Constitution of Thailand

Quick Facts: Who was Constitution of Thailand?

Subject:

Constitution of Thailand

Known for:

The supreme law of Thailand, reflecting a history of political flux since the 1932 revolution.

Verified Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

The Constitution of the Kingdom of Thailand (Thai: รัฐธรรมนูญแห่งราชอาณาจักรไทย; RTGS: Ratthathammanun Haeng Ratcha-anachak Thai) provides the basis for the rule of law in Thailand. Since the abolition of the absolute monarchy in 1932, Thailand has had 20 charters or constitutions. Many changes followed military coups, reflecting the high degree of political instability in the country. After each successful coup, military regimes abrogated the existing constitution, generally without public consultation. The 1997 constitution of Thailand, often called the "people's constitution", was considered a landmark in terms of the degree of public participation involved in its drafting as well as the democratic nature of its articles.

Career & Major Achievements

It stipulated an elected bicameral legislature, and many human rights were explicitly acknowledged for the first time. Many of these reforms disappeared in the military coup of 2006. The current constitution was adopted in 2017. The 105-page, 279-article proposed constitution was approved by 61.4 percent of Thai voters with 59.4 percent of the public participating. It allows the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) to appoint an eight to ten person panel who will choose Senators, and includes six seats reserved for the heads of the Royal Thai Army, Navy, Air Force, and Police, plus the military's supreme commander, and defense permanent secretary.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

The bicameral Parliament could also select a candidate as Prime Minister who is not one of its members or even a politician. Critics suggest it effectively allows the military to control the government whatever the outcome of subsequent elections. The Rattanakosin Kingdom and the three traditionally counted preceding kingdoms, collectively called Siam, had an uncodified constitution until 1932. In the preamble to the Penal Code promulgated 1 April 1908, which came into effect on 21 September, King Chulalongkorn (Rama V) stated: "In the ancient times the monarchs of the Siamese nation governed their people with laws which were originally derived from the Dhamasustra of Manu, which was then the prevailing law among the inhabitants of India and the neighbouring countries." The transition from absolute monarchy to constitutional monarchy began when King Prajadhipok (Rama VII) agreed to a codified constitution to resolve the bloodless coup of 1932. The king signed a temporary charter on 27 June 1932 at 17:00, which began by announcing that "the highest power in the land belongs to all people." A significant disadvantage of a codified constitution is that controversies arise due to different understandings of the usages and customs from which the fundamental provisions of the constitution derive.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1908: 1908 Milestone — In the preamble to the Penal Code promulgated 1 April 1908, which came into effect on 21 September, King Chulalongkorn (Rama V) stated: "In the ancient times the monarchs of the Siamese nation governed their people with laws which were originally derived from the Dhamasustra of Manu, which was then the prevailing law among the inhabitants of India and the neighbouring countries.
2. 1932: 1932 Milestone — Since the abolition of the absolute monarchy in 1932, Thailand has had 20 charters or constitutions.
3. 1997: 1997 Milestone — The 1997 constitution of Thailand, often called the "people's constitution", was considered a landmark in terms of the degree of public participation involved in its drafting as well as the democratic nature of its articles.
4. 2006: 2006 Milestone — Many of these reforms disappeared in the military coup of 2006.
5. 2017: 2017 Milestone — The current constitution was adopted in 2017.

Notable Quotes by Constitution of Thailand

“In the ancient times the monarchs of the Siamese nation governed their people with laws which were originally derived from the Dhamasustra of Manu...” (1908)

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Constitution of Thailand

True or False: “The first codified constitution was established immediately after the abolition of absolute monarchy in 1932.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): While the transition began around 1932, Thailand had an uncodified constitution until that time; the initial legal framework evolved over several decades.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Abebe Bikila — Historical peer (Born in 1932) (1932): Ethiopian Olympic marathon champion, known for his barefoot victories in Rome and Tokyo.
• Adolfo Suárez — Historical peer (Born in 1932) (1932): Key architect of Spain's transition to democracy, serving as Prime Minister 1976-1981.
• Adriana Caselotti — Historical peer (Died in 1997) (1997): American actress and singer, famed for voicing Snow White in the first Disney feature.
• Alan Walker — Historical peer (Born in 1997) (1997): Norwegian DJ and producer known for house music and maintaining an anonymous public image.
• Aaron Spelling — Historical peer (Died in 2006) (2006): Pioneering American producer of hit TV series like Dynasty and Beverly Hills, 90210.
• Abu Musab al-Zarqawi — Historical peer (Died in 2006) (2006): Jordanian jihadist militant known for orchestrating violence in Iraq (1966–2006)
• Abdul Halim of Kedah — Historical peer (Died in 2017) (2017): Sultan of Kedah and Yang di-Pertuan Agong, a pivotal Malaysian royal figure.
• Adam West — Historical peer (Died in 2017) (2017): American actor best known for portraying Batman in the 1960s and extensive voice work.
• Abraham Maslow — Historical peer (Born in 1908) (1908): Pioneering American psychologist known for the Hierarchy of Needs and self-actualization theory.
• Amon Göth — Historical peer (Born in 1908) (1908): Austrian SS functionary and war criminal, commandant of Płaszów concentration camp.

Frequently Asked Questions about Constitution of Thailand