992 (when the current government took office) that this has happened. In addition, while Chuan Leekpai has established good relations with army commander Wimol Wongwanich, there is still a delicate balance between civilian and military political power in Thailand.
Unlike the United States, which has a two-party system (there are several minority parties but they do not hold much power), Thailand has a five-party coalition that is increasingly difficult to hold together. While the government claims to have the freest press in Asia, Thailand's journalists have come under pressure from the government and some abuses have occurred. Thailand is also having problems resolving Bangkok's traffic snarls, rural poverty, and environmental pollution.
In 1991, according to estimates by the World Bank, the United States had a gross national product (GNP), measured at average 1989-91 prices, of $5,686,038m., equivalent to $21,810 per head. The average annual increase in the country's GNP, measured in constant prices, was 3.1 percent between 1980 and 1991, while real GNP per head increased by 2.1 percent per year. Over the same period, the population increased by an annual average of 0.9 percent. The United States' gross domestic product (GDP) increased by 2.1 percent per year. Over the same period, the population increased by an annual average of 0.9 percent.
In contrast, Thailand's GNP (according to estimates from the World Bank in 1991) measured at average 1989-91 prices, was $89,548m. (U.S.), equivalent to $1,580 per head. During 1980-91, it was estimated, GNP increased, in real terms at an average annual rate of 7.8 percent, while real GNP per head increased by 5.9 percent per year. During 1988-90, GNP per head increased by 10.5 percent per year. During 1980-91, the population increased by an annual average of 1.8 percent. Thailand's gross domestic product increased, in real terms, by an annual average of 7.6 percen...