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˹éÒ 1 |
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General Background |
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The general background of Thailand presented in this chapter includes the following aspects : government and administrative structure ; society and economy ; and past development of Thai education. |
| 1.1 Government and Administrative Structure |
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The governmental structure of Thailand has undergone gradual and practical evolution in response to the changing environment. After the bloodless coup in June 1932 demanding a change from absolute to a constitutional monarchy, His Majesty King Prajadhipok signed Thailand's first constitution on 10 December 1932. Despite the number of successive constitutions that followed over half a century, the basic concepts of constitutional government and monarchy laid down in the 1932 constitution have remained unaltered as follows (Chart 1.1) : The first and foremost concept is the status of the monarch as Head of Armed Forces and Upholder of the Buddhist Religion and all other religions. The King, as Head of State, exercises his legislative power through the House of Parliament, executive power through the Council of Ministers headed by the Prime Minister, and judicial power through the courts. The second concept concerns the legislative branch. A bicameral National Assembly has been created with two categories of members, Members of Parliament and Senators. The third concept concerns the executive branch. Every constitution holds that the Prime Minister is head of government and chief executive. The Council of Ministers is responsible for the administration of 14 ministries, as well as the Office of the Prime Minister. A number of cabinet committees have been set up consisting of relevant ministers, such as the Cabinet Economics Committee and the Cabinet Social Affairs Committee, to coordinate major policies concerned. |
