According to the CIA, the kingdom of Thailand, known as Siam until 1939, is the only country in the region not colonized by Europe. Their 2000 census showed that 94.6% of the population is Buddhist, 4.6% are Muslim, and 0.7% are Christian. Approximately 600,000 people live with HIV/AIDS in Thailand. With nearly two million people estimated to be forced into prostitution, it has become one of the most popular places for sex tourism. Change lives in the city-where you, like Jesus, might befriend prostitutes-or in the countryside-where you may serve youth, care for orphans, and encourage a remnant of believers.
Geography:
-About twice the size of Wyoming
-Borders Burma, Cambodia, Laos, and Malaysia
-Highest point is Doi Inthanon (8,451ft)
-Capital is Bangkok
People/Society:
-Thai is the official language, English is secondary for the elite
-94.6% Buddhist, 4.6% Muslim, 0.7% Christian
-Population is 67,497, 151
-Median age is 35.1 years old
-7% of children under the age of 5 are underweight
-8% (818,399) of children 5-14, are in child labor situations (est 2006)
Government:
-Constitutional Monarchy, King Bhumibol Adulyadej
-Gained independence in 1238 (traditional founding date; never colonized)
-National symbols are garuda (mythical half man, half bird figure) and elephant
-The red color symbolizes the nation and the blood of life; white represents religion and the purity of Buddhism; blue stands for monarchy
Economy:
-Agriculture: rice, cassava, rubber, corn, sugarcane, coconuts, and soybeans
-0.8% unemployment rate
-7.8% live below the poverty line
-Exchange rate: 30.59 bahts per USD
