Thailand Country Report
Thailand is a developing country in Southeast Asia and the second-largest economy in the region. For much of the past decade, political and class divisions have destabilized the country, leading to two coups, the most recent of which installed a military regime in 2014. The junta subsequently postponed the election several times, citing the need for security reforms before the vote could be held. Location. Elections were held in March 2019, with no party winning an outright majority, but retired general Prayuth Chan-o-cha as prime minister amid allegations that the junta rigged the electoral system to ensure long-term power. A civilian was chosen. – The duration of taking power
Despite the ongoing crackdown on officials suspected of corruption, corruption remains a concern for domestic and international businesses. Government measures to boost the economy are slow.
The separatist insurgency continues to cause security instability in southern Thailand, with occasional terrorist attacks in major urban centers including Bangkok. Neither military operations nor negotiations have so far led to a low-level resolution of the conflict. Disputes between various armed groups have also hindered efforts to reach a peace agreement with Thai authorities.
Petty theft and opportunistic crimes are a concern in Bangkok and popular tourist destinations across the country. Flooding is also a recurring problem in some parts of the country, especially during the monsoon season, and air pollution is a serious problem around Bangkok and northern Thailand. Rural areas lack access to health care.
Last updated: April 12, 2022
Security
Issues of armed conflict and terrorism have largely been concentrated in the deep south due to the separatist insurgency, although bombings have been reported in Bangkok and other parts of the country in recent years. Despite tighter security measures imposed by the military government, petty theft and opportunistic crime remain a concern in the Thai capital and popular tourist destinations. Restrictions on public gatherings after the 2014 coup significantly reduced levels of insecurity, but increased after the 2019 elections.
Last updated: May 16, 2022
Infrastructure
I have no major concerns about air travel.
The fatality rate of road accidents in Thailand is very high, and most accidents involve two- and three-wheeled vehicles. Compliance with traffic rules is low.
Ports are considered relatively efficient.
In Bangkok and major cities, electricity supply, mobile phone coverage, and internet connectivity are considered reliable, but in rural areas, the quality of such services is lower.
Cybercrime is a major threat in Thailand.
Last updated: August 15, 2023
Environment
Heavy rains and associated disturbances usually occur during the monsoon season, which usually lasts from May to October across the country, except on the southeast coast, where the rainy season lasts from October to February. In addition, some areas of the country are vulnerable not only to earthquakes but also to life-threatening tsunamis that can cause widespread destruction.
Last updated: May 16, 2022
Health and Medical
There are no major disease concerns in Thailand. In addition, although the country has well-equipped pharmacies and some hospitals with standards comparable to developed countries, these medical facilities are heavily concentrated in urban centers.
Last updated: September 7, 2022
Political
Elections were held in March 2019, and despite a long-standing promise of a transition to civilian rule, the military still wields considerable influence. A 2019 vote resulted in the appointment of retired general Prayut Chan-o-cha, who led a military coup in 2014, as civilian prime minister. Political opponents have been subjected to forced liquidation and restrictions on freedom of expression.
Thailand also suffers from high levels of corruption and weak rule of law, and international organizations have repeatedly accused the government of human rights violations.
Last updated: March 30, 2022
