Thailand is situated in the heart of Southeast Asia, bordered by the Laos and Cambodia in the east; the Gulf of Thailand and Malaysia in the south; the Andaman Sea and Myanmar in the west; and Laos and Myanmar in the north. It is spread over 513,120 sq km.

The total population of Thailand was almost 66.6 million in 2019. Around 48.96 percent (32.61 million persons) were male and 50.98 percent (33.95 million persons) female. Most of the population lived in the northeastern region (33.05 percent), followed by the northern region (18.2 percent) and Bangkok (16.42 percent). Majority of the population are Buddhists, followed by Muslims and Christians.

Thailand has a mixed economy with the major economic sectors being agriculture, manufacturing, tourism, service and natural resource. Its GDP in 2019 was 16,879 billion baht. Its economic growth sectors include tourism, automotive and food manufacturing, which are supported by its well-developed transportation system, infrastructure and communications systems. A leading exporter of rubber, Thailand also exports crops such as rice, vegetables and fruits. It is also famous for its livestock exports, as well as exports of freshwater fish and marine fishery. Its industrial exports include agro-industry, textile, electric appliance and automobiles. Important natural resources like limestone, gypsum, glass, sand, marble, tin and natural gas also contribute to the economy.

Singapore and Thailand share a bilateral network known as the Singapore-Thailand Enhanced Economic Relationship. This is a platform for government agencies and private sectors to promote closer economic cooperation and deepen the level of contact and consultative process between the two countries.

Thailand’s key business sectors include infrastructure development and manufacturing. The government approved a 3.3 trillion baht (US$101 billion) Infrastructure Development Plan (2015–2022) that aims to improve Thailand’s transport links (railways, roads, water transportation, aviation and mass transit projects), both within Thailand and with its neighbours. Thailand has the fourth largest consumer market in ASEAN. Its unemployment rate is at a low one percent and the country has a purchasing power of an estimated US$6,000. In recent years, the purchasing power outside of capital city Bangkok has also grown. The Thai automotive sector is the largest in ASEAN. However, the industry has been impacted by the global shift towards electric vehicles (EVs) in recent years. Hence, the “Thai government is persistently trying to encourage the manufacturing of EVs and high-tech auto parts through promotion of incentive packages.”

Thailand is home to Buddhist temples, exotic wildlife and spectacular islands. It is also known for its fascinating history, unique culture and delectable local food. The tourism industry plays an important role in the Thai economy and contributes an estimated 18.4 percent to the national GDP. The tourism sector not only depends on foreign visitors but also domestic tourists whose number dwarfs that of foreign tourists. In 2019, Thailand had 39,797,406 visitors.

Thailand 4.0 is an economic model that aims to “unlock Thailand from several economic challenges and help the country break free from the middle-income trap”. It comprises four objectives: economic prosperity – to create a value-based economy that is driven by innovation, technology and creativity; social well-being – to create a society that moves forward without leaving anyone behind (inclusive society) through realisation of the full potential of all members of society; raising human values – to transform cost-effective labour into a skilled workforce; and environmental protection – to become a liveable society that possesses an economic system capable of adjusting to climate change and low carbon society.

Amongst all the South Asian destinations that tourists from all over the world love to visit, Thailand is by far the favourite. Popularly known as the ‘Land of Smiles’, Thailand is well-developed and provides all kinds of modern comforts, while still staying wild enough to offer adventures and once-in-a-lifetime travel experiences. Places to visit in Thailand have been greatly graced with a thriving tourism industry with ample vacation spots that are nothing less than bucket-list worthy. Thailand is well-connected via budget airlines and boasts an extensive train network that can take you from one point of interest to the next quickly and effectively. So, if you are searching for a great tropical destination for your next vacation, we’d suggest you check out the places to visit in Thailand. Thailand’s attractions are diverse, and each provides a rewarding and memorable experience in its own way. Whether you want to experience the islands in Thailand with their world-class beaches or the mountains towards the North, the rich wildlife and national parks, the bustling and energetic cities or simply some of the best street food in the world, Thailand offers something for everyone. Who knows, any one of these attractive tourist spots might become the venue for your Thailand destination wedding! Explore the rich heritage and culture, full moon parties, exotic beaches, enticing floating markets, and more at this unpredictable place called Thailand.