Thailand

Government
Constitutional monarchy.

Geography
Thailand occupies the western half of the Indochinese peninsula and the northern two-thirds of the Malay Peninsula in southeast Asia.

Historical 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. Thailand is currently facing armed violence in its three Muslim-majority southernmost provinces. On 19 September 2006, Thai Military leaders orchestrated a coup in the country.

Name

Kingdom of Thailand

Capital

Bangkok1

Government

Parliamentary democracy and Constitutional monarchy-Monarch Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX)-Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva

Area

Total 513,120 km2 (50th) 198,115 sq mi    

Population

2010 estimate 67,089,500[2] (20th)-2000 census 60,606,947[3]         

Currency

Baht  (THB)