_*Economy #_Overview: Thailand, one of the more advanced developing countries in Asia, enjoyed a year of 9% growth in 1990, although down from the double-digit rates of 1987-89. The increasingly sophisticated manufacturing sector benefited from export-oriented investment, but the agricultural sector contracted 2%, primarily because of weaker demand in Thailand's major overseas markets for commodities such as rice. The trade deficit almost doubled in 1990, to $9 billion, but earnings from tourism ($4.7 billion), remittances, and net capital inflows helped keep the balance of payments in surplus. The government has followed fairly sound fiscal and monetary policies, aided by increased tax receipts from the fast-moving economy. In 1990 the government approved new projects—especially for telecommunications and roads—needed to refurbish the country's now overtaxed infrastructure. Although growth in 1991 will slow further, Thailand's economic outlook remains good, assuming the continuation of prudent government policies in the wake of the 23 February 1991 military coup.
_#_GNP: $79 billion, per capita $1,400; real growth rate 10% (1990 est.)
_#_Inflation rate (consumer prices): 8% (1990 est.)
_#_Unemployment rate: 4.9% (1990 est.)
_#_Budget: revenues $15.2 billion; expenditures $15.2 billion, including capital expenditures of $4.1 billion (FY91)
_#_Exports: $23.0 billion (f.o.b., 1990 est.);
commodities—light manufactures 66%, fishery products 12%, rice 8%, tapioca 8%, manufactured gas, corn, tin;
partners—US 22%, Japan 17%, Singapore 7%, Netherlands, FRG, Hong Kong, UK, Malaysia, China (1989)
_#_Imports: $32.0 billion (c.i.f., 1990 est.);
commodities—machinery and parts 23%, petroleum products 13%, chemicals 11%, iron and steel, electrical appliances;