Thailand · Government
Government and administration in Thailand
How the executive, legislature and administrative state are organised, and which body is responsible for what.
The three branches
- Head of state — King
- Constitutional monarch; the office carries substantial prestige and lèse-majesté protection.
- Executive — Prime Minister and Cabinet
- Prime Minister selected by Parliament.
- Legislative — National Assembly
- House of Representatives (500) and Senate (200).
- Judiciary — Constitutional, ordinary and administrative courts
- Three separate judicial hierarchies.
- Independent organs — Election Commission, Ombudsman, NACC, State Audit Office
- Constitutional bodies with wide powers over officeholders.
How legislation is made
Bills pass three readings in the House of Representatives and are then considered by the Senate, which may delay. Money bills require Cabinet endorsement. Before royal assent, a bill may be referred to the Constitutional Court for pre-enactment review. The King signs; if assent is withheld, Parliament may reaffirm the bill by a two-thirds majority after 90 days. Constitutional amendment requires specified majorities in a joint sitting including Senate support, and referendums for some chapters.
Enforcement institutions
- Royal Thai Police
- National force under the Prime Minister's Office.
- Office of the Attorney General
- Public prosecution service.
- National Anti-Corruption Commission
- Constitutional body investigating officeholders.
- Revenue Department
- Income tax and VAT.
- Department of Business Development
- Company registration under the Civil and Commercial Code.
- Securities and Exchange Commission
- Capital markets regulation.
Government bodies and regulators
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