FTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO
Diplomatic representation in US:
chief of mission:
Ambassador PHIRAPHONG Kasemsi
chancery:
2300 Kalorama Road NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone:
(202) 483-7200
FAX:
(202) 234-4498
consulate(s) general:
Chicago, Los Angeles, and New York
US diplomatic representation:
chief of mission:
Ambassador David F. LAMBERTSON
embassy:
95 Wireless Road, Bangkok
mailing address:
APO AP 96546
telephone:
[66] (2) 252-5040
FAX:
[66] (2) 254-2990
consulate(s) general:
Chiang Mai
consulate(s):
Udorn (Udon Thani)
Flag:
five horizontal bands of red (top), white, blue (double width), white,
and red

@Thailand, Economy

Overview:
Thailand's economy recovered rapidly from the political unrest in May
1992 to post an impressive 7.5% growth rate for the year and 7.8% in
1993. One of the more advanced developing countries in Asia, Thailand
depends on exports of manufactures and the development of the service
sector to fuel the country's rapid growth. The trade and current
account deficits fell in 1992; much of Thailand's recent imports have
been for capital equipment suggesting that the export sector is poised
for further growth. With foreign investment slowing, Bangkok is
working to increase the generation of domestic capital. Prime Minister
CHUAN's government - Thailand's fifth government in less than two
years - is pledged to continue Bangkok's probusiness policies, and the
return of a democratically elected government has improved business
confidence. Nevertheless, CHUAN must overcome divisions within his
ruling coalition to complete much needed infrastructure development
programs if Thailand is to remain an attractive place for business
investment. Over the longer-term, Bangkok must produce more college
graduates with technical training and upgrade workers' skills to
continue its rapid economic development.
National product:
GDP - purchasing power equivalent - $323 billion (1993 est.)
National product real growth rate:
7.8% (1993 est.)
National product per capita:
$5,500 (1993 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices):
4.1% (1992 est.)
Unemployment rate:
3.1% (1992 est.)
Budget:
revenues:
$21.36 billion
expenditures:
$22.4 billion, including capital expenditures of $6.24 billion (1993
est.)
Exports:
$28.4 billion (f.o.b., 1992)
commodities:
machinery and manufactures 76.9%, agricultural products 14.9%,
fis