Thailand

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The recent visit of the Indian Prime Minister to Thailand has strengthened bilateral ties through multiple agreements and partnerships.

Thailand's Geographical and Political Significance

• Location: Centrally positioned in Mainland Southeast Asia, serving as a land and maritime bridge between India and ASEAN countries.
• Land Borders: Shares boundaries with Myanmar (NW), Laos (NE), Cambodia (E), and Malaysia (S).
• Water Bodies: Bordered by Andaman Sea (SW) and Gulf of Thailand (S) critical for Blue Economy and Maritime Security in Indo-Pacific.
• Capital: Bangkok
• Currency: Thai Baht (THB)
• Official Language: Thai
• Religion: Theravada Buddhism is practiced by 95% of the population.
• Thailand is a key pillar in India’s Act East Policy and Indo-Pacific Vision.

Geography of Thailand

• Mountains:
  • Highest Peak: Doi Inthanon (Approx. 2,565 m)
  • Other notable peaks: Doi Chiang Dao, Doi Luang Chiang Dao
• Major Rivers:
  • Chao Phraya River: Flows through Bangkok, crucial for transportation and irrigation.
  • Mekong River: Forms a natural border with Laos; one of the longest rivers in Southeast Asia.
  • Other Rivers: Mae Klong, Nan, Ping
• Climate: Influenced by Southwest and Northeast Monsoons
  • The Tropical Wet and Dry (Savanna) Climate (Köppen’s classification) dominates most areas.
  • Tropical Monsoon Climate in the south and east; some areas also have a Tropical Rainforest Climate.
• Natural Resources of Thailand:
  • Major Resources: Rubber, Rice, Tin, Natural Gas, Timber, Tungsten, Tantalum
  • Thailand is a leading global exporter of rubber, fruits, vegetables, and rice.
  • Other resources include lead, fish, gypsum, fluorite, and lignite.
• World Heritage Sites in Thailand;
  • Historic City of Ayutthaya
  • Sukhothai Historical Park
  • Wat Pho (Temple of the Reclining Buddha) – iconic Buddhist temple in Bangkok

Thailand FAQs

Q1. Where is Thailand located?
Ans. Thailand is a Southeast Asian country, sharing borders with Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia, and Malaysia, and has a coastline along the Andaman Sea and Gulf of Thailand.

Q2. What type of government does Thailand have?
Ans. Thailand is a constitutional monarchy with a king as the head of state and a democratically elected government.

Q3. What are Thailand’s major exports?
Ans. Thailand exports electronics, automobiles, rice, rubber, seafood, and textiles, making it one of Asia’s largest economies.

Q4. What is India’s relationship with Thailand?
Ans. India and Thailand have strong ties through ASEAN, BIMSTEC, Act East Policy, and maritime cooperation, with trade agreements and tourism partnerships.

Source: PIB