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.

The National Council for Peace and Order and the Roadmap towards the Election

In May 2014, the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) was formed to carry out national administration and restore peace and order to support a sustainable democracy with continued economic growth. Following the promulgation of the new Constitution in April 2017, Thailand held the general elections on 24 March 2019.

On 9 May 2019, the Election Commission announced the official results of the general elections, including the Members of Parliament in the party list. His Majesty the King has also endorsed the list of senators on 11 May 2019.

Formation of a New Government

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.

The Head of the NCPO abrogated 66 orders of the NCPO on 9 July 2019. These orders were previously issued to restore stability and public order as well as to resolve chronic problems. Since there has been significant improvement in these issues, such as human trafficking and IUU fishing, the NCPO orders are no longer needed.

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 four political parties: the Palang Pracharath Party, the Democrat Party, the Bhumjaithai Party, and the Chart Thai Pattana Party.

The Cabinet has taken its oath of office before His Majesty the King on 16 July 2019 and is expected to deliver its Policy Statement to the Parliament on 25 July 2019.

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