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Privy Council (Thailand)
Encyclopedia
The Privy Council of Thailand is a body of appointed advisors to the Monarch of Thailand: King Bhumibol Adulyadej
of Thailand
. The Council, as the Constitution of Thailand
stipulates, must be composed of no more than eighteen members. The Council is led by the president of the Privy Council of Thailand; currently former Prime Minister
, 'National Statesman' and Army General Prem Tinsulanonda
. The king alone appoints all members of the Council.
Under the 2007 Constitution of Thailand
, the Council is given many powers and responsibility, all with regard to the Monarchy of Thailand, and the House of Chakri. The Privy Council's offices are located in the Privy Council Chambers, on Sanamchai Road, Phra Nakhon
District, Bangkok
, Thailand
.
In recent years the council and its president in particular, has been accused of interfering in politics
. This stems from the council's closeness to the military in particular during the 2006 Thai coup d'état.
The first privy council
in Siam was established by a Royal Decree on 8 May 1874, by King Chulalongkorn
(or Rama V). The king, educated by Westerners was keen on copying the system of government of the absolute monarchs of Europe. At first he created two councils: the "Privy Council of Siam" (of 49 Members) and the "Council of State" (of 12 members, name later changed to "Council of Ministers" ). The Privy Council was created to deal with legislative affairs while the latter became an early version of the Cabinet.
Chulalongkorn was succeeded by his son King Vajiravudh
(Rama VI) in 1910, who at the beginning of his reign appointed a 40 member "Privy Council of State" . The King during his 15 years on the throne would continue to appoint new members around Thai New Year
(or 4 April). When he died in 1925 the Privy Council was composed of 233 members.
King Prajadhipok
(Rama VII) who succeeded his brother in 1925, decided to completely overhaul the present system and created instead three councils: The "Supreme Council of State of Siam" (composed of 5 senior Princes, equivalent to the former Council of State), The "Council of Secretaries" (former Council of Ministers) and the Privy Council of State. The role of the Privy Council was relegated to minor legislative affairs, while the Supreme Council became Prajadhipok's main body of advisors.
On 24 June 1932, a group calling themselves the Khana Ratsadon
(or People's Party) with the military, seized power in Bangkok
. They unilaterally abolished the system of absolute monarchy, changing Siam into a parliamentary constitutional monarchy
and demanding of Prajadhipok a constitution for the people of Siam. The King granted them a ‘Temporary’ constitution in the same month and a permanent one in December. The Khana Ratsadon, once in power decided to abolish the Supreme Council and the Privy Council. They replaced the Council of Secretaries with the People's Committee of Siam.
It was not until fifteen years later that the 1947 constitution of Siam recreated the Privy Council under King Bhumibol, with a name change to "Supreme Council of State" . This council existed from 1947 to 1949 and was composed of:
Two years later under the 1949 Constitution of Thailand the Council was renamed "Privy Council of Thailand" . The Privy Council in its current form was created by the 2007 Constitution of Thailand
.
The councillors cannot be partisan and therefore cannot be member of the: House of Representatives
, Senator
, Election Commissioner
, Ombudsman
, member of the National Human Rights Commission
, judge of the Constitutional Court
, judge of an Administrative Court, member of the National Counter Corruption Commission, member of the State Audit Commission, Government official holding a permanent position or receiving a permanent salary, official of a State enterprise, other State official or holder of other position of member or official of a political party, and must not manifest loyalty to any political party.
After being appointed the councilors must take the following oath in the presence of the king to assume office:
A councilor vacates office upon death, resignation or removal by a Royal Command.
must countersign the President's appointment and removal, unlike that concerning other councillors where the king alone decides. The current president is:
|President of the Privy Council of Thailand
|Prem Tinsulanonda
|Retired Army General
|4 September 1998
|-
|}
, the Privy Council will submit to the National Assembly the name of a suitable individual, who must then be approved by a vote. During the period where there is no regent the President of the Privy Council shall be the Regent pro tempore
. This case is also applicable if the Regent is incapacitated and cannot perform his duties. When this happens the President of the Privy Council shall be replaced in his duties to the Council by a president pro tempore.
, the King must ask the Privy Council to draft an amendment. After the King's approval and signature, the President of the Privy Council will notify the president of the National Assembly that will then countersign such amendment.
the name of the Successor to the Throne. During this vacancy period (before the submission) the President of the Privy Council will be the Regent pro tempore.
In recent years, the Privy Council president has played an unclear, backstage role in Thai politics. It was accused by rivals of being behind the bloodless military coup that toppled the corruption mired government of Thaksin Shinawatra.
Bhumibol Adulyadej
Bhumibol Adulyadej is the current King of Thailand. He is known as Rama IX...
of Thailand
Thailand
Thailand , officially the Kingdom of Thailand , formerly known as Siam , is a country located at the centre of the Indochina peninsula and Southeast Asia. It is bordered to the north by Burma and Laos, to the east by Laos and Cambodia, to the south by the Gulf of Thailand and Malaysia, and to the...
. The Council, as the Constitution of Thailand
Constitution of Thailand
The Constitution of the Kingdom of Thailand is the supreme law of Thailand. Since the change from an absolute monarchy to a constitutional democracy in 1932, Thailand has had 17 charters and constitutions, reflecting the high degree of political instability and frequency of military coups faced...
stipulates, must be composed of no more than eighteen members. The Council is led by the president of the Privy Council of Thailand; currently former Prime Minister
Prime Minister of Thailand
The Prime Minister of Thailand is the head of government of Thailand. The Prime Minister is also the chairman of the Cabinet of Thailand. The post has existed since the Revolution of 1932, when the country became a constitutional monarchy....
, 'National Statesman' and Army General Prem Tinsulanonda
Prem Tinsulanonda
General Prem Tinsulanonda is a retired Thai military officer who served as Prime Minister of Thailand from March 3, 1980 to August 4, 1988. He now serves as the Head of the Privy Council of the King of Thailand, Bhumibol Adulyadej....
. The king alone appoints all members of the Council.
Under the 2007 Constitution of Thailand
2007 Constitution of Thailand
A Permanent Constitution for the Kingdom of Thailand was drafted by a committee established by the military junta that abrogated the previous 1997 Constitution. On August 19, 2007, a referendum was held in which 59.3% of the voters voted in favor of the constitution...
, the Council is given many powers and responsibility, all with regard to the Monarchy of Thailand, and the House of Chakri. The Privy Council's offices are located in the Privy Council Chambers, on Sanamchai Road, Phra Nakhon
Phra Nakhon
Phra Nakhon is one of the 50 districts of Bangkok, Thailand. It is the central district of Bangkok, including the Rattanakosin Island...
District, Bangkok
Bangkok
Bangkok is the capital and largest urban area city in Thailand. It is known in Thai as Krung Thep Maha Nakhon or simply Krung Thep , meaning "city of angels." The full name of Bangkok is Krung Thep Mahanakhon Amon Rattanakosin Mahintharayutthaya Mahadilok Phop Noppharat Ratchathani Burirom...
, Thailand
Thailand
Thailand , officially the Kingdom of Thailand , formerly known as Siam , is a country located at the centre of the Indochina peninsula and Southeast Asia. It is bordered to the north by Burma and Laos, to the east by Laos and Cambodia, to the south by the Gulf of Thailand and Malaysia, and to the...
.
In recent years the council and its president in particular, has been accused of interfering in politics
Politics of Thailand
The politics of Thailand are currently conducted within the framework of a constitutional monarchy, whereby the Prime Minister is the head of government and a hereditary monarch is head of state. The judiciary is independent of the executive and the legislative branches.Thai kingdoms and late...
. This stems from the council's closeness to the military in particular during the 2006 Thai coup d'état.
History
Privy council
A privy council is a body that advises the head of state of a nation, typically, but not always, in the context of a monarchic government. The word "privy" means "private" or "secret"; thus, a privy council was originally a committee of the monarch's closest advisors to give confidential advice on...
in Siam was established by a Royal Decree on 8 May 1874, by King Chulalongkorn
Chulalongkorn
Phra Bat Somdet Phra Poramintharamaha Chulalongkorn Phra Chunla Chom Klao Chao Yu Hua , or Rama V was the fifth monarch of Siam under the House of Chakri. He was known to the Siamese of his time as Phra Phuttha Chao Luang . He is considered one of the greatest kings of Siam...
(or Rama V). The king, educated by Westerners was keen on copying the system of government of the absolute monarchs of Europe. At first he created two councils: the "Privy Council of Siam" (of 49 Members) and the "Council of State" (of 12 members, name later changed to "Council of Ministers" ). The Privy Council was created to deal with legislative affairs while the latter became an early version of the Cabinet.
Chulalongkorn was succeeded by his son King Vajiravudh
Vajiravudh
Phra Bat Somdet Phra Poramentharamaha Vajiravudh Phra Mongkut Klao Chao Yu Hua , or Phra Bat Somdet Phra Ramathibodi Si Sintharamaha Vajiravudh Phra Mongkut Klao Chao Yu Hua , or Rama VI was the sixth monarch of Siam under the House of Chakri, ruling from 1910 until his death...
(Rama VI) in 1910, who at the beginning of his reign appointed a 40 member "Privy Council of State" . The King during his 15 years on the throne would continue to appoint new members around Thai New Year
Thai New Year
The Songkran festival is celebrated in Thailand as the traditional New Year's Day from 13 to 15 April. It coincides with the New Year of many calendars of South and Southeast Asia....
(or 4 April). When he died in 1925 the Privy Council was composed of 233 members.
King Prajadhipok
Prajadhipok
Phra Bat Somdet Phra Poramintharamaha Prajadhipok Phra Pok Klao Chao Yu Hua , or Rama VII was the seventh monarch of Siam under the House of Chakri. He was the last absolute monarch and the first constitutional monarch of the country. His reign was a turbulent time for Siam due to huge political...
(Rama VII) who succeeded his brother in 1925, decided to completely overhaul the present system and created instead three councils: The "Supreme Council of State of Siam" (composed of 5 senior Princes, equivalent to the former Council of State), The "Council of Secretaries" (former Council of Ministers) and the Privy Council of State. The role of the Privy Council was relegated to minor legislative affairs, while the Supreme Council became Prajadhipok's main body of advisors.
On 24 June 1932, a group calling themselves the Khana Ratsadon
Khana Ratsadon
Khana Ratsadon , frequently mistakenly written as Khana Rat , was a Siamese group of military and civil officers, and later a political party, which staged a bloodless coup against King Prajadhipok and transited the country's absolute monarchy to constitutional monarchy on 24 June 1932.-The...
(or People's Party) with the military, seized power in Bangkok
Siamese Revolution of 1932
The Siamese Revolution of 1932 or the Siamese Coup d'état of 1932 was a crucial turning point in Thai history in the 20th century...
. They unilaterally abolished the system of absolute monarchy, changing Siam into a parliamentary constitutional monarchy
Constitutional monarchy
Constitutional monarchy is a form of government in which a monarch acts as head of state within the parameters of a constitution, whether it be a written, uncodified or blended constitution...
and demanding of Prajadhipok a constitution for the people of Siam. The King granted them a ‘Temporary’ constitution in the same month and a permanent one in December. The Khana Ratsadon, once in power decided to abolish the Supreme Council and the Privy Council. They replaced the Council of Secretaries with the People's Committee of Siam.
It was not until fifteen years later that the 1947 constitution of Siam recreated the Privy Council under King Bhumibol, with a name change to "Supreme Council of State" . This council existed from 1947 to 1949 and was composed of:
- Prince Rangsit Prayurasakdi, Prince of Chainat, president of the Council
- Prince Dhanivat Bidyalabh Bridhyakon
- Prince Longkorn Adireksorn Udomsakdi
- Phraya Manovaratsevi
- Police General Adul Adulyadejchrat
Two years later under the 1949 Constitution of Thailand the Council was renamed "Privy Council of Thailand" . The Privy Council in its current form was created by the 2007 Constitution of Thailand
2007 Constitution of Thailand
A Permanent Constitution for the Kingdom of Thailand was drafted by a committee established by the military junta that abrogated the previous 1997 Constitution. On August 19, 2007, a referendum was held in which 59.3% of the voters voted in favor of the constitution...
.
Members
The present constitution stipulated that the council is composed of no more than eighteen members. The members of the Privy Council or Privy Councillors are appointed and removed at the Pleasure of the King alone, however appointments of councillors must be countersigned by the President of the Privy Council.The councillors cannot be partisan and therefore cannot be member of the: House of Representatives
House of Representatives of Thailand
The House of Representatives of the Kingdom of Thailand is the lower house of the National Assembly of Thailand, the legislative branch of the Thai Government. The system of government of Thailand is that of a Constitutional Monarchy and a Parliamentary Democracy. The system of the Thai...
, Senator
Senate of Thailand
The Senate of the Kingdom of Thailand is the upper house of the National Assembly of Thailand, . In accordance with the 2007 Constitution of Thailand, the Senate is a non-partisan legislative chamber, composed of 150 members...
, Election Commissioner
Election Commission (Thailand)
The Election Commission of the Kingdom of Thailand is an independent government agency and the sole Electoral Commission of Thailand tasked with overseeing Senate, House, local and district elections throughout the Kingdom of Thailand. Established by the Constitution, the Election Commission has...
, Ombudsman
Ombudsman
An ombudsman is a person who acts as a trusted intermediary between an organization and some internal or external constituency while representing not only but mostly the broad scope of constituent interests...
, member of the National Human Rights Commission
National Human Rights Commission (Thailand)
The Thai National Human Rights Commission was established on July 13, 2001 as a national human rights institution. From its inception to May 31, 2005, it received a total of 2,148 complaints of which 1,309 had already been investigated, 559 were still in the process of investigation, and 209 were...
, judge of the Constitutional Court
Constitutional Court of Thailand
The Constitutional Court of Thailand is an independent Thai court originally established under the 1997 Constitution with jurisdiction over the constitutionality of parliamentary acts, royal decrees, draft legislation, as well as the appointment and removal of public officials and issues regarding...
, judge of an Administrative Court, member of the National Counter Corruption Commission, member of the State Audit Commission, Government official holding a permanent position or receiving a permanent salary, official of a State enterprise, other State official or holder of other position of member or official of a political party, and must not manifest loyalty to any political party.
After being appointed the councilors must take the following oath in the presence of the king to assume office:
"I, (name of the declarer), do solemnly declare that I will be loyal to His Majesty the King and will faithfully perform my duties in the interests of the country and of the people. I will also uphold and observe the Constitution of the Kingdom of Thailand in every respect."
A councilor vacates office upon death, resignation or removal by a Royal Command.
President
The President of the Privy Council of Thailand is the head and chief councillor of the Privy Council. The king retained the prerogative to appoint and remove the President, however the President of the National Assembly of ThailandNational Assembly of Thailand
The National Assembly of Thailand or the Parliament of Thailand is the legislative branch of the government of Thailand. The National Assembly of Thailand is a bicameral body, consisting of two chambers: the upper house, , and the lower house,...
must countersign the President's appointment and removal, unlike that concerning other councillors where the king alone decides. The current president is:
|President of the Privy Council of Thailand
|Prem Tinsulanonda
Prem Tinsulanonda
General Prem Tinsulanonda is a retired Thai military officer who served as Prime Minister of Thailand from March 3, 1980 to August 4, 1988. He now serves as the Head of the Privy Council of the King of Thailand, Bhumibol Adulyadej....
|Retired Army General
|4 September 1998
|-
|}
Functions
The 2007 Constitution gave the Privy Council many roles and powers; these are mostly associated with the issues surrounding the head of state and the Monarchy.Regency
If the King is incapacitated or for whatever reason and cannot appoint a RegentRegent
A regent, from the Latin regens "one who reigns", is a person selected to act as head of state because the ruler is a minor, not present, or debilitated. Currently there are only two ruling Regencies in the world, sovereign Liechtenstein and the Malaysian constitutive state of Terengganu...
, the Privy Council will submit to the National Assembly the name of a suitable individual, who must then be approved by a vote. During the period where there is no regent the President of the Privy Council shall be the Regent pro tempore
Pro tempore
Pro tempore , abbreviated pro tem or p.t., is a Latin phrase which best translates to "for the time being" in English. This phrase is often used to describe a person who acts as a locum tenens in the absence of a superior, such as the President pro tempore of the United States Senate.Legislative...
. This case is also applicable if the Regent is incapacitated and cannot perform his duties. When this happens the President of the Privy Council shall be replaced in his duties to the Council by a president pro tempore.
Palace Law of Succession
In regards to the amendment of the 1924 Palace Law of Succession1924 Palace Law of Succession
The Palace Law on Succession, BE 2467 governs succession to the Throne of the Kingdom of Thailand, under the ruling House of Chakri. The law was established during the reign of King Vajiravudh to systematically resolve previous succession controversies...
, the King must ask the Privy Council to draft an amendment. After the King's approval and signature, the President of the Privy Council will notify the president of the National Assembly that will then countersign such amendment.
Vacancy of the throne
When the throne becomes vacant it is the duty of the Privy Council to submit to the cabinet and to the National AssemblyNational Assembly of Thailand
The National Assembly of Thailand or the Parliament of Thailand is the legislative branch of the government of Thailand. The National Assembly of Thailand is a bicameral body, consisting of two chambers: the upper house, , and the lower house,...
the name of the Successor to the Throne. During this vacancy period (before the submission) the President of the Privy Council will be the Regent pro tempore.
Other functions
Apart from these constitutionally mandated functions the Privy Councillors also possess other roles. For instance apart from being members of the Council, the councillors can carry out other duties within the Royal Household and Royal Projects. For example several councillors are also members of the Mahidol Foundation, while Dr. Chaovana Nasylvanta is also the Director of the Crown Property Bureau. Apart from these the councillors can also at time under royal command attend official functions or carry out official duties on behalf of the king or the Royal Family.The Privy Council of Thailand
King Bhumibol's Privy Council as of 2011 was composed mostly of retired military leaders and members of the judiciary, they are:| No. | Name | Thai Name | Appointment | Notes |
| General General A general officer is an officer of high military rank, usually in the army, and in some nations, the air force. The term is widely used by many nations of the world, and when a country uses a different term, there is an equivalent title given.... Prem Tinsulanonda Prem Tinsulanonda General Prem Tinsulanonda is a retired Thai military officer who served as Prime Minister of Thailand from March 3, 1980 to August 4, 1988. He now serves as the Head of the Privy Council of the King of Thailand, Bhumibol Adulyadej.... |
เปรม ติณสูลานนท์ | 4 September 1998 | President of the Privy Council of Thailand | |
| 1 | Dr. Chaovana na Silavanta | เชาวน์ ณ ศีลวันต์ | 19 December 1975 | Director of the Crown Property Bureau |
| 2 | Tanin Kraivixien Tanin Kraivixien Tanin Kraivixien or Thanin Kraivixien was the prime minister of Thailand between 1976 and 1977. Tanin is a son of Hae and Pa-ob Kraivixien, and is of Chinese-Thai descent. Tanin studied law at Thammasat University, graduating in 1948. He then went to the London School of Economics to continue with... |
ธานินทร์ กรัยวิเชียร | 15 December 1977 | Former Prime Minister Prime Minister of Thailand The Prime Minister of Thailand is the head of government of Thailand. The Prime Minister is also the chairman of the Cabinet of Thailand. The post has existed since the Revolution of 1932, when the country became a constitutional monarchy.... (1976–1977) |
| 3 | Rear Admiral Rear Admiral Rear admiral is a naval commissioned officer rank above that of a commodore and captain, and below that of a vice admiral. It is generally regarded as the lowest of the "admiral" ranks, which are also sometimes referred to as "flag officers" or "flag ranks"... Mom Luang Usni Pramoj |
อัศนี ปราโมช | 3 March 1984 | Former Businessman |
| 4 | Air Chief Marshal Air Chief Marshal Air chief marshal is a senior 4-star air-officer rank which originated in and continues to be used by the Royal Air Force... Kamthon Sindhavananda |
กำธน สินธวานนท์ | 28 November 1987 | Former Director of the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand The Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand , , is a state enterprise that owns and manages the majority of Thailand's electricity generation capacity, as well as the nation's transmission network.EGAT is managed by the Ministry of Energy.... |
| 5 | Air Chief Marshal Siddhi Savetsila Siddhi Savetsila Air Chief Marshal Siddhi Savetsila is a retired Thai military officer and a member of the Privy Council of King Bhumibol Adulyadej.... |
สิทธิ เศวตศิลา | 24 December 1991 | Former Minister of Foreign Affairs Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Thailand) The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Thailand is the principal government department in charge of foreign relations in Thailand. The ministry is headed by the Minister of Foreign Affairs; who is also a member of the Cabinet of Thailand, he is appointed by the Prime Minister... (1980–1990) |
| 6 | General Pichitr Kullavanijaya | พิจิตร กุลละวณิชย์ | 13 July 1993 | Former Deputy Commander of the Supreme Command HQ |
| 7 | Ampol Senanarong | อำพล เสนาณรงค์ | 9 September 1994 | Former Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives |
| 8 | Chamras Kemacharu | จำรัส เขมะจารุ | 15 November 1994 | Former President of the Supreme Court of Justice |
| 9 | Mom Rajawongse Thepkamol Devakula | เทพกมล เทวกุล | 7 August 1997 | Former Diplomat |
| 10 | Palakorn Suwanarat | พลากร สุวรรณรัฐ | 18 July 2001 | Former education minister Education minister An education minister is a position in the governments of some countries responsible for dealing with educational matters.-Country-related articles and lists:Minister of Education may refer to:... |
| 11 | Kasem Watanachai | เกษม วัฒนชัย | 18 July 2001 | Former Deputy Permanent Secretary to Ministry of Interior Ministry of Interior (Thailand) The Ministry of Interior of the Kingdom of Thailand is an important Cabinet-level department in the Government of Thailand. The Ministry is given wide ranging responsibilities over many aspects... |
| 12 | Sawat Wathanakorn | สวัสดิ์ วัฒนายากร | 18 July 2002 | Former Judge of Supreme Administrative Court Supreme Administrative Court A supreme administrative court is the highest court in a country with jurisdiction over lower administrative courts and the administrative decisions of the authorities, but not the legislative decisions made by the government... |
| 13 | General Surayud Chulanont Surayud Chulanont General Surayud Chulanont is a Thai political figure. He was the Prime Minister of Thailand and head of Thailand's Interim Government between 2006 and 2008... |
สุรยุทธ์ จุลานนท์ | 14 November 2003 / 8 April 2008 | Former Prime Minister Prime Minister of Thailand The Prime Minister of Thailand is the head of government of Thailand. The Prime Minister is also the chairman of the Cabinet of Thailand. The post has existed since the Revolution of 1932, when the country became a constitutional monarchy.... (2007), resigned from the Council, then reappointed |
| 14 | Admiral Chumpol Patchusanont | ชุมพล ปัจจุสานนท์ | 15 March 2005 | Former Commander of the Royal Thai Navy Royal Thai Navy The Royal Thai Navy is the navy of Thailand and part of the Royal Thai Armed Forces, it was established in the late 19th century. Admiral Prince Abhakara Kiartiwongse is "The Father of Royal Thai Navy". Similar to the organizational structure of the United States, the Royal Thai Navy includes the... |
| 15 | Atthaniti Disatha-Amnarj | อรรถนิติ ดิษฐอำนาจ | 16 August 2007 | Former President of the Supreme Court of Justice |
| 16 | Supachai Phungam | ศุภชัย ภู่งาม | 8 April 2008 | Former President of the Supreme Court of Justice |
| 17 | Chanchai Likitjitta | ชาญชัย ลิขิตจิตถะ | 8 April 2008 | Former President of the Supreme Court of Justice and Minister of Justice Ministry of Justice (Thailand) The Ministry of Justice of the Kingdom of Thailand is a Cabinet Ministry in the Government of Thailand. The Ministry is in charge of the criminal justice system in the Kingdom. As well as running prisons and aiding the Royal Thai Police, the ministry also run the government's drug and narcotic... |
| 18 | Air Chief Marshal Chalit Pookpasuk Chalit Pookpasuk Air Chief Marshal Chalit Pookpasuk was Thai air force officer, Commander of the Royal Thai Air Force, and acting chairman of Council for National Security, the junta that overthrew the government of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra in the 2006 coup d'état.-Biography:Chalit graduated from... |
ชลิต พุกผาสุข | 18 May 2011 | Former commander of Royal Thai Air Force Royal Thai Air Force The Royal Thai Air Force or RTAF is the air force of the Kingdom of Thailand. Since its establishment in 1913, as one of the earliest air forces of Asia, the Royal Thai Air Force had engaged in many major and minor battles. During the Vietnam war era, the air force has been developed with USAF-aid... |
See also
- Monarchy of Thailand
- Chakri Dynasty
- 1924 Palace Law of Succession1924 Palace Law of SuccessionThe Palace Law on Succession, BE 2467 governs succession to the Throne of the Kingdom of Thailand, under the ruling House of Chakri. The law was established during the reign of King Vajiravudh to systematically resolve previous succession controversies...
- Government of Thailand
- Politics of ThailandPolitics of ThailandThe politics of Thailand are currently conducted within the framework of a constitutional monarchy, whereby the Prime Minister is the head of government and a hereditary monarch is head of state. The judiciary is independent of the executive and the legislative branches.Thai kingdoms and late...
- 2006 Thai coup d'état
- Supreme Council of State of Siam
External links
In recent years, the Privy Council president has played an unclear, backstage role in Thai politics. It was accused by rivals of being behind the bloodless military coup that toppled the corruption mired government of Thaksin Shinawatra.