Thailand · Legislation
Legislation and primary sources
Where to find the authoritative text of the law in Thailand, and how to confirm it is still in force.
Sources of law, ranked
- The Constitution of 2017
- Supreme; reviewed and enforced by the Constitutional Court.
- Acts of Parliament and Royal Decrees
- Primary legislation; decrees issued under statutory authority.
- The Civil and Commercial Code 1925
- Core of private law, largely unamended in structure.
- Emergency decrees
- Issued by the Cabinet in urgent cases, requiring later parliamentary approval.
- Supreme Court decisions
- Not formally binding but followed in practice and published as guidance.
The legislative process
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.
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