For the first time Thailand became a significant industrial
power, and manufactured goods such as computer parts,
textiles and footwear overtook rice, rubber and tin as
Thailand’s leading exports. With the end of the Indochina
wars and the insurgency, tourism developed rapidly and
became a major earner.
The urban population continued to grow rapidly, but
overall population growth began to decline.
Changes in population led to a rise in living standards
even in rural areas, although the Isaan (Northeast)
continued to lag behind.