Constitutional Background
Thailand is a constitutional monarchy where the king appoints Senators, 20% of which are soldiers. Between 1932 and 1997, Thailand had 15 constitutions and 17 military coups. The latest constitution was adopted by parliament in 1997 after extensive public consultation. It mainly tries to get rid of vote-buying. It also introduces proportional representation for some seats, establishes an independent election commission, and requires that votes be counted away from the polling stations. The new constitution further requires all cabinet members to resign their parliamentary seats. In the future, Senators will be elected rather than royally nominated.
On 2 July 1995, Thailand, after having abolished absolute monarchy 60 years ago, had the first "real" parliament elections where the military had no right to veto successful candidates. government is headed by Prime Minister Banharn Silpa-archa and a coalition of his Chart Thai Party with the New Aspiration Party and others.
History and News
- 1997: New Constitution adopted.
- 2 July 1997: The government is forced to float the currency (baht) until the IMF outlines austerity measures on 5 Aug.
- Jan 1997: General Chavalit Yongchaiyudh becomes Prime Minister again.
- 2 July 1995: In parliamentary elections, the ruling Prime Minister Chuan Leepai, DP (Democratic Party) is overcome by Banharn Silpa-Archa, CTP (Chart-Thai Pary) who forms a new government.
- 1992: Military violence in Bangkok.
- 1991: A military coup starts a brief period army rule that ended with bloodshed in the streets of Bangkok in 1992.
- 1988-1991: First government of Prime Minister General Chavalit Yongchaiyudh.
- 1932: End of absolute monarchy.
