Thailand is a constitutional monarchy under the benevolent leadership of His Majesty Bhumibol Adunyadet, King Rama IX. Thailand experienced steady economic growth of 7% or more during the ten years before 1997. This rapid economic growth brought changes in lifestyle for many Thai families who, with increased wealth, were able to become car owners, enjoy foreign travel and generally were able to experience a middle class lifestyle for the first time.

However, this rapid economic growth also created many problems. There was environmental destruction in many places, pollution levels and traffic congestion increased while deforestation continued despite a 1989 ban on all logging. The push to become a newly industrialized country led to an increase in the income gap between rich and poor so that Thailand now has one of the biggest gulfs between the wealthy and the impoverished in the world.