Thailand originally known as Siam, is an agricultural country in the tropical zone. The total area of Thailand is 520 thousand square miles, with a population amounting 40 millions. 80% of which are farmers, growing mainly paddi-rice. Thailand is one of the three "rice-bowls" of South East Asia. Just like the neighbouring countries in Indo-China, Thailand became the target of imperialist invasion for her fertile lands and rich resources. From the 16th century onwards, Thailand was under the constant invasion of Portugal, Nether land, Britain and France, and was occupied by Japan during the 2nd World War. For the past few decades, the political situation of Thailand has been in a state of flux, and the society is full of contradictions. Especially in the recent years, students and people movements one following the other, contradictions among the ruling elite become acute everyday, and always signs of coming coup d'etat, further aggravate the situation to a state of instabilities.

The political situation is inseparable with the situation of the whole of Asia the U.S. policy in Asia after the 2nd World War, from being the "World Police" to the victory of the third world people, especially those in Indo-China who are fighting for national independence and liberation, all these influence the change in the political situation of Thailand which is situated in the centre of South East Asia. What is the significance of the Thai society? This article tries to give a general introduction of the Thai society by looking at its social, political and economic structure.