A unified Thai kingdom was established in the mid-14th century. Known as Siam until 1939, Thailand is the only Southeast Asian country never to have been taken over by a European power. Through the centuries, Thailand's kings have sponsored the creation of some of Asia's most brilliant and timeless art.  Modern Thai craftsmen, inheritors of these cultural traditions, display their talents in intricate wood carvings, delicate hand woven silks, leather puppets, basketry, pottery, and many other disciplines.

• Population: 62,354,402
• Ethnic Groups: Thai 75%, Chinese 14%, other 11%
• Religions: Buddhism 95%, Muslim 3.8%, Christianity 0.5%, other 0.7%

• Industries: tourism; textiles, agricultural, jewelry; electric appliances and components, furniture, plastics
• Imports: capital goods, raw materials, consumer goods, fuels
• Exports: computers, transistors, seafood, clothing, rice

• Tourism Authority of Thailand
• Mahidol University, Thailand