soils, characteristic of the Korat Plateau. In the mountains - mountain forest red earth, in river valleys (especially the Chao Phraya River) - alluvial and meadow. Outside the river valleys, in the central part, brown soils of dry forests and shrubs predominate; in the lowlands of the peninsular part - red soils and yellow soils.
The climate is tropical, monsoon, average annual temperature is +22-+29°C. Precipitation is 1000-3000 mm per year, in the mountains up to 5000 mm per year. The dry season is from November to April (the hottest month is April with a temperature of +35-+40°C, the coolest is December +20 - +31°C, the driest month is January-March; the wettest in the center and north of the country - September (305 mm of precipitation in the south), December (400 mm).In the territory where Bangkok is located, there are three seasons: hot (March-May), rainy (June-October), cool (November-February).
Largest rivers. Chao Phraya (365 km) - the main waterway of the country - is formed at the confluence of the Ping River (590 km) with its tributary Wang (335 km) and the Nan River (627 km) with its tributary Yom (555 km). Downstream, the Pasak River (513 km) flows into the Chao Phraya; near the town of Chainat, the Chao Phraya's bed splits into branches up to 135 km wide. In general, the Chao Phraya basin reaches 150 thousand km2. The Mekong River, which flows along the border with Laos, is the largest river in Southeast Asia (4500 km); Maeklong River, formed at the confluence of the Kwe Yai and Kwe Noi rivers.
Thailand's flora and fauna are rich. Evergreen tropical humid monsoon (rain) multi-tiered forests are especially widespread, which persist in most of the Malacca Peninsula, on the coastal plains of the southeast, in the river valleys of Korat, in areas of the north where heavy rainfall occurs. They are dominated by such species as Yang, Takyan and other representatives of the dipterocarp family. Bamboo grows in the middle tier, and shrubs, herbs, mosses, and orchids grow in the lower tier. In the north, at an altitude of 600-1200 m, there are pine forests; higher up, pine alternates with oak. In the north, humid monsoon forests are common, represented by mixed deciduous tropical forest (teak, sal, etc.) and evergreen forest in the more humid southern regions. On the Korat plateau there are savannas, dry low-growing monsoon forest, xerophilic woodlands and shrubs. Coconut palm trees grow on the islands and coastal areas, and mangrove vegetation is common.
Among animals, the domesticated elephant (Indian) occupies a special place. Predators include: tiger, leopard, panther, civet cat, jungle cat, Bengal cat. Between the Yom and Ping rivers there is a black Himalayan bear. The Malayan bear is small in size. Smaller predators include mongooses. In the forests along the banks of the rivers live miniature antlerless deer - Malayan and Kanchil, not exceeding 46 cm in height. In the evergreen forests, the “barking deer”, the sambar deer, is found. Wild bulls are represented by gaurs and bentengs. Among the inhabitants of the forest there are many different monkeys - gibbons, short-tailed macaques, rhesus macaques, mangoors, crested monkeys, and on the plains - lorises, which are nocturnal. Thailand is home to 75 species of lizards, 13 species of poisonous snakes, including king cobra, sea snakes, crocodiles (large Indian and small Siamese). Many insects, including termites, blood-sucking cockroaches, flying cockroaches. The kingdom of birds is diverse. On the plains and fields there are herons, storks, and ibis. The forests are home to pheasants, peacocks, hornbills, 16 species of kingfishers, and myna (“talking starling”). Birds of prey are represented by eagles, falcons, buzzards, and kites. The rivers and sea coast are rich in various species of fish, sawfish are found, and fishermen hunt for sharks.
Population of Thailand
In 1911, the population of Thailand was 8.3 million people, in 1978 - already 44.3 million people. The high rate of annual population growth (3.1% in the early 1970s) has decreased sharply in recent years, in 1999 it amounted to 0.98%, in 2000 - 1.01%. Average population density 118.5 people. per 1 km2. Average life expectancy is 68.5 years. The urban population is 43.3% (2000), mainly concentrated in Bangkok and the Bangkok metropolis (up to 12 million people).
Ethnic composition. According to official data, 95% of the population are Thai (including ethnic groups - Lao, Thai Korat, Thai Klang, Phuthai, etc., mountain tribes - Shans, or Thai Yai). The second largest population is occupied by the Chinese, who live mainly in cities. Estimating their numbers is difficult, since some of the Chinese have assimilated, and in addition, mixed marriages are common among them. OK. 14% of the country's population themselves claim Chinese origin. In fact, the Chinese population may be approx. 30% (in Bangkok, up to 70% of the population has Chinese roots). The Malays live in the far south of the country (about 1 million people). The Khmers and Mons live in the center, east and northeast of the country. In the mountainous regions of the north and northeast live the Meo and Yao tribes. Peoples of the Tibeto-Burman group - the Burmese and Karens - are settled along the border with Myanmar. In the north live the mountain tribes Lahu, Lisu, and Akha. The Vietnamese live in the northeast of the country. In the cities there are immigrants from India and Pakistan.
Thailand is a multilingual country, the main place is occupied by the Thai language and other languages of the Thai language group. The Chinese language is represented primarily by southern dialects. Tibeto-Burman languages (Akha, Lisu, Lahu, Kachin); Karen; Malayo-Polynesian; Mon-Khmer; languages of the Miao-Yao group (Hmong-Mien); Vietnamese; New Indian - Urdu, Bengali, etc. - have limited use. English is widely spoken in cities.
Religion - Buddhism (Theravada) - is professed by the majority of the country's population. Islam is widespread in the south of the country. Tao and Confucianism among the Chinese. Animism - among the mountain tribes. Some court religious ceremonies are performed by Brahmins. According to some sources, the Thais became acquainted with Buddhism in the 7th century. AD, when it was brought to the country by monastic preachers from Ceylon. Buddhism is the state religion. Moreover, Buddhism is the basis of Thai philosophy, morality and daily behavior. In addition, Buddhism has inspired architects and sculptors for centuries to create beautiful works of art related to the religion. The center of Buddhist learning is the monastery, a haven of monasticism. Temporary stay in a monastery is considered a religious merit for a layman and is very common among Thai men who have reached adulthood. The monks are united within the sangha, ruled by the supreme patriarch. Along with Buddhism, quite strong elements of animism continue to exist; for a Thai, the whole world is inhabited by spirits. Many folk customs and holidays are associated with the worship of spirits, such as, for example, houses for spirits, the colorful and beloved holiday of Loy Krathong, etc.
History of Thailand
Excavations near the village of Ban Chiang indicate the existence of a Bronze Age culture there 5,600 years ago, which is 600 years older than the ancient civilization in the Tigris-Euphrates Valley. The first states on the territory of Thailand were created by monks in the 1st-2nd centuries. AD, they later fell under the rule of the Funan Empire, centered on the territory of modern Cambodia. In the 7th century. the state of Dvaravati rose, and in the 2nd half. 7th century already in Northern Thailand the state of Haripunchaiya arose.
In the beginning. 11th century the state of Dvaravati (Lavo) became part of the vast Khmer Empire. Thai tribes began to penetrate into the territory of modern Thailand from the end. 1st millennium, they came from the north, from southern China and created small principalities-cities, which until the beginning. 13th century were vassals of the Khmer Empire. In 1238, having overthrown the rule of the Khmers, the Thais created their own state of Sukhothai, it grew rapidly, conquering new lands in Central and Southern Thailand, in Laos, on the Malay Peninsula, and includes parts of Burma. The first inscription in Thai that has come down to us belongs to the ruler of Sukhothai, Ramkhamhaeng (1292). The religion of Buddhism was brought from Ceylon, which had a strong influence on the development of the Thai state, culture and art. Having won to con. 13th century Haripunchayu, the Thais founded the state of Chiang Mai in its place.
In 1350, the state of Ayuthaya arose, replacing the collapsed state of Sukhothai. Ayuthaya (1350-1767) became one of the strongest states on the Indochina Peninsula, conducted extensive foreign trade, incl. with China, Japan, India. Ayuthaya fought with the weakening Khmer Empire and with Burma for dominance on the peninsula. In 1569, Ayuthaya was besieged and captured by the Burmese kingdom of Pegu, whose king installed his protege on the throne. Prince Naresuan liberated the country from the Burmese, restored the state to its former borders, and conquered Chiang Mai in 1595. In the 16th century Europeans appeared in Ayuthaya - the Dutch, Portuguese, French, Spanish, and English. They received from the king the right to build their own neighborhoods, temples, trading posts, and trading shops in the capital. However, rivalry began between them in an effort to enslave Ayuthaya, sometimes with the use of military force. Particular zeal was shown by the French and the Jesuit Order, who, with the help of the adventurer Constantine Falcon, sought to achieve full influence over King Narai and convert him to Christianity. The French were preparing to annex the Thai state. These plans were thwarted by a rebellion in 1688 led by the Elephant Guard commander Pet Racha, who became king.
In 1767, Ayuthaya suffered a heavy defeat from the strengthened Burma, was destroyed and burned, and its inhabitants were taken captive. The liberation struggle was led by General Thaksin. K con. 1770s The Siamese (Thais) returned their territories, subjugated Chiang Mai and Laos, and restored their state with a new capital in Bangkok. At the same time, General Pya Chakri, who was crowned in 1782 under the name Phra Phut Yotfa (Pra Buddha Yodfa), laid the foundation for the Chakri dynasty that still rules today.
From ser. 19th century Unequal treaties were imposed on Siam: Great Britain (1855), France and
USA (1856), other Western powers. Part of the country's territory, which currently belongs to Laos, Cambodia, Malaysia, was seized by France (1867, 1893) and Great Britain. In 1893, France brought its gunboats to the mouth of the Chao Phraya River and presented an ultimatum to the Siamese government containing territorial demands. As a result of military pressure, Siam was forced on October 3, 1893 to sign an agreement with France on the transfer of Vientiane and Luan Prabang to the colony of French Indochina. Anglo-French treaties of 1893 and 1904 divided Siam into spheres of influence. The country's economy was dominated by Great Britain. Siam managed to maintain state independence, incl. thanks to the support of Russia, diplomatic relations with which were established in 1897.
From ser. 19th century under the leadership of kings Mongkut - Rama IV (1851-68) and Chulalongkorn - Rama V (1868-1910), slavery was abolished, broad reforms were carried out to modernize the country, including reform of the state apparatus, legislation, army, education system, etc. At the same time, railways were built and capitalist entrepreneurship began to develop. Siam participated in World War I, declaring war on Germany and Austria on July 22, 1917. Until 1925, Siam concluded treaties abolishing the right of extraterritoriality for citizens of Western powers.
The bourgeois revolution of 1932 replaced the absolute monarchy with a constitutional one, the power of the king was limited, the hereditary aristocracy was pushed out of government, a parliament was created, and political parties appeared. A prominent democratic figure during this period was Pridi Phanomyong. The example of Japan gave rise to a desire in many Asian countries to gain independence from Western imperialism. Siam was not a colony, but suffered heavy territorial losses in the end. 19 - beginning 20th centuries The ruling circles had a desire to take revenge. In June 1939, Siam was renamed Muang Thai (Land of the Thais), or Thailand in English. At the same time, in June 1939, a friendship treaty was concluded with Japan, and in September of the same year, the government of Thailand presented the government of Vichy (France) with a demand to return the territories in Laos and Cambodia that had previously passed to France under the treaty of 1904. In 1941, diplomatic relations were restored relations with the USSR. In January 1942, when Japanese troops began to land in the country, Prime Minister Phibun Songkhram declared war on Great Britain and the United States. Thus, Thailand took part in the 2nd World War on the side of Japan. At the same time, the anti-Japanese Free Thai movement was created within the country and in the United States.
In 1946, an exchange of diplomatic missions took place with the USSR. In 1946 Siam joined the UN. A brief period of relative democracy in 1946-47 gave way to intense political struggle. The military coup on November 29, 1951 brought the military to power, who dealt with their political opponents. The reign of Marshal Sarit Thanarat (1959-63) was succeeded by that of General Thanom Kittikachon. In 1954, Thailand joined the SEATO military bloc, which determined the country's foreign and domestic policy for a long time. Thailand was an ally of the United States in the Korean War and Indochina. The leftist movement, primarily the Communist Party of Thailand (CPT), having been subjected to repression and being forced out of the political sphere, went into the jungle and from the beginning. 1960s led an armed struggle, which was supported by peasants in remote areas stricken by poverty. Until 1973, the country was dominated by military dictatorships, replacing each other as a result of military coups, the chain of which was interrupted by the student uprising of 1973. Students came out with demands to remove the triumvirate of military dictators Thanoma-Phraphat-Narong from power, to democratize society, and to achieve social justice in society. The reactionary coup of 1976 and severe repression of student leaders forced many of them to flee into the jungle and join the CPT rebel forces. The partisan struggle continued until the middle. 1980s, when the government took a number of social measures and declared an amnesty for those who would emerge from the jungle. The rapid economic growth of the 1970s-80s and social changes made it necessary for civic representatives of the new middle class to participate in politics and in the development of democratic institutions. At the same time, these changes did not completely resolve the problem of military participation in politics. The instability of the political system led to a new military coup in 1991. 1992-97 was characterized by governments based on unstable political coalitions. The economic crisis of 1997 led to the resignation of the cabinet of Chaowalit Yongchayut. The government of Chuan Leekpai, which failed to overcome the crisis on the recommendations of the IMF, was replaced as a result of the 2001 elections by Thaksin Shinawatra, whose Thai Rak Thai party, for the first time in the country's history, won a confident majority in parliament with a broad program of socio-economic measures to overcome the economic crisis. and formed a coalition government.
Government and political system of Thailand
The Kingdom of Thailand has been a constitutional monarchy since 1932. The latest 16th Constitution, adopted in 1997, significantly expands the rights of citizens, the possibility of their control over elections, and creates conditions for the fight against corruption in the country's political system. The head of state is the king, now Bhumiphon Adulyadej (Rama IX) of the Chakri dynasty. The king is the moral leader of the country, legitimizes power, and acts as a mediator in a political crisis. King Bhumibol Adulyadej and Queen Sirikit are highly respected by their subjects and especially loved by the peasants, which is largely due to the personal qualities of the royal couple and the social programs they patronize. The highest legislative body is a bicameral parliament, consisting of a House of Representatives (500 deputies) and a Senate (200 people), elected since 2000.
Within the framework of the parliamentary system, there are political parties, the oldest of which is the Democratic Party, others, as a rule, are created under a specific leader: “National Aspiration Party”, leader Chaowalit Yongchayut; "Chhat Pattana", leader Chatchai Chunhawan; “Thai Rak Thai”, leader Thaksin Shinawatra, etc. The winning party based on the results of the general elections forms the government.
Thailand is a unitary state divided into 72 provinces (changwat), which are divided into districts (ampe). Local authorities are under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and are appointed from the center. Recently, attempts have been made to decentralize power. According to legislative amendments (1998), the rights of city and municipal representative authorities are expanded. Largest cities (million people): Bangkok, Nakhon Ratchasima (2.54), Ubon Rachathani (1.77), Chiang Mai (1.59) (2000).
Economy of Thailand
Thailand is an agrarian-industrial country with a strong export orientation. The main agricultural crop: rice - irrigated (in the valley of the Chao Phraya River) and dry (on the Khorat Plateau). Traditional export goods were rice, rubber, and tin. Since the 1950s The country's economy has become one of the most diversified in Southeast Asia. In the 1950s On the basis of state capitalism, an export-substituting industry base was gradually created in the country; this process was generally completed by the 1970s. 1980s in accordance with the program of the World Bank, which provided loans, a program was implemented to stabilize the economy, its diversification, decentralization and cooperation between the public and private sectors, while at the same time creating an export-oriented industrial sector, primarily in the production of labor-intensive goods such as textiles, clothing, shoes, wood and wicker furniture, later - plastic goods, electrical appliances, the next stage is the assembly of electronics, cars, etc. In the end. 1990s The high-tech sector for the production of computer parts and parts for the automotive industry began to develop. Economic growth rate in the 1960s - 8%, in 1975-79 - 7.9%, in 1987-89 - 11.7%, in 1990-95 - 8.9%, in 1996 - 7%. Further development of high-tech industries requires modernization of infrastructure and training of qualified personnel.
Peg of the baht to the US dollar in the con. 1990s led to a decrease in the competitiveness of labor-intensive export industries. The balance of payments deficit and the influx of short-term portfolio investments created the conditions for the financial and economic crisis of 1997-98, provoked by international stock exchange speculators, which led to the destruction of the country's banking and financial system, caused numerous bankruptcies of Thai companies, and generated serious unemployment. The IMF recommendations given by Thailand generally amounted to deregulation, privatization of state-owned enterprises, and greater openness of the Thai economy to foreign capital. Under the current conditions, this threatened to displace local entrepreneurs from the economy of their country. The government led by Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra in 2001 proposed a number of measures aimed at protecting local entrepreneurship, developing the domestic market, encouraging entrepreneurial activity, creating the preconditions for restoring the banking system, stimulating agricultural producers, and reducing the severity of social problems.
The distribution of per capita income is uneven across provinces (in the northeast of the country it accounts for only 20% of the income of Bangkok residents), which causes social problems and requires greater attraction of capital to lagging areas of the country.
The total working-age population is 33.39 million people, 31.06 million people are employed in the national economy, of which (million people): in agriculture 14, in the mining industry 0.05, in the manufacturing industry 4.61, in construction 1.51, in public utilities 0.17, in trade 4.91, in transport and communications 0.97, in services 4.83, in other industries - 0.01. Unemployment in 1998-2001 decreased from 4.4 to 1.06%.
The share of agriculture in GDP is constantly declining: 1983 - 19.4%, 2000 - 11.2%. In addition to rice, the export of which Thailand ranks 1st in the world (in 2000 its exports amounted to 6.14 million tons), tapioca, canned fruits, frozen seafood, poultry, palm oil, rubber, flowers (orchids) are exported. .
The share of industry in GDP is 30-35%. This industry suffered from the crisis of 1997 (in 1996-2000, 20 thousand enterprises, or 16%, were closed). Restoration is difficult due to the low technological level and dependence on imported parts and components. The car assembly industry, which almost died as a result of the crisis, received an injection of 1 billion baht from the Japanese and American industrial groups Denso and Delphi. Production in the textile industry grew by 3.2% in 2000, and a World Bank loan was received to upgrade equipment, although textile exports face competition from Indonesia, China, and Bangladesh.
Tourism is the industry that generates the largest foreign exchange earnings. The "Visit Thailand" advertising campaign carried out in 1987/88 increased the number of tourists by 15%. After the 1997 crisis, the fall of the baht allowed the tourism industry to remain competitive. Good and extensive infrastructure, including hotels, restaurants, services, aggressive marketing, widespread advertising, and an increase in the number of flights to Thailand contribute to the successful development of the industry in 2000-03, with the number of tourist arrivals increasing by an average of 8.5% per year.
Since 1961, Thailand's economy has been developing in accordance with five-year plans. Each of them sets a main goal. Thus, in the 8th economic development plan in 1996-2001, the main attention was paid to the development of human resources, which included education reform, poverty alleviation, etc.
Thailand participates in international economic cooperation within ASEAN, APEC, and the Greater Mekong subregion. An agreement was reached on the creation of an ASEAN-PRC free trade zone and a bilateral Thailand-PRC free trade zone within 10 years.
Science and culture of Thailand
The first public education program was adopted in 1932. The modern public education system includes four levels: 1-2 years of preschool education; 6 years of compulsory primary education; 6 years of secondary education, which has two levels. The literacy rate is 93%, one of the highest in the East Asian region, third after South Korea and Hong Kong. Primary education is almost universal. But only 28% of students enroll in 2nd level school (one of the lowest rates in the region). 14% enroll in higher education (which is significantly higher than in other countries), but the majority go to vocational schools rather than universities. Less than 20% of university graduates specialize in science and technology (in Singapore - more than 50%) (all data for 1996). The largest universities in the country: Chulalongkorn (1917), Thammasat (1897), Ramkhamhaeng (1971), Kasetsat (1943), Sinlapakon, Asian Technological University (1960), etc.
Thai writing dates back to the 13th century, its creation is attributed to King Ramkhamhaeng, his famous inscription on a stone stele describing the state of the kingdom and the principles of government. Poetic styles developed in the 15th-18th centuries. The most popular epic works are “Ramakian”, “Khun Chang and Khun Pan”, “Inao”, “Phra Lo”, “Makhachhat”. The most famous classical poet Sunthon Phu (1786-1855), who developed new popular genres, author of the unique poem “Phra Apkhaimani” and other works.
The traditional plastic theater of masks - khon - originates from the theater of South India and ancient Cambodia. Lakon - traditional theater without masks, nang - shadow theater present plots of ancient and medieval classical works. Performances of all types of traditional theater are accompanied by a phiphat orchestra, singing, and recitative. Performers for traditional theater are trained from early childhood at the College of Dramatic Arts under the Ministry of Education.
Thai literature is not well known abroad, but there are many talented and interesting Thai authors. A classic of modern literature is Khulap Saipradit, who lived in the 20th century. The largest historian and literary critic of Thailand is considered to be Prince Damrong Rachanuphap (1862-1943), publisher and compiler of chronicles, collections of literary monuments, author of prefaces to historical and literary works and fundamental literary studies.
During Soviet times, a number of translations of literary works from Thai into Russian were made. Currently, many new writers have appeared. Some stories and novellas by Thai authors have been translated into English.
The architecture and fine arts of Thailand are deeply original, embodied in the palace and temple complex of Bangkok and historically associated with the cultures of ancient India, China, and Angkor. Architectural monuments and sculptures belong to different historical eras and artistic styles: Dvaravati, Lopburi, Chiang Saen, Sukhothai, U Thong, Ayuthaya, Ratthanakosin. Among the modern forms of art, painting and television drama (classical and modern) are developed. Thai cinema has recently become very popular among fans outside the country, including in Russia. Much attention is paid to preserving traditional handicraft production, incl. making silverware and the art of wood carving. The Thais have retained some traditional sports. The greatest popularity, incl. in the West, I acquired Thai boxing - Muay Thai. In the suburb of Bangkok - Rangsit, there is a Muay Thai Institute, where they train not only athletes from Thailand, but also foreign ones. The Institute's graduates include Phon Kingpet, the first Thai boxer to win a world flyweight title, and Phim Aranglek Sit Aran, who at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics became the first ever Thai boxer to win an Olympic gold medal.
The Kingdom of Thailand is a state in Southeast Asia. Thailand is the only country in its region that has never been colonized by Great Britain or. The capital of country - . The form of government is a constitutional monarchy. The national currency is Thai baht. The country's climate ranges from tropical in the north, subtropical in the central part to equatorial in the south.
The majority of the population is Thai (about 80 percent) and Lao. The ethnic composition is also represented by the Chinese, Khmers, Malays, and Vietnamese.
The vast majority of believers in Thailand profess Buddhism (94 percent), followed by Islam (about 4 percent), which is the main religion of ethnic Malays. The share of other religions - Christianity (Catholicism and Protestantism), Hinduism, Taoism, Confucianism - is quite small.
The official language of Thailand is Thai. Laotians speak, logically, in Lao, Malays speak in Malay. In addition, the Chinese population speaks southern Chinese dialects of their language. English is widely spoken and is an invariable attribute of business and tourist communication.
Indigenous people of Thailand
Thais are the indigenous people of Thailand, but others also live in the country. The Thais descended from the Mon-Khmers, an ancient people who lived on the Indochina mainland from time immemorial.
Thais have short stature, a thin build, narrow eyes, pitch-black hair and dark skin. It is curious that Thais consider pale skin a symbol of nobility and aristocracy. This means that a person with light skin spends a lot of time indoors, doing intellectual work, while people with dark skin either spend their time sunbathing on the beach or earn a living through hard physical labor. Thai clothes are quite simple: T-shirts, jeans, sandals. But Thai girls do not wear provocative bright outfits, stiletto heels, or rough makeup - this is the lot of the notorious Thai transvestites.
Buddhism left its mark on the national character of the Thais. Let us remember that this world religion teaches love for one’s neighbor, respect, compassion, and peace of mind. Therefore, Thais are friendly, polite, non-offensive, and are always ready to help foreign travelers. Thais are also very smiling (especially girls), they always give a smile to the person they meet. Those Thais who work in the field of tourist services know English perfectly, however, even ordinary residents, without knowing this language, will always be able to explain the way or show a person who can help you. Thais practically do not drink alcohol and smoke quite a bit. Thais are very hardworking and do not tolerate lazy people. In addition, many Thais do not take tips. I am pleased with the Thai unobtrusiveness in trade - traders will not forcefully push unnecessary goods.
Thais do not like manifestations of intemperance and rudeness, loud shouting (the Thais themselves speak quite quietly), ignorance of Thai traditions and laws. Insulting the King of Thailand is the height of discourtesy - the King is a symbol of independence and national pride of the Thai people, the custodian of religious traditions. If at the entrance to a temple or store there is a sign saying that you must take off your shoes here, then you should follow this instruction, otherwise you will simply not be allowed to proceed further. A sign of disrespect is touching a Thai’s head (the head, according to Buddhism, is the most spiritual part of the body); you should not stroke children on the top of their heads.
There is a widespread belief that in Thailand, tourists will find complete debauchery, sex, and so on. In fact, there is no such thing, and all sorts of erotic adventures, if desired, can be found in every country. And you don’t see the notorious same-sex couples in the country very often; ordinary Thais treat them very reservedly, there is no condemnation in their eyes.
Interestingly, most Thais are sure that tourists coming to their home country are entirely rich people. This is due to the fact that foreigners very often waste money left and right and overpay for goods.
Laotians in Thailand
We should also talk about the Lao people living in Thailand. It is curious that there are more Laotians in this country than in their own country - . The Laotians are similar in basic character traits and religion to the Thais. But there are also differences. Laotians are very conservative in their clothing and do not tolerate revealing outfits. Not all Laos like it when tourists ask to take photos with them, especially for money.
Thailand is one of the most popular countries for tourism, especially among Russian travelers. In some ways, Thais are very similar to Russians, which makes it easier to communicate together. Knowing the simple rules, you can win the favor of the Thais, and this will make your holiday in this amazing country easier.