Thailand Socio-Political Structure
- Constitutional monarchy
o Established in 18th century
§ View is that the well-being and tranquility of the nation mostly depend upon the morality of the ruler and the ruled
§ Monarch in charge of armed forces and the upholding of every religion
- Democratic form of government
o Since 1932, kings of Thailand exercise power through a National Assembly
§ Comprised of a House of Representatives (elected by the people)
§ Senate appointed by the King (recommended by Prime Minister)
- Thai Check-and-Balance System
o King exercises legislative power through the cabinet, and judicial power through the courts
o 500 members of the House of Representatives (MPs)
§ Elected popularly
o Prime Minister assisted by Deputy Prime Ministers and “Members of the Prime Minister’s Office”
- The Government
o The office of the Prime Minister is the central body
§ Ministry of Finance; Ministry of Commerce; Ministry of Industry; Ministry of Agriculture and Co-operatives; Ministry of Defence; Ministry of Interior; Ministry of Justice; Ministry of Education; Ministry of University Affairs; Ministry of Public Health; Ministry of Science, Technology, and Environment; Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare; and the Ministry of Communications
· All ministries controlled by a Permanent Secretary who’s in charge of every department within that ministry
§ Several organizations vital to the formulation of national policy

Please, Info. "Thailand: History, Geography, Government, and Culture." Infoplease. 2007. Pearson Education. 10 May 2009 http://www.infoplease.com/ipa/A0108034.html

Foreign Affairs, Ministry of. "Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kingdom of Thailand : : Monarchy - Politics in Thailand." Royal Thai Embassy . 2005. Royal Thai Embassy. 10 May 2009 http://www.mfa.go.th/web/2067.php

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