THB to AUD Live Rate

Southeastern Asia, bordering the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand, southeast of Burma

Oceania, continent between the Indian Ocean and the South Pacific Ocean

15 00 N, 100 00 E

27 00 S, 133 00 E

Southeast Asia

Oceania

total: 513,120 sq km

land: 510,890 sq km

water: 2,230 sq km

country comparison to the world: 52

total: 7,741,220 sq km

land: 7,682,300 sq km

water: 58,920 sq km

note: includes Lord Howe Island and Macquarie Island

country comparison to the world: 7

total: 5,673 km

border countries (4): Burma 2,416 km, Cambodia 817 km, Laos 1,845 km, Malaysia 595 km

0 km

3,219 km

25,760 km

territorial sea: 12 nm

exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

continental shelf: 200-m depth or to the depth of exploitation

territorial sea: 12 nm

contiguous zone: 24 nm

exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

continental shelf: 200 nm or to the edge of the continental margin

tropical; rainy, warm, cloudy southwest monsoon (mid-May to September); dry, cool northeast monsoon (November to mid-March); southern isthmus always hot and humid

generally arid to semiarid; temperate in south and east; tropical in north

central plain; Khorat Plateau in the east; mountains elsewhere

mostly low plateau with deserts; fertile plain in southeast

mean elevation: 287 m

elevation extremes: lowest point: Gulf of Thailand 0 m

highest point: Doi Inthanon 2,565 m

mean elevation: 330 m

elevation extremes: lowest point: Lake Eyre -15 m

highest point: Mount Kosciuszko 2,228 m

tin, rubber, natural gas, tungsten, tantalum, timber, lead, fish, gypsum, lignite, fluorite, arable land

bauxite, coal, iron ore, copper, tin, gold, silver, uranium, nickel, tungsten, rare earth elements, mineral sands, lead, zinc, diamonds, natural gas, petroleum

note: Australia is the world's largest net exporter of coal accounting for 29% of global coal exports

agricultural land: 41.2%

arable land 30.8%; permanent crops 8.8%; permanent pasture 1.6%

forest: 37.2%

other: 21.6% (2011 est.)

agricultural land: 53.4%

arable land 6.2%; permanent crops 0.1%; permanent pasture 47.1%

forest: 19.3%

other: 27.3% (2014 est.)

64,150 sq km (2012)

25,500 sq km (2012)

highest population density is found in and around Bangkok; significant population clusters found throughout large parts of the country, particularly north and northeast of Bangkok and in the extreme southern region of the country

population is primarily located on the periphery, with the highest concentration of people residing in the southeast; a secondary population center is located in and around Perth in the west; of the States and Territories, New South Wales has, by far, the largest population; the interior, or "outback", has a very sparse population

land subsidence in Bangkok area resulting from the depletion of the water table; droughts

cyclones along the coast; severe droughts; forest fires

volcanism: volcanic activity on Heard and McDonald Islands

air pollution from vehicle emissions; water pollution from organic and factory wastes; deforestation; soil erosion; wildlife populations threatened by illegal hunting

soil erosion from overgrazing, deforestation, industrial development, urbanization, and poor farming practices; soil salinity rising due to the use of poor quality water; desertification; clearing for agricultural purposes threatens the natural habitat of many unique animal and plant species; the Great Barrier Reef off the northeast coast, the largest coral reef in the world, is threatened by increased shipping and its popularity as a tourist site; limited natural freshwater resources; drought, overfishing, pollution, and invasive species are also problems

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Marine Life Conservation, Ozone Layer Protection, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: Law of the Sea

party to: Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Antarctic-Marine Living Resources, Antarctic Seals, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Marine Life Conservation, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands, Whaling

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

controls only land route from Asia to Malaysia and Singapore; ideas for the construction of a canal across the Kra Isthmus that would create a bypass to the Strait of Malacca and shorten shipping times around Asia continue to be discussed

world's smallest continent but sixth-largest country; the largest country in Oceania, the largest country entirely in the Southern Hemisphere, and the largest country without land borders; the only continent without glaciers; population concentrated along the eastern and southeastern coasts; the invigorating sea breeze known as the "Fremantle Doctor" affects the city of Perth on the west coast and is one of the most consistent winds in the world

68,414,135

note: estimates for this country explicitly take into account the effects of excess mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lower life expectancy, higher infant mortality, higher death rates, lower population growth rates, and changes in the distribution of population by age and sex than would otherwise be expected (July 2017 est.)

country comparison to the world: 20

23,232,413 (July 2017 est.)

country comparison to the world: 56

noun: Thai (singular and plural)

adjective: Thai

noun: Australian(s)

adjective: Australian

Thai 97.5%, Burmese 1.3%, other 1.1%, unspecified <.1% (2015 est.)

English 25.9%, Australian 25.4%, Irish 7.5%, Scottish 6.4%, Italian 3.3%, German 3.2%, Chinese 3.1%, Indian 1.4%, Greek 1.4%, Dutch 1.2%, other 15.8% (includes Australian aboriginal .5%), unspecified 5.4%

note: data represent self-identified ancestry, over a third of respondents reported two ancestries (2011 est.)

Thai (official) 90.7%, Burmese 1.3%, other 8%

note: English is a secondary language of the elite (2010 est.)

English 76.8%, Mandarin 1.6%, Italian 1.4%, Arabic 1.3%, Greek 1.2%, Cantonese 1.2%, Vietnamese 1.1%, other 10.4%, unspecified 5% (2011 est.)

Buddhist 94.6%, Muslim 4.3%, Christian 1%, other <.1%, none <.1% (2015 est.)

Protestant 23.1% (Anglican 13.3%, Uniting Church 3.7%, Presbyterian and Reformed 2.3%, Baptist 1.5%, Pentecostal 1.1%, Lutheran .7%, other Protestant .5%), Roman Catholic 22.6%, other Christian 4.2%, Muslim 2.6%, Buddhist 2.4%, Orthodox 2.3% (Eastern Orthodox 2.1%, Oriental Orthodox .2%), Hindu 1.9%, other 1.3%, none 30.1%, unspecified 9.6% (2016 est.)

total dependency ratio: 40

youth dependency ratio: 25.2

elderly dependency ratio: 14.8

potential support ratio: 6.8 (2015 est.)

total dependency ratio: 51.1

youth dependency ratio: 28.5

elderly dependency ratio: 22.6

potential support ratio: 4.4 (2015 est.)

total: 37.7 years

male: 36.6 years

female: 38.7 years (2017 est.)

country comparison to the world: 65

total: 38.7 years

male: 37.9 years

female: 39.5 years (2017 est.)

country comparison to the world: 58

0.3% (2017 est.)

country comparison to the world: 171

1.03% (2017 est.)

country comparison to the world: 110

11 births/1,000 population (2017 est.)

country comparison to the world: 179

12.1 births/1,000 population (2017 est.)

country comparison to the world: 165

8 deaths/1,000 population (2017 est.)

country comparison to the world: 91

7.3 deaths/1,000 population (2017 est.)

country comparison to the world: 119

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2017 est.)

country comparison to the world: 98

5.5 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2017 est.)

country comparison to the world: 21

highest population density is found in and around Bangkok; significant population clusters found througout large parts of the country, particularly north and northeast of Bangkok and in the extreme southern region of the country

population is primarily located on the periphery, with the highest concentration of people residing in the southeast; a secondary population center is located in and around Perth in the west; of the States and Territories, New South Wales has, by far, the largest population; the interior, or "outback", has a very sparse population

urban population: 52.7% of total population (2017)

rate of urbanization: 2.2% annual rate of change (2015-20 est.)

urban population: 89.7% of total population (2017)

rate of urbanization: 1.37% annual rate of change (2015-20 est.)

note: data include Christmas Island, Cocos Islands, and Norfolk Island

BANGKOK (capital) 9.27 million; Samut Prakan 1.814 million (2015)

Sydney 4.505 million; Melbourne 4.203 million; Brisbane 2.202 million; Perth 1.861 million; Adelaide 1.256 million; CANBERRA (capital) 423,000 (2015)

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

0-14 years: 1.05 male(s)/female

15-24 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

25-54 years: 0.98 male(s)/female

55-64 years: 0.89 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.78 male(s)/female

total population: 0.97 male(s)/female (2017 est.)

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

0-14 years: 1.05 male(s)/female

15-24 years: 1.05 male(s)/female

25-54 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

55-64 years: 0.98 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.86 male(s)/female

total population: 1.01 male(s)/female (2017 est.)

23.3 years (2009 est.)

28.7 years (2014 est.)

20 deaths/100,000 live births (2015 est.)

country comparison to the world: 129

6 deaths/100,000 live births (2015 est.)

country comparison to the world: 166

total: 9.2 deaths/1,000 live births

male: 10.1 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 8.2 deaths/1,000 live births (2017 est.)

country comparison to the world: 146

total: 4.3 deaths/1,000 live births

male: 4.6 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 3.9 deaths/1,000 live births (2017 est.)

country comparison to the world: 184

total population: 74.9 years

male: 71.7 years

female: 78.3 years (2017 est.)

country comparison to the world: 116

total population: 82.3 years

male: 79.8 years

female: 84.9 years (2017 est.)

country comparison to the world: 14

1.52 children born/woman (2017 est.)

country comparison to the world: 194

1.77 children born/woman (2017 est.)

country comparison to the world: 156

79.3% (2012)

67.8%

note: percent of women aged 18-45 (2011)

6.5% of GDP (2014)

country comparison to the world: 92

9.4% of GDP (2014)

country comparison to the world: 32

0.47 physicians/1,000 population (2015)

3.5 physicians/1,000 population (2015)

2.1 beds/1,000 population (2010)

3.8 beds/1,000 population (2014)

improved:

urban: 97.6% of population

rural: 98% of population

total: 97.8% of population

unimproved:

urban: 2.4% of population

rural: 2% of population

total: 2.2% of population (2015 est.)

improved:

urban: 100% of population

rural: 100% of population

total: 100% of population

unimproved:

urban: 0% of population

rural: 0% of population

total: 0% of population (2015 est.)

improved:

urban: 89.9% of population

rural: 96.1% of population

total: 93% of population

unimproved:

urban: 10.1% of population

rural: 3.9% of population

total: 7% of population (2015 est.)

improved:

urban: 100% of population

rural: 100% of population

total: 100% of population

unimproved:

urban: 0% of population

rural: 0% of population

total: 0% of population (2015 est.)

1.1% (2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 40

0.1% (2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 100

450,000 (2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 16

25,000 (2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 69

16,000 (2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 16

<500 (2016 est.)

degree of risk: very high

food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea

vectorborne diseases: dengue fever, Japanese encephalitis, and malaria (2016)

10% (2016)

country comparison to the world: 140

29% (2016)

country comparison to the world: 27

9.2% (2012)

country comparison to the world: 71

0.2% (2007)

country comparison to the world: 138

4.1% of GDP (2013)

country comparison to the world: 47

5.2% of GDP (2014)

country comparison to the world: 56

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 92.9%

male: 94.7%

female: 91.2% (2015 est.)

total: 16 years

male: 16 years

female: 16 years (2015)

total: 20 years

male: 20 years

female: 21 years (2014)

total: 0.9%

male: 0.8%

female: 1.1% (2015 est.)

country comparison to the world: 159

total: 12.7%

male: 13.9%

female: 11.4% (2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 104

conventional long form: Kingdom of Thailand

conventional short form: Thailand

local long form: Ratcha Anachak Thai

local short form: Prathet Thai

former: Siam

etymology: "Land of the Tai [People]"; the meaning of "tai" is uncertain, but may originally have meant "human beings," "people," or "free people"

conventional long form: Commonwealth of Australia

conventional short form: Australia

etymology: the name Australia derives from the Latin "australis" meaning "southern"; the Australian landmass was long referred to as "Terra Australis" or the Southern Land

constitutional monarchy; note - interim military-affiliated government since May 2014

parliamentary democracy (Federal Parliament) under a constitutional monarchy; a Commonwealth realm

name: Bangkok

geographic coordinates: 13 45 N, 100 31 E

time difference: UTC+7 (12 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)

name: Canberra

geographic coordinates: 35 16 S, 149 08 E

time difference: UTC+10 (15 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)

daylight saving time: +1hr, begins first Sunday in October; ends first Sunday in April

note: Australia has three time zones

76 provinces (changwat, singular and plural) and 1 municipality* (maha nakhon); Amnat Charoen, Ang Thong, Bueng Kan, Buri Ram, Chachoengsao, Chai Nat, Chaiyaphum, Chanthaburi, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Chon Buri, Chumphon, Kalasin, Kamphaeng Phet, Kanchanaburi, Khon Kaen, Krabi, Krung Thep* (Bangkok), Lampang, Lamphun, Loei, Lop Buri, Mae Hong Son, Maha Sarakham, Mukdahan, Nakhon Nayok, Nakhon Pathom, Nakhon Phanom, Nakhon Ratchasima, Nakhon Sawan, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Nan, Narathiwat, Nong Bua Lamphu, Nong Khai, Nonthaburi, Pathum Thani, Pattani, Phangnga, Phatthalung, Phayao, Phetchabun, Phetchaburi, Phichit, Phitsanulok, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Phrae, Phuket, Prachin Buri, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Ranong, Ratchaburi, Rayong, Roi Et, Sa Kaeo, Sakon Nakhon, Samut Prakan, Samut Sakhon, Samut Songkhram, Saraburi, Satun, Sing Buri, Si Sa Ket, Songkhla, Sukhothai, Suphan Buri, Surat Thani, Surin, Tak, Trang, Trat, Ubon Ratchathani, Udon Thani, Uthai Thani, Uttaradit, Yala, Yasothon

6 states and 2 territories*; Australian Capital Territory*, New South Wales, Northern Territory*, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria, Western Australia

1238 (traditional founding date; never colonized)

1 January 1901 (from the federation of UK colonies)

Birthday of King WACHIRALONGKON, 28 July (1952)

Australia Day (commemorates the arrival of the First Fleet of Australian settlers), 26 January (1788); ANZAC Day (commemorates the anniversary of the landing of troops of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps during World War I at Gallipoli, Turkey), 25 April (1915)

history: many previous; latest completed 29 March 2016, approved by referendum 7 August 2016, signed into law by the king 6 April 2017

amendments: proposed as a joint resolution by the Council of Ministers and the National Council for Peace and Order (the junta that has ruled Thailand since the 2014 coup) and submitted as a draft to the National Legislative Assembly; passage requires majority vote of the existing Assembly members and presentation to the monarch for assent and countersignature by the prime minister (2017)

history: approved in a series of referenda 1898 through 1900, became law 9 July 1900, effective 1 January 1901

amendments: proposed by Parliament; passage requires approval of a referendum bill by absolute majority vote in both houses of Parliament, approval in a referendum by a majority of voters in at least four states and in the territories, and Royal Assent; proposals that would reduce a state’s representation in either house or change a state’s boundaries require that state’s approval prior to Royal Assent; amended several times, last in 1977 (2017)

civil law system with common law influences

common law system based on the English model

has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; non-party state to the ICCt

accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; accepts ICCt jurisdiction

citizenship by birth: no

citizenship by descent only: at least one parent must be a citizen of Thailand

dual citizenship recognized: no

residency requirement for naturalization: 5 years

citizenship by birth: no

citizenship by descent only: at least one parent must be a citizen or permanent resident of Australia

dual citizenship recognized: yes

residency requirement for naturalization: 4 years

18 years of age; universal and compulsory

18 years of age; universal and compulsory

chief of state: King WACHIRALONGKON Bodinthrathepphayawarangkun, also spelled Vajiralongkorn Bodindradebayavarangkun (since 1 December 2016); note - King PHUMIPHON Adunyadet, also spelled BHUMIBOL Adulyadej (since 9 June 1946) died 13 October 2016

head of government: Interim Prime Minister Gen. PRAYUT Chan-ocha (since 25 August 2014); Deputy Prime Ministers PRAWIT Wongsuwan, Gen. (since 31 August 2014), WISSANU Kruea-ngam (since 31 August 2014), SOMKHIT Chatusiphithak (since 20 August 2015), PRACHIN Chantong, Air Chief Mar. (since 20 August 2015), CHATCHAI Sarikan, Gen. (since 23 November 2017)

cabinet: Council of Ministers nominated by the prime minister, appointed by the king; a Privy Council advises the king

elections/appointments: the monarchy is hereditary; the House of Representatives approves a person for Prime Minister who must then be appointed by the King (as stated in the transitory provision of the 2017 constitution); the office of prime minister can be held for up to a total of 8 years

note: Gen. Prayut Chan-ocha was appointed interim prime minister in August 2014, three months after he staged the coup that removed the previously elected government of Prime Minister YINGLAK Chinnawat

chief of state: Queen of Australia ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952); represented by Governor Gen. Sir Peter COSGROVE (since 28 March 2014)

head of government: Prime Minister Malcolm TURNBULL (since 15 September 2015)

cabinet: Cabinet nominated by the prime minister from among members of Parliament and sworn in by the governor general

elections/appointments: the monarchy is hereditary; governor general appointed by the monarch on the recommendation of the prime minister; following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party or majority coalition is sworn in as prime minister by the governor general

description: in transition; following the May 2014 military coup, a junta-appointed National Legislative Assembly or Sapha Nitibanyat Haeng Chat of no more than 220 members replaced the bicameral National Assembly; expanded to 250 members in September 2016; elections for a permanent legislative body were announced for November 2018; the 2017 constitution calls for a 250-member military-appointed Senate with 5-year terms and a 500-member elected House of Representatives with 4-year terms

elections: Senate - last held on 30 March 2014 but invalidated by the coup (in future, members will be appointed); House of Representatives - last held on 2 February 2014 but later declared invalid by the Constitutional Court (next to be held no later than February 2019)

election results: Senate - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - NA; House of Representatives - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - NA

description: bicameral Federal Parliament consists of the Senate (76 seats; 12 members from each of the 6 states and 2 each from the 2 mainland territories; members directly elected in multi-seat constituencies by proportional representation vote; members serve 6-year terms with one-half of state membership renewed every 3 years and territory membership renewed every 3 years) and the House of Representatives (150 seats; members directly elected in single-seat constituencies by majority preferential vote; members serve terms of up to 3 years)

elections: Senate - last held on 2 July 2016 (next to be held in 2019); House of Representatives - last held on 2 July 2016; this election represents a rare double dissolution where all 226 seats in both the Senate and House of Representatives are up for reelection

election results: Senate - percent of vote by party - Liberal/National Coalition 35.2%, ALP 29.8%, the Greens 8.7%, Pauline Hanson's One Nation 4.3%, Nick Xenophon Team 3.3%, other 18.7%; seats by party - Liberal/National Coalition 30, ALP 26, The Greens 9, Pauline Hanson's One Nation 4, Nick Xenophon Team 3, other 4; House of Representatives - percent of vote by party - Liberal/National Coalition 42%, ALP 34.7%, The Greens 10.2%, Nick Xenophon Team 1.9%. Katter's Australian Party 0.5%, independent 2.8%, other 7.8%; seats by party - Liberal/National Coalition 76, ALP 69, The Greens 1, Katter's Australian Party 1, Nick Xenophon Team 1, independent 2

highest court(s): Supreme Court of Justice (consists of court president, 6 vice-presidents, and 60-70 judges, and organized into 10 divisions); Constitutional Court (consists of court president and 8 judges); Supreme Administrative Court (number of judges determined by Judicial Commission of the Administrative Courts)

judge selection and term of office: Supreme Court judges selected by the Judicial Commission of the Courts of Justice and approved by the monarch; judge term determined by the monarch; Constitutional Court justices - 3 judges drawn from the Supreme Court, 2 judges drawn from the Administrative Court, and 4 judge candidates selected by the Selective Committee for Judges of the Constitutional Court and confirmed by the Senate; judges appointed by the monarch to serve single 9-year terms; Supreme Administrative Court judges selected by the Judicial Commission of the Administrative Courts and appointed by the monarch; judges appointed for life

subordinate courts: courts of first instance and appeals courts within both the judicial and administrative systems; military courts

highest court(s): High Court of Australia (consists of 7 justices, including the chief justice); note - each of the 6 states, 2 territories, and Norfolk Island has a Supreme Court; the High Court is the final appellate court beyond the state and territory supreme courts

judge selection and term of office: justices appointed by the governor-general in council for life with mandatory retirement at age 70

subordinate courts: subordinate courts: subordinate courts at the federal level: Federal Court; Federal Magistrates' Courts of Australia; Family Court; subordinate courts at the state and territory level: Local Court - New South Wales; Magistrates' Courts – Victoria, Queensland, South Australia, Western Australia, Tasmania, Northern Territory, Australian Capital Territory; District Courts – New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Western Australia; County Court – Victoria; Family Court – Western Australia; Court of Petty Sessions – Norfolk Island

note: as of 5 April 2018, 98 new parties applied to be registered with the Election Commission, in accordance with the provisions of the new organic law on political parties

Chat Thai Phatthana Party or CTP (Thai Nation Development Party)

Phumchai (Bhumjai) Thai Party or PJT (Thai Pride) [ANUTHIN Chanwirakun]

Puea Thai Party (For Thais Party) or PTP [acting leader WIROT Paoin]

Prachathipat Party or DP (Democrat Party) [ABHISIT Wechachiwa, also spelled ABHISIT Vejjajiva]

Australian Greens Party [Richard DI NATALE]

Australian Labor Party [Bill SHORTEN]

Country Liberal Party or CLP [Gary HIGGINS]

Liberal National Party of Queensland or LNP [Deborah FRECKLINGTON]

Liberal Party of Australia [Malcolm TURNBULL]

The Nationals [Michael MCCORMACK]

Nick Xenophon Team [Nick XENOPHON]

Pauline Hanson’s One Nation [Pauline HANSON]

Democracy Restoration Group (formerly the New Democracy Movement)

People's Democratic Reform Committee or PDRC

United Front for Democracy Against Dictatorship or UDD

business groups, environmental groups, social groups, trade unions

ADB, APEC, ARF, ASEAN, BIMSTEC, BIS, CD, CICA, CP, EAS, FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (national committees), ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), MIGA, NAM, OAS (observer), OIC (observer), OIF (observer), OPCW, OSCE (partner), PCA, PIF (partner), UN, UNAMID, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNMOGIP, UNOCI, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

ADB, ANZUS, APEC, ARF, ASEAN (dialogue partner), Australia Group, BIS, C, CD, CP, EAS, EBRD, EITI (implementing country), FAO, FATF, G-20, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (national committees), ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IEA, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), MIGA, NEA, NSG, OECD, OPCW, OSCE (partner), Pacific Alliance (observer), Paris Club, PCA, PIF, SAARC (observer), SICA (observer), Sparteca, SPC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNMISS, UNMIT, UNRWA, UNTSO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC

chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Charge d'Affaires PHATTHARAWAN Wetchasat (since 27 October 2017)

chancery: 1024 Wisconsin Avenue NW, Suite 401, Washington, DC 20007

telephone: [1] (202) 944-3600

FAX: [1] (202) 944-3611

consulate(s) general: Chicago, Los Angeles, New York

chief of mission: Ambassador Joseph Benedict HOCKEY (since 28 January 2016)

chancery: 1601 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20036

telephone: [1] (202) 797-3000

FAX: [1] (202) 797-3168

consulate(s) general: Atlanta, Chicago, Honolulu, Houston, Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco

chief of mission: Ambassador Glyn T. DAVIES (since 28 November 2015)

embassy: 95 Wireless Road, Bangkok 10330

mailing address: APO AP 96546

telephone: [66] (2) 205-4000

FAX: [66] (2) 254-2990, 205-4131

consulate(s) general: Chiang Mai

chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Charge d'Affaires James CAROUSO (since September 2016)

embassy: Moonah Place, Yarralumla, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory 2600

mailing address: APO AP 96549

telephone: [61] (02) 6214-5600

FAX: [61] (02) 6214-5970

consulate(s) general: Melbourne, Perth, Sydney

five horizontal bands of red (top), white, blue (double width), white, and red; the red color symbolizes the nation and the blood of life; white represents religion and the purity of Buddhism; blue stands for the monarchy

note: similar to the flag of Costa Rica but with the blue and red colors reversed

blue with the flag of the UK in the upper hoist-side quadrant and a large seven-pointed star in the lower hoist-side quadrant known as the Commonwealth or Federation Star, representing the federation of the colonies of Australia in 1901; the star depicts one point for each of the six original states and one representing all of Australia's internal and external territories; on the fly half is a representation of the Southern Cross constellation in white with one small, five-pointed star and four larger, seven-pointed stars

garuda (mythical half-man, half-bird figure), elephant; national colors: red, white, blue

Commonwealth Star (seven-pointed Star of Federation), golden wattle tree; national colors: green, gold

name: "Phleng Chat Thai" (National Anthem of Thailand)

lyrics/music: Luang SARANUPRAPAN/Phra JENDURIYANG

note: music adopted 1932, lyrics adopted 1939; by law, people are required to stand for the national anthem at 0800 and 1800 every day; the anthem is played in schools, offices, theaters, and on television and radio during this time; "Phleng Sanlasoen Phra Barami" (A Salute to the Monarch) serves as the royal anthem and is played in the presence of the royal family and during certain state ceremonies

name: "Advance Australia Fair"

lyrics/music: Peter Dodds McCORMICK

note: adopted 1984; although originally written in the late 19th century, the anthem was not used for all official occasions until 1984; as a Commonwealth country, in addition to the national anthem, "God Save the Queen" is also played at Royal functions (see United Kingdom)

Ashmore and Cartier Islands, Christmas Island, Cocos (Keeling) Islands, Coral Sea Islands, Heard Island and McDonald Islands, Norfolk Island

With a relatively well-developed infrastructure, a free-enterprise economy, and generally pro-investment policies, Thailand is highly dependent on international trade, with exports accounting for about two-thirds of GDP. Thailand’s exports include electronics, agricultural commodities, automobiles and parts, and processed foods. The industry and service sectors produce about 90% of GDP. The agricultural sector, comprised mostly of small-scale farms, contributes only 10% of GDP but employs about one-third of the labor force. Thailand has attracted an estimated 3.0-4.5 million migrant workers, mostly from neighboring countries.

Over the last few decades, Thailand has reduced poverty substantially. In 2013, the Thai Government implemented a nationwide 300 baht (roughly $10) per day minimum wage policy and deployed new tax reforms designed to lower rates on middle-income earners.

Thailand’s economy is recovering from slow growth during the years since the 2014 coup. Thailand’s economic fundamentals are sound, with low inflation, low unemployment, and reasonable public and external debt levels. Tourism and government spending - mostly on infrastructure and short-term stimulus measures – have helped to boost the economy, and The Bank of Thailand has been supportive, with several interest rate reductions.

Over the longer-term, household debt levels, political uncertainty, and an aging population pose risks to growth.

Following two decades of continuous growth, low unemployment, contained inflation, very low public debt, and a strong and stable financial system, Australia enters 2018 facing a range of growth constraints, principally driven by the sharp fall in global prices of key export commodities. Demand for resources and energy from Asia and especially China is growing at a slower pace and sharp drops in export prices have impacted growth.

The services sector is the largest part of the Australian economy, accounting for about 70% of GDP and 75% of jobs. Australia was comparatively unaffected by the global financial crisis as the banking system has remained strong and inflation is under control.

Australia benefited from a dramatic surge in its terms of trade in recent years, although this trend has reversed due to falling global commodity prices. Australia is a significant exporter of natural resources, energy, and food. Australia's abundant and diverse natural resources attract high levels of foreign investment and include extensive reserves of coal, iron, copper, gold, natural gas, uranium, and renewable energy sources. A series of major investments, such as the US$40 billion Gorgon Liquid Natural Gas Project, will significantly expand the resources sector.

Australia is an open market with minimal restrictions on imports of goods and services. The process of opening up has increased productivity, stimulated growth, and made the economy more flexible and dynamic. Australia plays an active role in the WTO, APEC, the G20, and other trade forums. Australia’s free trade agreement (FTA) with China entered into force in 2015, adding to existing FTAs with the Republic of Korea, Japan, Chile, Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore, Thailand, and the US, and a regional FTA with ASEAN and New Zealand. Australia continues to negotiate bilateral agreements with Indonesia, as well as larger agreements with its Pacific neighbors and the Gulf Cooperation Council countries, and an Asia-wide Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership that includes the 10 ASEAN countries and China, Japan, Korea, New Zealand and India.

$1.229 trillion (2017 est.)

$1.185 trillion (2016 est.)

$1.148 trillion (2015 est.)

note: data are in 2017 dollars

country comparison to the world: 21

$1.235 trillion (2017 est.)

$1.209 trillion (2016 est.)

$1.179 trillion (2015 est.)

note: data are in 2017 dollars

country comparison to the world: 20

$437.8 billion (2017 est.)

$1.39 trillion (2017 est.)

3.7% (2017 est.)

3.2% (2016 est.)

2.9% (2015 est.)

country comparison to the world: 84

2.2% (2017 est.)

2.5% (2016 est.)

2.4% (2015 est.)

country comparison to the world: 146

$17,800 (2017 est.)

$17,200 (2016 est.)

$16,700 (2015 est.)

note: data are in 2017 dollars

country comparison to the world: 97

$49,900 (2017 est.)

$49,600 (2016 est.)

$49,100 (2015 est.)

note: data are in 2017 dollars

country comparison to the world: 28

32.8% of GDP (2017 est.)

33.5% of GDP (2016 est.)

30.3% of GDP (2015 est.)

country comparison to the world: 19

22.3% of GDP (2017 est.)

21.9% of GDP (2016 est.)

22.1% of GDP (2015 est.)

country comparison to the world: 72

household consumption: 50.1%

government consumption: 17%

investment in fixed capital: 24.2%

investment in inventories: -7%

exports of goods and services: 70.4%

imports of goods and services: -54.7% (2017 est.)

household consumption: 57.1%

government consumption: 19%

investment in fixed capital: 24.2%

investment in inventories: 0%

exports of goods and services: 20.5%

imports of goods and services: -20.8% (2017 est.)

agriculture: 8.2%

industry: 36.2%

services: 55.6% (2017 est.)

agriculture: 3.6%

industry: 26.1%

services: 70.3% (2017 est.)

rice, cassava (manioc, tapioca), rubber, corn, sugarcane, coconuts, palm oil, pineapple, livestock, fish products

wheat, barley, sugarcane, fruits; cattle, sheep, poultry

tourism, textiles and garments, agricultural processing, beverages, tobacco, cement, light manufacturing such as jewelry and electric appliances, computers and parts, integrated circuits, furniture, plastics, automobiles and automotive parts, agricultural machinery, air conditioning and refrigeration, ceramics, aluminum, chemical, environmental management, glass, granite and marble, leather, machinery and metal work, petrochemical, petroleum refining, pharmaceuticals, printing, pulp and paper, rubber, sugar, rice, fishing, cassava, world's second-largest tungsten producer and third-largest tin producer

mining, industrial and transportation equipment, food processing, chemicals, steel

3.6% (2017 est.)

country comparison to the world: 79

1% (2017 est.)

country comparison to the world: 170

38.37 million (2017 est.)

country comparison to the world: 17

12.91 million (2017 est.)

country comparison to the world: 45

agriculture: 31.8%

industry: 16.7%

services: 51.5% (2015 est.)

agriculture: 3.6%

industry: 21.1%

services: 75.3% (2009 est.)

0.7% (2017 est.)

0.8% (2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 4

5.6% (2017 est.)

5.7% (2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 79

7.2% (2015 est.)

NA%

lowest 10%: 2.8%

highest 10%: 31.5% (2009 est.)

lowest 10%: 2%

highest 10%: 25.4% (1994 est.)

44.5 (2015 est.)

48.4 (2011 est.)

country comparison to the world: 44

30.3 (2008 est.)

35.2 (1994 est.)

country comparison to the world: 132

revenues: $79.6 billion

expenditures: $90.56 billion (2017 est.)

revenues: $461 billion

expenditures: $484.9 billion (2017 est.)

18.2% of GDP (2017 est.)

country comparison to the world: 166

33.2% of GDP (2017 est.)

country comparison to the world: 66

-2.5% of GDP (2017 est.)

country comparison to the world: 99

-1.7% of GDP (2017 est.)

country comparison to the world: 73

44.1% of GDP (2017 est.)

41.2% of GDP (2016 est.)

note: data cover general government debt, and includes debt instruments issued (or owned) by government entities other than the treasury; the data include treasury debt held by foreign entities; the data include debt issued by subnational entities, as well as intra-governmental debt; intra-governmental debt consists of treasury borrowings from surpluses in the social funds, such as for retirement, medical care, and unemployment; debt instruments for the social funds are sold at public auctions

country comparison to the world: 121

47.1% of GDP (2017 est.)

46.6% of GDP (2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 111

1 October - 30 September

1 July - 30 June

0.6% (2017 est.)

0.2% (2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 21

2% (2017 est.)

1.3% (2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 89

1.5% (31 December 2016 est.)

1.5% (31 December 2015 est.)

country comparison to the world: 121

3% (28 February 2013 est.)

4.35% (31 December 2010 est.)

note: this is the Reserve Bank of Australia's "cash rate target," or policy rate

country comparison to the world: 107

6.2% (31 December 2017 est.)

6.31% (31 December 2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 125

5.3% (31 December 2017 est.)

5.42% (31 December 2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 140

$56.36 billion (31 December 2017 est.)

$52.03 billion (31 December 2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 51

$271.9 billion (31 December 2017 est.)

$243.1 billion (31 December 2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 19

$546.1 billion (31 December 2017 est.)

$510.4 billion (31 December 2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 22

$1.586 trillion (31 December 2017 est.)

$1.415 trillion (31 December 2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 12

$537.2 billion (31 December 2017 est.)

$507.5 billion (31 December 2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 26

$2.336 trillion (31 December 2017 est.)

$2.098 trillion (31 December 2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 12

$348.8 billion (31 December 2015 est.)

$430.4 billion (31 December 2014 est.)

$354.4 billion (31 December 2013 est.)

country comparison to the world: 28

$1.187 trillion (31 December 2015 est.)

$1.289 trillion (31 December 2014 est.)

$1.366 trillion (31 December 2013 est.)

country comparison to the world: 13

$44 billion (2017 est.)

$46.83 billion (2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 11

$-21.68 billion (2017 est.)

$-33.31 billion (2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 192

$228.2 billion (2017 est.)

$214.3 billion (2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 23

$224.5 billion (2017 est.)

$191.7 billion (2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 25

automobiles and parts, computer and parts, jewelry and precious stones, polymers of ethylene in primary forms, refine fuels, electronic integrated circuits, chemical products, rice, fish products, rubber products, sugar, cassava, poultry, machinery and parts, iron and steel and their products

iron ore, coal, gold, natural gas, beef, aluminum ores and conc, wheat, meat (excluding beef), wool, alumina, alcohol

US 11.4%, China 11.1%, Japan 9.6%, Hong Kong 5.3%, Australia 4.8%, Malaysia 4.5%, Vietnam 4.4% (2016)

China 30.5%, Japan 12.4%, US 6.5%, South Korea 6.1% (2016)

$190 billion (2017 est.)

$177.7 billion (2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 26

$215.4 billion (2017 est.)

$198.5 billion (2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 22

machinery and parts, crude oil, electrical machinery and parts, chemicals, iron & steel and product, electronic integrated circuit, automobile’s parts, jewelry including silver bars and gold, computers and parts, electrical household appliances, soybean, soybean meal, wheat, cotton, dairy products

motor vehicles, refined petroleum, telecommunication equipment and parts; crude petroleum, medicaments, goods vehicles, gold, computers

China 21.6%, Japan 15.8%, US 6.2%, Malaysia 5.6% (2016)

China 23.4%, US 11.5%, Japan 7.8%, Thailand 5.6%, Germany 5.3%, South Korea 4.3% (2016)

$193.5 billion (31 December 2017 est.)

$171.9 billion (31 December 2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 13

$60.3 billion (31 December 2017 est.)

$55.07 billion (31 December 2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 36

$135.5 billion (31 December 2017 est.)

$130.6 billion (31 December 2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 44

$1.67 trillion (31 December 2017 est.)

$1.547 trillion (31 December 2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 12

$205.5 billion (31 December 2017 est.)

$193.5 billion (31 December 2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 30

$647.7 billion (31 December 2017 est.)

$617.7 billion (31 December 2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 16

$112.3 billion (31 December 2017 est.)

$96.27 billion (31 December 2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 34

$443.4 billion (31 December 2017 est.)

$441.4 billion (31 December 2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 18

baht per US dollar -

34.34 (2017 est.)

35.3 (2016 est.)

35.3 (2015 est.)

34.25 (2014 est.)

32.48 (2013 est.)

Australian dollars (AUD) per US dollar -

1.31 (2017 est.)

1.34 (2016 est.)

1.34 (2015 est.)

1.33 (2014 est.)

1.11 (2013 est.)

population without electricity: 700,000

electrification - total population: 99%

electrification - urban areas: 99.7%

electrification - rural areas: 98.3% (2013)

electrification - total population: 100% (2016)

167.9 billion kWh (2015 est.)

country comparison to the world: 24

237.9 billion kWh (2015 est.)

country comparison to the world: 20

168.3 billion kWh (2015 est.)

country comparison to the world: 23

223.6 billion kWh (2015 est.)

country comparison to the world: 18

2.267 billion kWh (2015 est.)

country comparison to the world: 43

0 kWh (2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 102

14.41 billion kWh (2015 est.)

country comparison to the world: 16

0 kWh (2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 121

40.97 million kW (2015 est.)

country comparison to the world: 24

67.03 million kW (2015 est.)

country comparison to the world: 18

76.7% of total installed capacity (2015 est.)

country comparison to the world: 94

72.9% of total installed capacity (2015 est.)

country comparison to the world: 98

0% of total installed capacity (2015 est.)

country comparison to the world: 188

0% of total installed capacity (2015 est.)

country comparison to the world: 43

8.9% of total installed capacity (2015 est.)

country comparison to the world: 121

10.9% of total installed capacity (2015 est.)

country comparison to the world: 116

14.2% of total installed capacity (2015 est.)

country comparison to the world: 51

16.1% of total installed capacity (2015 est.)

country comparison to the world: 43

257,500 bbl/day (2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 34

289,700 bbl/day (2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 33

12,200 bbl/day (2014 est.)

country comparison to the world: 57

213,600 bbl/day (2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 29

830,500 bbl/day (2014 est.)

country comparison to the world: 14

339,500 bbl/day (2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 25

396.4 million bbl (1 January 2017 est.)

country comparison to the world: 52

1.821 billion bbl (1 January 2017 est.)

country comparison to the world: 39

1.213 million bbl/day (2014 est.)

country comparison to the world: 18

472,100 bbl/day (2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 34

1.272 million bbl/day (2015 est.)

country comparison to the world: 19

1.1 million bbl/day (2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 21

238,800 bbl/day (2014 est.)

country comparison to the world: 31

60,290 bbl/day (2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 50

162,800 bbl/day (2014 est.)

country comparison to the world: 42

564,300 bbl/day (2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 14

39.82 billion cu m (2015 est.)

country comparison to the world: 22

67.2 billion cu m (2015 est.)

country comparison to the world: 13

114.8 billion cu m (2015 est.)

country comparison to the world: 11

46.99 billion cu m (2015 est.)

country comparison to the world: 24

0 cu m (2013 est.)

country comparison to the world: 190

34.06 billion cu m (2015 est.)

country comparison to the world: 11

13.33 billion cu m (2015 est.)

country comparison to the world: 23

6.373 billion cu m (2015 est.)

country comparison to the world: 32

206.8 billion cu m (1 January 2017 est.)

country comparison to the world: 44

1.989 trillion cu m (1 January 2017 est.)

country comparison to the world: 18

301 million Mt (2013 est.)

country comparison to the world: 21

385 million Mt (2015 est.)

country comparison to the world: 18

total subscriptions: 4.706 million

subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 7 (July 2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 32

total subscriptions: 8.18 million

subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 36 (July 2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 22

total: 119.669 million

subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 175 (July 2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 13

total: 26.551 million

subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 114 (July 2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 48

general assessment: high quality system, especially in urban areas like Bangkok

domestic: fixed-line system provided by both a government-owned and commercial provider; wireless service expanding rapidly

international: country code - 66; connected to major submarine cable systems providing links throughout Asia, Australia, Middle East, Europe, and US; satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (1 Indian Ocean, 1 Pacific Ocean) (2016)

general assessment: excellent domestic and international service

domestic: domestic satellite system; significant use of radiotelephone in areas of low population density; rapid growth of mobile telephones

international: country code - 61; landing point for the SEA-ME-WE-3 optical telecommunications submarine cable with links to Asia, the Middle East, and Europe; the Southern Cross fiber-optic submarine cable provides links to NZ and the US; satellite earth stations - 10 Intelsat (4 Indian Ocean and 6 Pacific Ocean), 2 Inmarsat, 2 Globalstar, 5 other (2015)

26 digital TV stations in Bangkok broadcast nationally, 6 terrestrial TV stations in Bangkok broadcast nationally via relay stations - 2 of the stations are owned by the military, the other 4 are government-owned or controlled, leased to private enterprise, and all are required to broadcast government-produced news programs twice a day; multi-channel satellite and cable TV subscription services are available; radio frequencies have been allotted for more than 500 government and commercial radio stations; many small community radio stations operate with low-power transmitters (2017)

the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) runs multiple national and local radio networks and TV stations, as well as Australia Network, a TV service that broadcasts throughout the Asia-Pacific region and is the main public broadcaster; Special Broadcasting Service (SBS), a second large public broadcaster, operates radio and TV networks broadcasting in multiple languages; several large national commercial TV networks, a large number of local commercial TV stations, and hundreds of commercial radio stations are accessible; cable and satellite systems are available (2009)

.th

.au

total: 32,398,778

percent of population: 47.5% (July 2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 22

total: 20,288,409

percent of population: 88.2% (July 2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 34

number of registered air carriers: 19

inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 276

annual passenger traffic on registered air carriers: 54,259,629

annual freight traffic on registered air carriers: 2,134,149,001 mt-km (2015)

number of registered air carriers: 25

inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 583

annual passenger traffic on registered air carriers: 69,294,187

annual freight traffic on registered air carriers: 1,887,295,820 mt-km (2018)

HS (2016)

VH (2016)

101 (2013)

country comparison to the world: 56

480 (2013)

country comparison to the world: 16

total: 63

over 3,047 m: 8

2,438 to 3,047 m: 12

1,524 to 2,437 m: 23

914 to 1,523 m: 14

under 914 m: 6 (2013)

total: 349

over 3,047 m: 11

2,438 to 3,047 m: 14

1,524 to 2,437 m: 155

914 to 1,523 m: 155

under 914 m: 14 (2017)

total: 38

2,438 to 3,047 m: 1

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 10

under 914 m: 26 (2013)

total: 131

1,524 to 2,437 m: 16

914 to 1,523 m: 101

under 914 m: 14 (2013)

7 (2013)

1 (2013)

condensate 2 km; gas 5,900 km; liquid petroleum gas 85 km; oil 1 km; refined products 1,097 km (2013)

condensate/gas 637 km; gas 30,054 km; liquid petroleum gas 240 km; oil 3,609 km; oil/gas/water 110 km; refined products 72 km (2013)

total: 4,127 km

standard gauge: 84 km 1.435-m gauge (84 km electrified)

narrow gauge: 4,043 km 1.000-m gauge (2017)

country comparison to the world: 45

total: 33,343 km

broad gauge: 3,247 km 1.600-m gauge (372 km electrified)

standard gauge: 17,446 km 1.435-m gauge (650 km electrified)

narrow gauge: 12,318 km 1.067-m gauge (2,075.5 km electrified)

other gauge: 35 km (2015)

country comparison to the world: 7

total: 180,053 km (includes 450 km of expressways) (2006)

country comparison to the world: 30

total: 873,573 km

urban: 145,928 km

non-urban: 727,645 km (2015)

country comparison to the world: 9

4,000 km (3,701 km navigable by boats with drafts up to 0.9 m) (2011)

country comparison to the world: 26

2,000 km (mainly used for recreation on Murray and Murray-Darling River systems) (2011)

country comparison to the world: 42

total: 781

by type: bulk carrier 25, container ship 23, general cargo 94, oil tanker 240, other 399 (2017)

country comparison to the world: 27

total: 549

by type: bulk carrier 4, general cargo 83, oil tanker 10, other 452 (2017)

country comparison to the world: 39

major seaport(s): Bangkok, Laem Chabang, Map Ta Phut, Prachuap Port, Si Racha

container port(s) (TEUs): Bangkok (1,559,000), Laem Chabang (6,780,000) (2015)

LNG terminal(s) (import): Map Ta Phut

major seaport(s): Brisbane, Cairns, Darwin, Fremantle, Geelong, Gladstone, Hobart, Melbourne, Newcastle, Port Adelaide, Port Kembla, Sydney

dry bulk cargo port(s): Dampier (iron ore), Dalrymple Bay (coal), Hay Point (coal), Port Hedland (iron ore), Port Walcott (iron ore)

container port(s) (TEUs): Brisbane (1,152,000), Melbourne (2,638,000), Sydney (2,330,000) (2015)

LNG terminal(s) (export): Darwin, Karratha, Burrup, Curtis Island

1.5% of GDP (2017)

1.45% of GDP (2016)

1.44% of GDP (2015)

1.41% of GDP (2014)

1.4% of GDP (2013)

country comparison to the world: 73

2% of GDP (2016)

1.98% of GDP (2015)

1.8% of GDP (2014)

1.68% of GDP (2013)

1.7% of GDP (2012)

country comparison to the world: 48

Royal Thai Armed Forces (Kongthap Thai, RTARF): Royal Thai Army (Kongthap Bok Thai, RTA), Royal Thai Navy (Kongthap Ruea Thai, RTN, includes Royal Thai Marine Corps), Royal Thai Air Force (Kongthap Agard Thai, RTAF) (2017)

Australian Defense Force (ADF): Australian Army (includes Special Operations Command), Royal Australian Navy (includes Naval Aviation Force), Royal Australian Air Force, Joint Operations Command (JOC) (2016)

21 years of age for compulsory military service; 18 years of age for voluntary military service; males register at 18 years of age; 2-year conscript service obligation (2012)

17 years of age for voluntary military service (with parental consent); no conscription; women allowed to serve in most combat roles (2018)

separatist violence in Thailand's predominantly Malay-Muslim southern provinces prompt border closures and controls with Malaysia to stem insurgent activities; Southeast Asian states have enhanced border surveillance to check the spread of avian flu; talks continue on completion of demarcation with Laos but disputes remain over several islands in the Mekong River; despite continuing border committee talks, Thailand must deal with Karen and other ethnic rebels, refugees, and illegal cross-border activities; Cambodia and Thailand dispute sections of boundary; in 2011, Thailand and Cambodia resorted to arms in the dispute over the location of the boundary on the precipice surmounted by Preah Vihear temple ruins, awarded to Cambodia by ICJ decision in 1962 and part of a planned UN World Heritage site; Thailand is studying the feasibility of jointly constructing the Hatgyi Dam on the Salween river near the border with Burma; in 2004, international environmentalist pressure prompted China to halt construction of 13 dams on the Salween River that flows through China, Burma, and Thailand; approximately 105,000 mostly Karen refugees fleeing civil strife, political upheaval and economic stagnation in Burma live in remote camps in Thailand near the border

in 2018, Australia and Timor-Leste signed a permanent maritime border treaty, scrapping a 2007 development zone and revenue sharing arrangement between the countries; Australia asserts land and maritime claims to Antarctica; Australia's 2004 submission to the Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf extends its continental margins over 3.37 million square kilometers, expanding its seabed roughly 30 percent beyond its claimed EEZ; all borders between Indonesia and Australia have been agreed upon bilaterally, but a 1997 treaty that would settle the last of their maritime and EEZ boundary has yet to be ratified by Indonesia's legislature; Indonesian groups challenge Australia's claim to Ashmore Reef; Australia closed parts of the Ashmore and Cartier reserve to Indonesian traditional fishing

refugees (country of origin): 102,633 (Burma) (2016)

IDPs: 41,000 (resurgence in ethno-nationalist violence in south of country since 2004) (2017)

stateless persons: 487,741 (2016); note - about half of Thailand's northern hill tribe people do not have citizenship and make up the bulk of Thailand's stateless population; most lack documentation showing they or one of their parents were born in Thailand; children born to Burmese refugees are not eligible for Burmese or Thai citizenship and are stateless; most Chao Lay, maritime nomadic peoples, who travel from island to island in the Andaman Sea west of Thailand are also stateless; stateless Rohingya refugees from Burma are considered illegal migrants by Thai authorities and are detained in inhumane conditions or expelled; stateless persons are denied access to voting, property, education, employment, healthcare, and driving

note: Thai nationality was granted to more than 18,000 stateless persons in the last 3 years (2015)

refugees (country of origin): 9,217 (Afghanistan); 6,128 (Iran) (2016)

current situation: Thailand is a source, transit, and destination country for men, women, and children subjected to forced labor and sex trafficking; victims from Burma, Cambodia, Laos, China, Vietnam, Uzbekistan, and India, migrate to Thailand in search of jobs but are forced, coerced, or defrauded into labor in commercial fishing, fishing-related industries, factories, domestic work, street begging, or the sex trade; some Thai, Burmese, Cambodian, and Indonesian men forced to work on fishing boats are kept at sea for years; sex trafficking of adults and children from Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, and Burma remains a significant problem; Thailand is a transit country for victims from China, Vietnam, Bangladesh, and Burma subjected to sex trafficking and forced labor in Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, Russia, South Korea, the US, and countries in Western Europe; Thai victims are also trafficked in North America, Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Middle East

tier rating: Tier 2 Watch List - Thailand does not fully comply with the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking, and is not making significant efforts to do so; in 2014, authorities investigated, prosecuted, and convicted fewer traffickers and identified fewer victims; some cases of official complicity were investigated and prosecuted, but trafficking-related corruption continues to hinder progress in combatting trafficking; authorities’ efforts to screen for victims among vulnerable populations remained inadequate due to a poor understanding of trafficking indicators, a failure to recognize non-physical forms of coercion, and a shortage of language interpreters; the government passed new labor laws increasing the minimum age in the fishing industry to 18 years old, guaranteeing the minimum wage, and requiring work contracts, but weak law enforcement and poor coordination among regulatory agencies enabled exploitive labor practices to continue; the government increased efforts to raise public awareness to the dangers of human trafficking and to deny entry to foreign sex tourists (2015)

a minor producer of opium, heroin, and marijuana; transit point for illicit heroin en route to the international drug market from Burma and Laos; eradication efforts have reduced the area of cannabis cultivation and shifted some production to neighboring countries; opium poppy cultivation has been reduced by eradication efforts; also a drug money-laundering center; minor role in methamphetamine production for regional consumption; major consumer of methamphetamine since the 1990s despite a series of government crackdowns

Tasmania is one of the world's major suppliers of licit opiate products; government maintains strict controls over areas of opium poppy cultivation and output of poppy straw concentrate; major consumer of cocaine and amphetamines