Economy and Agriculture
Economy

- Mainly export based
- World’s highest growth rate between 1985-1996 (9.4%)
- Economy contracted 1.9% in 1997
Thailand Rice Fields
Thailand Rice Fields

o Again in 1998 by 10.8% (due to the Baht [Thai currency] reaching its lowest point ever)
o Asian Financial Crisis- July 1997
§ Period of financial crisis (most affected were Thailand, Indonesia and South Korea) but raised fears of worldwide economic meltdown
· Shortage of foreign exchange which caused the value of currencies to drop dramatically
- Emerging economy, newly developed
-
Agriculture has been the primary means of employment, but industry, commerce, and services account for the 80% of the gross domestic product
o World's largest producers of rice, and this accounts for much of the country's agricultural output

Agriculture
- Rice
- Cassava (tapioca)
- Rubber
- Corn
- Sugarcane
- Coconuts
- Soybeans
- Elephants
o Very important part of Thai culture
§ National symbol of Thailand
o White elephants were incredibly special, they exemplified the king’s glory and honor
§ The more white elephants you had, the greater a king you were
o Smart land mammals and hard-working
§ Provide transportation
§ War elephants used in battles against the Burmese and other countries in Asia

Factbook, The World. "Thailand." CIA- The World Factbook. 23 April 2009. CIA- Central Intelligence Agency. 10 May 2009 https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/th.html



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