Understanding Thailand's Economic Activity and Employment

• Geography
• Lower Secondary (Key Stage 3)

Learning Objective

At the end of the lesson, you will understand Thailand's economic activity and employment sectors.

What do you already know about Thailand's economy and job market?

Overview of Thailand's Economy

Thailand's economy: manufacturing, agriculture, and tourism. Known for electronics, textiles, and rice exports.

Agricultural Sector

Rice, rubber, and sugar are key exports. Agriculture employs ~30% of labour force. 

Agriculture:

Thailand is often called the "Rice Bowl of Asia" due to its extensive rice production.

Other important crops: rubber, sugarcane, cassava, and tropical fruits like durian and mangosteen.

Discuss the role of the Chao Phraya River in supporting agriculture through its fertile floodplains.

Fishing:

Coastal geography supports a thriving fishing industry, particularly in the Andaman Sea and Gulf of Thailand.

Mining and Natural Resources:

Thailand has reserves of tin, gemstones, and lignite coal.

Highlight the environmental challenges related to mining.

Manufacturing Sector

Manufacturing is a major contributor. Focus on electronics and vehicles.

Manufacturing:

Thailand is a leader in automobile production, electronics, and machinery in Southeast Asia.

Textiles and garments are also significant exports.

Food Processing:

The country is a major global exporter of processed seafood and canned goods.

Industrial Areas:

Discuss the importance of industrial zones like the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) for development.

Tourism Sector

Tourism contributes significantly to GDP. Popular for beaches and cultural sites.

Tourism:

Tourism is a cornerstone of the economy, contributing significantly to GDP.

Popular destinations include Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, and the cultural heritage sites in Ayutthaya.

Beaches, temples, and vibrant festivals attract millions of visitors annually.

Other Services:

Banking, retail, and transportation are vital to urban centers like Bangkok.

Visual: Economic Sector Contributions

Include a pie chart showing GDP contributions by sector.

Thailand's economic structure is diverse and dynamic, with contributions from various sectors:

Agriculture (8.4%): Although its share of GDP has decreased over time, agriculture remains vital for rural employment. Thailand is a leading exporter of rice, rubber, and tropical fruits.

Industry (39.2%): This sector includes manufacturing, particularly automobiles, electronics, and food processing. Industrial zones like the Eastern Economic Corridor play a significant role.

Services (52.4%): The largest contributor to GDP, this sector includes tourism, banking, retail, and transportation. Tourism is especially significant, attracting millions of visitors annually.

Visual: Employment Distribution

Show a bar graph of employment by sector (agriculture, industry, services).

conclusion

Thailand’s economy is a mix of traditional agricultural practices and modern industries and services.

Its geography plays a critical role in shaping its economic activities and employment patterns.

Write down 3 things you learned in this lesson.

Write down 2 things you want to know more about.

Ask 1 question about something you haven't quite understood yet.