Thailand Population

The Buddhist monarchy Thailand quickly moved from being an agricultural country to an industrialized country after World War II. Politics is turbulent, and in 2014 the military conducted a nineteenth coup since the monarchy was abolished in 1932.

Key figures and facts

• Capital: Bangkok
• Ethnic groups: Thai 75%, Chinese 14%, other 11%
• Language: Thai, English, various minor languages ​​and dialects
• Religion: Buddhists 95%, Muslims 4%, other/unspecified/none 1%
• Population: 67 741 401
• Control Form: Constitutional monarchy
• Area: 513 115 km2
• Currency: baht
• GNP per capita: 16 913 PPP $
• National Day: December 5th

Thailand Population

Thailand’s population is estimated at 67,725,979 residents (2014). The population grew rapidly in the 1900s, from 8 million in 1905, to 20 million in 1950 and 36 million in 1970, but the growth rate has slowed, and since 2006 has been estimated at 0 percent per year.

Life expectancy at birth is 78 for women and 71 for men.

Population of Thailand by Year (Historical)

Year	Population	Annual Growth Rate	Population Density	Global Rank
2020	69,799,867	0.250%	136.6243	20
2019	69,625,471	0.280%	136.2829	20
2018	69,428,342	0.320%	135.8971	20
2017	69,209,699	0.350%	135.4691	20
2016	68,971,197	0.370%	135.0023	20
2015	68,714,400	0.450%	134.4996	20
2010	67,194,917	0.540%	131.5254	19
2005	65,416,078	0.770%	128.0436	19
2000	62,952,531	1.150%	123.2215	19
1995	59,467,163	1.010%	116.3994	17
1990	56,558,075	1.680%	110.7052	18
1985	52,026,790	1.890%	101.8358	18
1980	47,374,361	2.280%	92.7293	18
1975	42,326,201	2.790%	82.8482	18
1970	36,884,425	3.000%	72.1966	18
1965	31,822,549	3.040%	62.2887	19
1960	27,397,096	2.930%	53.6264	21
1955	23,711,021	2.740%	46.4114	21
1950	20,710,249	0.000%	40.5378	21

Major Cities in Thailand by Population

Rank	City	Population
1	Bangkok	5,104,365
2	Samut Prakan	388,809
3	Mueang Nonthaburi	291,444
4	Udon Thani	247,120
5	Chon Buri	219,053
6	Nakhon Ratchasima	208,670
7	Chiang Mai	200,841
8	Hat Yai	191,585
9	Pak Kret	182,815
10	Si Racha	178,805
11	Phra Pradaeng	171,222
12	Lampang	156,028
13	Khon Kaen	147,468
14	Surat Thani	127,090
15	Ubon Ratchathani	122,422
16	Nakhon Si Thammarat	120,725
17	Khlong Luang	118,440
18	Nakhon Pathom	117,816
19	Rayong	106,626
20	Phitsanulok	103,316
21	Chanthaburi	99,708
22	Pattaya	97,185
23	Yala	93,447
24	Ratchaburi	92,337
25	Nakhon Sawan	91,691
26	Phuket	88,961
27	Ban Mai	86,788
28	Songkhla	84,153
29	Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya	81,851
30	Chiang Rai	78,645
31	Bang Kruai	78,194
32	Sakon Nakhon	76,126
33	Krathum Baen	72,708
34	Saraburi	67,652
35	Trang	66,602
36	Sattahip	65,333
37	Kanchanaburi	63,588
38	Nong Khai	63,498
39	Samut Sakhon	63,387
40	Ban Lam Luk Ka	60,589
41	Kamphaeng Phet	58,676
42	Chaiyaphum	58,239
43	Uttaradit	58,202
44	Lop Buri	57,650
45	Ban Pong	57,448
46	Phra Phutthabat	56,897
47	Chumphon	55,724
48	Klaeng	55,508
49	Kalasin	54,991
50	Suphan Buri	53,288
51	Tha Maka	52,796
52	Ban Talat Yai	52,081
53	Maha Sarakham	51,473
54	Phetchabun	50,545
55	Hua Hin	50,345
56	Ko Samui	49,889
57	Chachoengsao	49,630
58	Cha-am	49,264
59	Pak Chong	48,888
60	Narathiwat	47,660
61	Pran Buri	47,182
62	Surin	46,562
63	Phetchaburi	46,490
64	Chum Phae	46,224
65	Sadao	46,125
66	Si Sa Ket	44,640
67	Mae Sot	44,452
68	Pattani	43,579
69	Phatthalung	43,411
70	Lamphun	43,085
71	Warin Chamrap	42,991
72	Su-ngai Kolok	42,665
73	Tha Yang	42,491
74	Ban Phaeo	41,793
75	Bang Bua Thong	41,456
76	Nong Khae	40,956
77	Mukdahan	40,369
78	Ban Na	40,063
79	Bang Lamung	39,509
80	Roi Et	39,217
81	Wichian Buri	39,161
82	Wichit	38,590
83	Phrae	38,427
84	Mae Chan	37,561
85	Sam Phran	37,004
86	Sukhothai	36,889
87	Kantharalak	36,510
88	Photharam	36,137
89	Phichit	35,649
90	Det Udom	35,558
91	Ban Phai	35,472
92	Tha Bo	35,181
93	Loei	35,162
94	Samut Songkhram	34,954
95	Kathu	34,724
96	Amnat Charoen	34,658
97	Nakhon Phanom	34,484
98	Satun	34,433
99	Nong Bua Lamphu	34,290
100	Ban Ratsada	33,423
101	Prachuap Khiri Khan	33,410
102	San Kamphaeng	32,839
103	Prachin Buri	32,489
104	Krabi	31,108
105	Ban Khlong Bang Sao Thong	31,042
106	Yaring	31,000
107	Na Klang	30,913
108	Kaeng Khoi	30,221
109	Betong	29,493
110	Bang Phae	29,437
111	Ban Phan Don	29,100
112	Kaeng Khro	28,945
113	Amphoe Sikhiu	28,570
114	Sa Kaeo	28,386
115	Bang Bo District	28,265
116	Buri Ram	28,172
117	Thung Song	28,112
118	Ban Chang	28,093
119	Ban Bang Kadi Pathum Thani	27,800
120	Nong Phai	27,645
121	Mae Sai	27,409
122	Tha Muang	26,635
123	Ron Phibun	26,510
124	Ban Talat Bueng	26,002
125	Si Satchanalai	25,831
126	Tha Kham	25,699
127	Bang Pakong	25,509
128	Chai Badan	25,085
129	Pak Phanang	24,903
130	Kut Chap	24,585
131	Nan	24,559
132	Ranong	24,450
133	Pathum Thani	24,436
134	Tak	24,038
135	Dok Kham Tai	23,713
136	Ban Bueng	23,398
137	Kamalasai	23,282
138	Ban Talat Nua	23,270
139	Chok Chai	23,226
140	Damnoen Saduak	23,185
141	Tha Mai	22,334
142	Uthai Thani	22,108
143	Nang Rong	21,850
144	Phanat Nikhom	21,813
145	Ban Na San	21,789
146	Taphan Hin	21,784
147	Khanu Woralaksaburi	21,778
148	Ban Nong Wua So	21,611
149	Yasothon	21,532
150	Trat	21,479
151	Nakhon Nayok	21,198
152	Phayao	20,947
153	Kuchinarai	20,421
154	Bang Pa-in	20,373
155	Aranyaprathet	20,125
156	Kabin Buri	20,101
157	Sing Buri	19,935
158	Phibun Mangsahan	19,772
159	Sawankhalok	19,694
160	Ranot	19,669
161	Sam Roi Yot	19,598
162	Ban Dung	19,368
163	Phak Hai	19,275
164	Nam Som	19,213
165	Wiset Chaichan	19,018
166	Tha Ruea	19,005
167	Kui Buri	18,935
168	Bang Krathum	18,763
169	Phan Thong	18,597
170	Khon Buri	18,485
171	Kaset Wisai	18,458
172	Khao Yoi	18,395
173	Thoen	18,348
174	Non Sung	18,288
175	Ban Tak	18,273
176	Ban Chalong	17,961
177	Hang Dong	17,820
178	Bang Len	17,803
179	San Pa Tong	17,662
180	Chon Daen	17,456
181	Lat Yao	17,395
182	Ban Phe	17,303
183	Ban Selaphum	17,301
184	Mae Ramat	17,205
185	Lom Sak	17,198
186	Tak Bai	17,130
187	Phu Khiao	17,011
188	Den Chai	16,908
189	Nong Kung Si	16,890
190	Kaset Sombun	16,885
191	Ra-ngae	16,751
192	Bang Rakam	16,730
193	Bua Yai	16,721
194	Sawang Daen Din	16,714
195	Bo Phloi	16,675
196	Thap Than	16,504
197	Bang Ban	16,477
198	Huai Yot	16,475
199	Seka	16,382
200	Wang Nam Yen	16,188
201	Lang Suan	16,031
202	Phu Kradueng	15,968
203	Laem Sing	15,955
204	Phanom Sarakham	15,946
205	Ban Mo	15,848
206	Wang Noi	15,754
207	Wang Saphung	15,636
208	Bang Mun Nak	15,505
209	Pa Sang	15,496
210	Dan Khun Thot	15,469
211	Prakhon Chai	15,453
212	Thap Khlo	15,417
213	Chai Nat	15,358
214	Ban Huai Thalaeng	15,241
215	Bang Racham	15,202
216	Phon Charoen	15,097
217	Khao Wong	15,073
218	Chom Bueng	15,032
219	Bang Saphan	15,023
220	Nakhon Luang	14,897
221	Bamnet Narong	14,779
222	Patong	14,686
223	Doembang Nangbuat	14,560
224	Phon	14,485
225	Chiang Khong	14,394
226	Ban Thai Tan	14,319
227	That Phanom	14,313
228	Pong	14,281
229	Sung Noen	14,254
230	Sai Buri	14,245
231	Ban Su-ngai Pa Di	14,163
232	Nong Bua	14,049
233	Kantang	14,045
234	Soeng Sang	14,027
235	Chiang Kham	13,981
236	Si Chiang Mai	13,957
237	Bang Yai	13,901
238	Lan Sak	13,794
239	Ang Thong	13,627
240	Pho Chai	13,560
241	Pa Daet	13,513
242	Rawai	13,512
243	Bo Rai	13,509
244	Nong Ki	13,481
245	Bang Khla	13,417
246	Kranuan	13,364
247	Ban Sam Chuk	13,327
248	Yang Talat	13,249
249	Waeng	13,206
250	Khlung	13,175
251	Chaiyo	13,144
252	Chiang Klang	13,133
253	Phai Sali	12,977
254	Phimai	12,973
255	Na Wa	12,878
256	Si Bun Rueang	12,731
257	Chom Thong	12,377
258	Phanom Thuan	12,358
259	Don Sak	12,311
260	Huai Mek	12,241
261	Nakhon Thai	12,234
262	Ban Nam Yuen	12,224
263	Phayuha Khiri	12,160
264	Chaiya	12,112
265	Suwannaphum	12,110
266	Nuea Khlong	12,106
267	Pho Thong	12,089
268	Rong Kwang	11,976
269	Non Thai	11,848
270	Wiang Sa	11,822
271	Ko Pha Ngan	11,735
272	Non Sang	11,708
273	Long	11,691
274	Phrai Bueng	11,383
275	Satuek	11,370
276	Nong Chik	11,274
277	Khiri Mat	11,161
278	Kham Sakae Saeng	10,907
279	Chawang	10,812
280	Chiang Saen	10,696
281	Kosum Phisai	10,561
282	Phayakkhaphum Phisai	10,101
283	Wapi Pathum	10,087
284	Ban Ko Kaeo	10,025
285	Mae Tha	9,937
286	Sangkhla Buri	9,889
287	Bueng Kan	9,601
288	Phang Nga	9,565
289	Ao Luek	9,517
290	Mae Hong Son	8,998
291	Wang Sai Phun	8,788
292	Pong Nam Ron	8,767
293	Bang Nam Priao	8,531
294	Ban Ao Nang	7,889
295	Saladan	7,835
296	Sawang Wirawong	7,662
297	Fang	7,524
298	Lan Krabue	7,522
299	Na Mom	7,426
300	Nong Wua So	7,392
301	Tha Khanon	7,189
302	Tham Phannara	7,008
303	Ban Karon	6,983
304	Chai Buri	6,015
305	Ko Lanta	5,979
306	Huai Khot	5,829
307	Ban Dan Lan Hoi	5,680
308	Ban Phru Nai	5,602
309	Moeiwadi	5,498
310	Mae Chai	4,983

Population Composition

The majority of the population, about 75 percent, are ethnic Thai who can be divided into several regional groups, each with their own distinctive character. The groups all speak their own variants of the Thai language, but they share a common written language and religion (Theravada Buddhism). The Thai people in the northeast speak Lao, like half the Laos population. Both the northeastern region and the language are referred to as Isaan. Archaeologists, linguists and historians disagree about the origins of the Thai people; whether they have lived in the area for thousands of years, or whether they have immigrated from Indonesia or from southern China.

The largest minority are Chinese, which make up about 14 percent of the population. Most Chinese reside in cities, especially in Bangkok, and they dominate in trade and finance. The Chinese in Thailand have not been persecuted by the authorities to the same degree as in other countries in the region. Among the reasons for this is that they have adapted to the local culture through the Thai language, they have adopted Buddhism, and very many have married into the local population.

Other minority groups include Muslim Malays in the south and Khmer, mon and a number of smaller ethnic groups in the mountainous regions in the west and north. Large streams of refugees have fled in times of crisis from neighboring countries, especially from Myanmar and Cambodia. The authorities have pursued an active policy to limit the flow of refugees, and in some cases have also pushed the refugees back to their homelands.

In May 2006, 140,000 Myanmar refugees resided in Thailand, many of whom lived in Thailand for up to 20 years.

Often the terms ‘thai’ and ‘tai’ are used to distinguish between the population of Thailand as a whole and the ethnic Thai people. According to this definition, ‘thai’ encompasses all population groups residing in Thailand, while ‘tai’ (or ‘t’ai’) includes ethnic thai who, in addition to Thailand, also reside in Myanmar, Laos, Vietnam, China and India.

People Density

In 2014, the population density was 132 residents per square kilometer. Besides the Bangkok region, the Central region had the highest population density. The thinnest areas are in the west and farthest in the north. Although many move to the cities, a large proportion of the population lives in the countryside. Figures for urbanization are uncertain due to unclear boundaries and large groups of migrant workers, but was estimated by the World Bank in 2014 to be 49 percent. Bangkok is the dominant urban area with 8.5 million residents (World Population Review 2014).

Language

The official language is Thai. It is the mother tongue for over 90 percent of the population. The largest language minority are the Chinese-speaking, further found in southern Malay – and towards the border with the Cambodian Khmer- speaking.

Religion

More than 90 percent of the population are Buddhists (theravada school). Monasteries and temples play a very important role in people’s daily lives. Most boys live for a time as monks. Muslims make up about 5 percent. Other religious groups are Christians, Hindus and Sikhs. The different tribes have their respective religions, or have become Buddhists or Christians. A small but important religious group (about 4000 families) are the original Indian Brahmins, who perform rituals associated with the royal house and are renowned astrologers.