Total fertility rate declined to 1.0 in 2024, which ranks among countries with ultra-low fertility rates. Now, more than 20% of its population is aged over 60 and has a low birth rate, posing economic challenges. The government-sponsored family planning programme resulted in a dramatic decline in population growth from 3.1% in 1960 to around 0.4% today. Rice is the most important crop, and Thailand had long been the world's leading exporter of rice, until recently falling behind both India and Vietnam. The country is popular for the growing practice of sex reassignment surgery and cosmetic surgery. Thailand ranks as the worlds fifth largest medical tourism destination in spending, according to the World Travel and Tourism Council, attracting over 2.5 million visitors in 2018, and is number one in Asia. Western tourists visit Bangkok and surrounding areas, as well as the southern beaches and islands. However, the country's educational infrastructure was still underprepared for online teaching, as smaller and more remote schools were particularly hindered by COVID-19 restrictions. The country is also one of the few that still mandates uniform up to the university years, which is still a subject of ongoing debate. Education is compulsory up to and including age 14, while the government is mandated to provide free education through to age 17. Thailand has the second-largest number of Buddhists in the world after China. The country's most prevalent religion is Theravada Buddhism, which is an integral part of Thai identity and culture. Numerous tribal languages are also spoken, including many Austroasiatic languages such as Mon, Khmer, Lawa and Mlabri; Austronesian languages such as Cham, Moken and Urak Lawoi'; Sino-Tibetan languages like Akha and Karen; and other Tai languages such as Phu Thai, and Saek. Around the 10th century, the city-states of Dvaravati merged into the mandalas of Lavo (modern Lopburi) and Suvarnabhumi (modern Suphan Buri). Dvaravati art, including the Buddha sculptures and stupas, showed strong similarities to those of the Gupta Empire of India. Some historians suggest that Lavo's capital, Lopburi, was once seized by Phrom. Thaksin sought to position Thailand as a regional leader, initiating various development projects in poorer neighbouring countries. As part of its effort to increase international ties, Thailand had reached out to such regional organisations as the Organization of American States (OAS) and the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE). When East Timor gained independence from Indonesia, Thailand contributed troops to the international peacekeeping effort. In the 2000s, Thailand had taken an active role on the international stage and participated fully in international and regional organisations. Thailand has developed increasingly close ties with other members, with progressing regional co-operation in economic, trade, banking, political, and cultural matters. During the Cold War, Thailand sought to prevent the spread of communism so it joined the United States, including participating in SEATO alliance, sending expeditions to Korea and Vietnam, and offering the US to use its base. During World War II, the country was under the military dictatorship of Plaek Phibunsongkhram and allied with the Empire of Japan as part of the Axis powers, but Thailand did not become a defeated nation due to the underground Free Thai Movement's "Declaration of Peace", which was recognised by the Allies. Siam adapted to international relations during the imperialist era and joined World War I on the side of the Allies, a political decision aimed at revising the effects of unequal treaties and enhancing Siam's international status. During the era of Western imperialism, Siam remained the only country in Southeast Asia to avoid colonisation by European powers, although it ceded territory, trade rights, and legal privileges through several unequal treaties. While it’s impossible to predict exactly how a currency will perform in the future, with TorFX on your side you have a much better chance of getting the most for your money. After the funds have cleared, your foreign currency is immediately sent to your beneficiary account – it’s as easy as that! The city has great food, budget accommodation, stunning temples and is a good base for nearby excursions. In the old city’s southwest corner, Marigold Lanna ($50 USD/night) and the stunning pool at Smile Lanna Hotel ($82/ USD night) are favorites. Climb the 306 steps to the mountain-top temple of Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, which is a short trip outside of the city. I love Khao Yai because unlike many of Thailand’s more remote national parks, it’s accessible by public transportation. Today, sprawling ruins—remnants of towering temples, including its crown jewel and Angkor Wat look-alike, Wat Chaiwatthanaram—comprise the UNESCO World Heritage Site (one of eight in Thailand). In its heyday, between the 14th and 18th centuries, it was one of the world’s largest and most advanced cities. The origins and ethnicity of the Syam remain unclear, with some literature suggesting that Syam refers to the Shan people, the Bru people, or the Brau people. Sujit Wongthes argues that Thai is not a race or ethnicity but a culture group. It is classified as a newly industrialised country, with manufacturing, agriculture, and tourism being the main economic sectors. Thailand is a member of the United Nations, a major non-NATO ally of the United States, and a founding member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), as well as a regional power. The current constitutional structure allows de facto political influence by the Royal Thai Armed Forces. Thailand operates under the 2017 Constitution and a coalition government following the 2019 Thai general election, as well as political demonstrations demanding democracy and monarchy reform. Phuket, Krabi, Ranong, Phang Nga and Trang, and their islands, all lay along the coasts of the Andaman Sea.[citation needed] The centre of the country is dominated by the predominantly flat Chao Phraya River valley, which runs into the Gulf of Thailand. The north of the country is the mountainous area of the Thai highlands, with the highest point being Doi Inthanon in the Thanon Thong Chai Range at 2,565 metres (8,415 ft) above sea level.