Thailand Country Information

Fact and Figures

Location South eastern Asia, southeast of Burma (Myanmar)

Capital Bangkok

Population 66.4 million

People Thai 75%, Chinese 14%, other 11%

Language Thai, English, ethnic and regional dialects

Religion Buddhist 94.6%, Muslim 4.6%, Christian 0.7%, other 0.1%

Literacy rate 92.6%

Life expectancy 73.36 years

% Living below $1/day <2%

Thailand

Thailand, known as Siam until 1939, is affectionately known by Thais as the ‘land of a thousand smiles” and is in no small measure, derived from the warmth and hospitality of its people. It’s what makes Thailand one of the most popular Asian destinations for tourists all over the world-drawn by its pristine natural beauty, rich cultural heritage and generous people.

Although a mainly agrarian nation, its economic growth is largely attributed to the industrial and service sectors. Religion, the monarchy and the military have shaped Thai society and politics. However, strong military control in those formative years served to protect crime, drug dealing, prostitution and arms rackets and consecutive civilian governments have not succeeded in purging these elements from society. The tourist industry, while being invaluable for the economy, has also brought with it a different scourge, concentrated mainly in the capital, Bangkok. Over two million people derive their income from the sex industry and it is the centre of child prostitution: girls are kidnapped or sold into prostitution and brought to the city from rural areas and other countries, often to cater for the needs of foreign tourists. Many Thai children have also been lured into the drug business as users and as sellers. There are an estimated 35,000 street children and children who live in slums are targets of the drug rings.

Since 1970, Compassion has sought to rescue, protect and care for children robbed of a secure future in this nation. More than 33,650 children are now being assisted through over 239 church-based projects, releasing them from poverty in Jesus’ name.

Compassion Thailand currently has 9 Child Survival Programmes.

Over 33,650 children are currently being assisted in more than 239 Child Sponsorship Programmes in Thailand.

Compassion Thailand currently has 68 active Leadership Development Programme students.