The Thailand Overview chapter sets the scene for the rest of the eBook. We provide a survey of Thailand from it's beginnings to the present day. We believe that anyone complemplating moving to Thailand permanently is well served by having an understanding of the history, gepography and political framework of the country.
Thailand is a constitutional monarchy and democratic society with a written constitution that guarantees the rights of the people and defines the structure of government. The government of Thailand contains four branches.
The Monarch. The constitution provides that as Head of Armed Forces and Upholder of the Buddhist Religion and all other religions, the Monarch is sacred and inviolable in his person. His sovereign power emanates from the people, and as Head of State, he exercises his legislative power through the Parliament, executive power through the Cabinet headed by a Prime Minister, and judicial power through the courts. The Monarch is empowered with the right to be consulted, the right to encourage, and the right to warn whenever the government appears not to administer the state affairs according to the wishes and for the good of the people. The Monarch is advised by a Privy Council of elder statesmen appointed by him in consultation with the Prime Minister and the National Assembly.
The Executive Branch. The constitution holds that the Prime Minister is chief of government and head executive. The Prime Minister is appointed by the King from among the members of the House of Representatives; following national elections and is the party leader who is successful in forming a majority coalition. A slight difference between the Thai Prime Minister and those in other countries is that, since the creation of the post of the Prime Minister in 1933, the Thais have often looked to their Prime Minister as a protective figure, possibly due to their tendency to extend family structure into the sphere of government. The Prime Minister appoints a Cabinet which is responsible for the administration of twelve ministries, as well as the Office of the Prime Minister and the Office of State Universities. Each ministry is headed by a minister with one or more deputy ministers, all of whom sit in the Cabinet. A number of cabinet committees have been set up consisting of relevant ministers, such as the Cabinet Economic Committee and the Cabinet Social Committee, to coordinate major policies.
The Legislative Branch. The constitution sets out a National Assembly (Rathasapha) consisting of two chambers, the 200 seat Senate (Wuthisapha), and the 500 seat House of Representatives (Sapha Phuthaen Ratsadon). The members of both of these chambers are elected by popular vote to serve four year terms.
The Judicial Branch. The Supreme Court (Sarn Dika) hears appeals on both questions of fact and of law from the Court of Appeal in all civil, criminal, bankruptcy, tax and juvenile cases and appeals on questions of law. In turn, the Court of Appeal (Sarn Uthorn) hears appeals on both questions of fact and of law from lower courts. The Court of First Instance (Sarn Chunton) consists of Courts of First Instance of Bangkok Metropolis and those of the provinces. Courts of First Instance are trial courts having jurisdiction over all criminal and civil matters. Special Courts deal with labour, tax, trade, intellectual property, bankruptcy, and juvenile matters......
2Checkout.com is the authorized retailer of the Living In Thailand eBook