Asia Economy

The second-largest economy in South-east Asia and the 34th-largest worldwide, Thailand had a GDP of $366bn and a per capita income of $5168 in 2012. Over the past decade, the economy has expanded at an average rate of 4.3%. Since 2008, however, there have been large economic swings that have been exacerbated by seasonal changes. As a major exporter, Thailand is exposed to fluctuations in global...

Inheritors of an ancient land and a complex culture, today’s Thais once again face difficult social and political challenges. Yet, despite the confrontation that has resulted from these tensions during much of late 2013 and early 2014, the country continues to grow and develop, with much of it unaffected by the turmoil that has been focused primarily on certain high-profile districts of Bangkok....

The Guide offers readers useful facts for visitors, including business etiquette, procedures for obtaining a visa, and tips for transport. It also contains a list of suggested hotels as well as the locations and phone numbers for embassies, hospitals, travel agencies and other important contacts for visitors. This chapter also features a guide piece on Indonesia’s Komodo National Park, home to...

A result of decades of underinvestment, creaky infrastructure has long been the Achilles’ heel of the Indonesian economy. Around $6.8bn will be spent on power and some $29bn on water utilities and other services under the Master Plan for the Acceleration and Expansion of Indonesia’s Economic Development. The government is expected to fund 28% of the cost, with the rest coming from the private...

With a population of approximately 247m made up of more than 300 different ethnic groups, Indonesia is the third-largest democracy in the world while also being the world’s most populous Muslim nation. The country has a total land mass of 1,904,569 sq km, spread over an archipelago of around 17,508 islands, some 6,000 of which are inhabited. Jakarta is the country’s most populated city, with more...