Overview

Since 1932, the Kingdom of Thailand has been a parliamentary democracy with a constitutional monarchy, making it one of the oldest democracies in Asia. The administration of the country is carried out by the Council of Ministers headed by the Prime Minister under a bicameral parliamentary system.

Throughout its modern history, Thailand has steadily strengthened its democratic institutions to ensure that the voices of all people are heard and respected. This has been bolstered in recent years by the more active roles played by grassroots groups and independent organisations. The trend towards participatory democracy has encouraged people from all walks of life and civil society to be more actively involved in shaping the national agenda.

The country’s democratic path, however, has not always been smooth. In recent years, Thailand has seen its share of political unrest stemming from different beliefs about how best to move the country forward in the 21st century.

Formation of a New Government and the Government’s Policy Statement

Their Majesties the King and Queen graciously presided over the opening of the Parliament on 24 May 2019, at Vithes Samosorn Hall, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand.

On 5 June 2019, the Parliament voted for General Prayut Chan-o-cha to serve another term as Prime Minister of Thailand. His Majesty the King endorsed General Prayut’s appointment as Prime Minister on 9 June 2019.

On 10 July 2019, His Majesty the King endorsed the appointment of Thailand’s new Cabinet, as nominated by General Prayut Chan-o-cha. The new Cabinet includes

Ministers and Deputy Ministers from six political parties: Palang Pracharath Party, Democrat Party, Bhumjaithai Party, Chart Pattana, Chart Thai Pattana Party and Ruam Palang Prachachart Thai.

The Cabinet has taken its oath of office before His Majesty the King on 16 July 2019 and delivered its Policy Statement to the Parliament on 25 – 26 July 2019 as follows:

12 Core Policies
1. Protecting and Upholding the Monarchy
2. Ensuring Stability, Safety and Peace in the Country                                     
3. Fostering Religion, Arts and Culture                                                 
4. Promoting Thailand’s Role on the Global Stage                                         
5. Enhancing Economic Development and National Competitiveness         
6. Developing Economic Areas of Potential and Delivering Prosperity to All Regions     
7. Enhancing the Country’s Strength through a Bottom-up Approach         
8. Reforming Education and Learning,and Enhancing the Competencies of Thai People of All Ages
9. Improving the Public Health System and Social Security                                         
10. Restoring Natural Resources and Protecting the Environment to Create Sustainable Growth
11. Reforming Public Sector Management                                           
12. Preventing and SuppressingCorruption and Malfeasance, and Improving the Judicial Process 

12 Urgent Policies                                                                                     
1. Solving Bread-and-Butter Concerns                                                           
2. Improving the Welfare System and Enhancing the People’s Quality of Life     
3.Implementing Economic Measures to Cope with Volatilities in the Global Economy           
4. Providing Assistance to Farmers and Promoting Innovation                               
5. Upgrading Worker Capabilities                                                               
6. Laying Down the Foundations for Future Growth                                         
7. Preparing the Thai People for the 21st Century                                         
8. Addressing Corruption and Malfeasance in the Public Sector, i.e., in the Political Sphere and among Civil Servants                                           
9. Tackling Drug Problems and Restoring Peace in the Southern Border Provinces
10. Improving Public Services                                                               
11. Devising Measures to Deal with Drought and Floods                               
12. Supportingthe Studies and Public Hearings regarding the Amendment of the Constitution of the Kingdom of Thailand

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