National Assembly of Thailand
Encyclopedia
The National Assembly of Thailand or the Parliament of Thailand ' onMouseout='HidePop("13030")' href="/topics/Abbreviation">Abrv:
NAT) is the legislative branch
of the government of Thailand
. The National Assembly of Thailand is a bicameral
body, consisting of two chambers: the upper house
, (the Senate of Thailand
), and the lower house
, (the House of Representatives of Thailand
). The Assembly is composed of 650 members: 500 Representatives (MPs) and 150 Senators.
The National Assembly was established in 1932 after the adoption of Thailand's first Constitution, which transformed Thailand from an absolute monarchy
to a constitutional monarchy
. The Assembly took its current form after the adoption of the 2007 Constitution of Thailand
. The National Assembly currently convenes in the Parliament House of Thailand
, which is located in the Dusit
district in the capital Bangkok
, Thailand
.
is called the Senate of Thailand . The chamber is non-partisan and has limited legislative powers. The Senate is made up of 76 elected members (one representing each province) and the rest (74) are selected from the following sectors: from the academic sector, the public sector, the private sector, the professional sector and other sectors, by the Senate Selection Committee. The senate's term lasts six years. It forbids members from holding any additional office or membership in political parties
.
is called the House of Representatives of Thailand . The chamber is made up of 375 members from single constituency elections and 125 members from "proportional representation" by party lists, as termed in the 2007 Constitution of Thailand
. Thailand's "proportional representation" is parallel voting
or Mixed Member Majoritarian (MMM). This is where the 125 seats are divided, to different political parties in accordance with the 'proportional representation
' popular vote each party receives. Every eligible voter in Thailand in the event of a general election has two votes, the first for the constituency MP, the second for the party the voter prefers. The second category is then added and the results divided into 8 electoral areas. The other 375 seats are directly elected through a constituency basis. The House's term lasts four years, however, a dissolution
can happen at any time.
, however some restrictions apply: The voter must be a national of Thailand; if not by birth then by being a citizen for 5 years, must be over 18 years old before the year the election is held and the voter must have also registered 90 days before the election at his constituency. Those barred from voting in House elections are: members of the sangha
or clergy
, those suspended from the privilege for various reasons, detainees under legal or court orders and being of unsound mind or of mental infirmity. Voting in Thailand is compulsory
.
, who upon election as Speaker of the House, will automatically assume office as President of the National Assembly. The Vice President of the National Assembly of Thailand is also an ex-officio position occupied by the President of the Senate of Thailand
. The current officers are:
The Powers of the National Assembly are enshrined in Chapter 6, Part 7 of the 2007 Constitution of Thailand
. The main powers of the National Assembly are its legislative powers, the procedure for an enactment of a Bill is as follows:
As the Prime Minister is selected from the ranks of the House of Representatives and elected by the House, the Prime Minister is therefore directly responsible to the legislature. The National Assembly can also compel him to appear before it like any other Minister, and force him to explain policies and answer questions, just like any other member of the Cabinet. In reverse the Cabinet also has some powers over the National Assembly, the Cabinet can, according to the constitution, call an emergency session of the National Assembly at any time.
The Senate is given exclusive powers to advise on the appointment of members of the judiciary and members of independent government organizations. These include the: Judges of the Constitutional Court of Thailand
, members of the Election Commission
, Members of the Counter Corruption Commission and the National Human Rights Commission
. However the power to appoint members of the State Audit Commission (including the Auditor General) belongs to the King, with only a counter signature of the President of the Senate.
The National Assembly also has the power to impeach and remove these officers. The Prime Minister can only be removed by the House in a vote of no confidence. Members of the Cabinet are not appointed by the National Assembly, but they can be removed by the National Assembly in a similar process, this time the vote of no confidence is allowed by both or individual houses. Judges and Independent government officers can also be removed by both houses of the National Assembly.
The two houses of the National Assembly have two different terms. In accordance with the constitution the Senate is elected to a six year term, while the House is elected to a four year term. Overall the term of the National Assembly is based on that of the House. The National Assembly each year will sit in two sessions an "ordinary session" and a "legislative session". The first session of the National Assembly must take place within thirty days after the general election
of the House of Representatives. The first session must be opened by the King in person by reading a Speech from the Throne
; this ceremony is held in the Ananda Samakhom Throne Hall
. He may also appoint the Crown Prince
or a representative to carry out this duty. It is also the duty of the King to prologue sessions through a Royal Decree when the House term expires. The King also has the prerogative
to call extraordinary sessions and prolong sessions at his discretion.
The National Assembly may host a "Joint-sitting" of both Houses under several circumstances. These include: The appointment of a Regent, any alteration to the 1924 Palace Law of Succession
, the opening of the first session, the announcement of policies by the Cabinet of Thailand, the approval of the declaration of war
, the hearing of explanations and approval of a treaty
and the amendment of the Constitution.
which were enshrined in the constitution, these include: the "words expressed in giving statements of fact or opinions or in casting the vote" in a joint sitting of the National Assembly, No member of the House of Representatives or Senator shall, during a session, be arrested, detained or summoned by a warrant for an inquiry as the suspect in a criminal case unless permission of the House of which he or she is a member is obtained or he or she is arrested in flagrante delicto.
The two Houses also retain the privilege to decide its own rules and procedures, committees, quorum
of committees, sittings, the submission and consideration of organic law bills and bills, the submission of motions, the consultation, debates, the passing of a resolution, the recording and disclosure of the passing of a resolution, the interpellation, the initiation of a general debate and committee members.
. After the first elections to the National Assembly in 1933, King Prajadhipok
officially gave the Throne Hall for the legislature's use. However through the years the composition of the Assemblies increased and the Throne Hall became too small to accommodate all the legislators and its secretariat. Three attempts were made to build a new building, however each failed because the government in power was terminated before a budget could be appropriated.
The fourth time however was a success with the help of King Bhumibol Adulyadej
who appropriated to the National Assembly, royal land immediately north of the Throne Hall for the site of the new Parliament House. The construction began on the 5 November 1970, with a budget of 51,027,360 baht. The new Parliament House complex comprises three buildings:
The Parliament House was first used in 19 September 1974, as the Ananda Samakhom Throne Hall became a national historic building. From then on the Parliament House became the primary building used for the National Assembly, only the State Opening is held in the Throne Hall.
On J29 uly 2008, the National Assembly appropriated new funds to construct a new and grander Parliament House. As of December 2008, a site belonging to the Royal Thai Army has been found but has not yet been confirmed.
in the 12th century: as the King was seen as a “Dharmaraja” or “King who rules in accordance with Dharma
” (the Buddhist law of righteousness). However on the 24 June 1932 a group of civilians and military officers, calling themselves the Khana Ratsadon
(or People’s Party) carried out a bloodless revolution
, in which the 150 years of absolute rule
of the House of Chakri was ended. In its stead the group advocated a constitutional form of monarchy
with an elected legislature.
The "Draft Constitution" of 1932 signed by King Prajadhipok
, create Thailand’s first legislature, a People’s Assembly with 70 appointed members. The Assembly met for the first time on the 28 June 1932, in the Ananda Samakhom Throne Hall
. The Khana Ratsadon decided that the people were not yet ready for an elected assembly, however they later changed their minds. By the time the "Permanent" Constitution came into force in December of that year, elections were scheduled for the 15 November 1933. The new constitution also changed the composition of the Assembly to 78 directly elected and 78 appointed (by the Khana Ratsadon) together compromising 156 members.
executed by the military, abrogated the constitution and replaced it with the 1947 ‘temporary’ and then a ‘permanent’ charter in 1949. The new constitution retained the House but created a 100 member Senate directly appointed by the King.
Sarit Dhanarajata
carried out another coup d’etat this time abolishing the National Assembly altogether. In 1969 under Thanom Kittikachorn
the National Assembly returned; this time with a 219 member House and again a royally appointed Senate. This lasted until 1972 when Thanom overthrew his own government and ruled the country through a National Executive Council. Under pressure Thanom reinstated a 299 appointed National Legislative Assembly, 200 of which were members of the military.
In 1974 the rule of the 'Three Tyrants’ (as Thanom’s tenure became known) was finally overthrown. A new constitution was promulgated, this time swinging the power back to the legislature by creating a bicameral legislature with an elected House and a House-appointed Senate. Within two years the military led by Tanin Kraivixien
again abrogated the constitution and installed a royally-appointed 360 member unicameral National Assembly.
By 1978, Kriangsak Chomanan
(who succeeded Tanin in 1977) restored the bicameral legislature with an elected 301 member House and a Prime Ministerially-appointed 225 Senate. This arrangement lasted for almost 13 years until Army Commander General Suchinda Kraprayoon
overthrew the government of Chatichai Choonhavan
in 1991 and returned the unicameral appointed National Assembly with 292 members. However Suchinda’s rule was brought down by the Black May uprising, which led to the overthrow of the military and the drafting of a new constitution.
or the People’s Constitution returned Thailand to democracy with a National Assembly composed of an elected 500 (400 directly, 100 by party-lists) House of Representatives, and an elected 200 member Senate, this arrangement lasted for almost ten years. The constitution was abrogated following the 2006 Coup d’etat, by the military under General Sonthi Boonyaratglin
. In 2007 the military appointed National Legislative Assembly
to draft the new constitution
. This copy was eventually adopted after it was approved through a referendum
in 2007, this is the constitution currently in use.
Abbreviation
An abbreviation is a shortened form of a word or phrase. Usually, but not always, it consists of a letter or group of letters taken from the word or phrase...
NAT) is the legislative branch
Legislature
A legislature is a kind of deliberative assembly with the power to pass, amend, and repeal laws. The law created by a legislature is called legislation or statutory law. In addition to enacting laws, legislatures usually have exclusive authority to raise or lower taxes and adopt the budget and...
of the government of Thailand
Thailand
Thailand , officially the Kingdom of Thailand , formerly known as Siam , is a country located at the centre of the Indochina peninsula and Southeast Asia. It is bordered to the north by Burma and Laos, to the east by Laos and Cambodia, to the south by the Gulf of Thailand and Malaysia, and to the...
. The National Assembly of Thailand is a bicameral
Bicameralism
In the government, bicameralism is the practice of having two legislative or parliamentary chambers. Thus, a bicameral parliament or bicameral legislature is a legislature which consists of two chambers or houses....
body, consisting of two chambers: the upper house
Upper house
An upper house, often called a senate, is one of two chambers of a bicameral legislature, the other chamber being the lower house; a legislature composed of only one house is described as unicameral.- Possible specific characteristics :...
, (the Senate of Thailand
Senate of Thailand
The Senate of the Kingdom of Thailand is the upper house of the National Assembly of Thailand, . In accordance with the 2007 Constitution of Thailand, the Senate is a non-partisan legislative chamber, composed of 150 members...
), and the lower house
Lower house
A lower house is one of two chambers of a bicameral legislature, the other chamber being the upper house.Despite its official position "below" the upper house, in many legislatures worldwide the lower house has come to wield more power...
, (the House of Representatives of Thailand
House of Representatives of Thailand
The House of Representatives of the Kingdom of Thailand is the lower house of the National Assembly of Thailand, the legislative branch of the Thai Government. The system of government of Thailand is that of a Constitutional Monarchy and a Parliamentary Democracy. The system of the Thai...
). The Assembly is composed of 650 members: 500 Representatives (MPs) and 150 Senators.
The National Assembly was established in 1932 after the adoption of Thailand's first Constitution, which transformed Thailand from an absolute monarchy
Absolute monarchy
Absolute monarchy is a monarchical form of government in which the monarch exercises ultimate governing authority as head of state and head of government, his or her power not being limited by a constitution or by the law. An absolute monarch thus wields unrestricted political power over the...
to a constitutional monarchy
Constitutional monarchy
Constitutional monarchy is a form of government in which a monarch acts as head of state within the parameters of a constitution, whether it be a written, uncodified or blended constitution...
. The Assembly took its current form after the adoption of the 2007 Constitution of Thailand
2007 Constitution of Thailand
A Permanent Constitution for the Kingdom of Thailand was drafted by a committee established by the military junta that abrogated the previous 1997 Constitution. On August 19, 2007, a referendum was held in which 59.3% of the voters voted in favor of the constitution...
. The National Assembly currently convenes in the Parliament House of Thailand
Parliament House of Thailand
The Parliament House of Thailand currently houses the National Assembly of Thailand, the legislative branch of the Royal Thai Government. The legislature is a bicameral body, consisting of two chambers: the upper house, , and the lower house,...
, which is located in the Dusit
Dusit
Dusit is one of the 50 districts of Bangkok, Thailand.The district forms the main administrative center of Thailand, as both the national parliament as well as the royal palace are located in this district, as well as several ministries...
district in the capital Bangkok
Bangkok
Bangkok is the capital and largest urban area city in Thailand. It is known in Thai as Krung Thep Maha Nakhon or simply Krung Thep , meaning "city of angels." The full name of Bangkok is Krung Thep Mahanakhon Amon Rattanakosin Mahintharayutthaya Mahadilok Phop Noppharat Ratchathani Burirom...
, Thailand
Thailand
Thailand , officially the Kingdom of Thailand , formerly known as Siam , is a country located at the centre of the Indochina peninsula and Southeast Asia. It is bordered to the north by Burma and Laos, to the east by Laos and Cambodia, to the south by the Gulf of Thailand and Malaysia, and to the...
.
Composition
The National Assembly of the Kingdom of Thailand is a bicameral legislature composed of a Senate and a House of Representatives. Combined, the Assembly has 650 members, 576 of which are elected (500 MPs and 76 Senators). Others include 74 non elected (74 Senators through party selection). The majority of elections in Thailand follows the First Past the Post system which is used in the elections for the 375 members of the House of Representatives and 76 members of the Senate. The remaining 125 members of the House are elected by party list proportional representation.The Senate
The upper houseUpper house
An upper house, often called a senate, is one of two chambers of a bicameral legislature, the other chamber being the lower house; a legislature composed of only one house is described as unicameral.- Possible specific characteristics :...
is called the Senate of Thailand . The chamber is non-partisan and has limited legislative powers. The Senate is made up of 76 elected members (one representing each province) and the rest (74) are selected from the following sectors: from the academic sector, the public sector, the private sector, the professional sector and other sectors, by the Senate Selection Committee. The senate's term lasts six years. It forbids members from holding any additional office or membership in political parties
Political Parties
Political Parties: A Sociological Study of the Oligarchical Tendencies of Modern Democracy is a book by sociologist Robert Michels, published in 1911 , and first introducing the concept of iron law of oligarchy...
.
The House of Representatives
The lower houseLower house
A lower house is one of two chambers of a bicameral legislature, the other chamber being the upper house.Despite its official position "below" the upper house, in many legislatures worldwide the lower house has come to wield more power...
is called the House of Representatives of Thailand . The chamber is made up of 375 members from single constituency elections and 125 members from "proportional representation" by party lists, as termed in the 2007 Constitution of Thailand
2007 Constitution of Thailand
A Permanent Constitution for the Kingdom of Thailand was drafted by a committee established by the military junta that abrogated the previous 1997 Constitution. On August 19, 2007, a referendum was held in which 59.3% of the voters voted in favor of the constitution...
. Thailand's "proportional representation" is parallel voting
Parallel voting
Parallel voting describes a mixed voting system where voters in effect participate in two separate elections for a single chamber using different systems, and where the results in one election have little or no impact on the results of the other...
or Mixed Member Majoritarian (MMM). This is where the 125 seats are divided, to different political parties in accordance with the 'proportional representation
Proportional representation
Proportional representation is a concept in voting systems used to elect an assembly or council. PR means that the number of seats won by a party or group of candidates is proportionate to the number of votes received. For example, under a PR voting system if 30% of voters support a particular...
' popular vote each party receives. Every eligible voter in Thailand in the event of a general election has two votes, the first for the constituency MP, the second for the party the voter prefers. The second category is then added and the results divided into 8 electoral areas. The other 375 seats are directly elected through a constituency basis. The House's term lasts four years, however, a dissolution
Dissolution of parliament
In parliamentary systems, a dissolution of parliament is the dispersal of a legislature at the call of an election.Usually there is a maximum length of a legislature, and a dissolution must happen before the maximum time...
can happen at any time.
Elections
Elections in Thailand are held under universal suffrageUniversal suffrage
Universal suffrage consists of the extension of the right to vote to adult citizens as a whole, though it may also mean extending said right to minors and non-citizens...
, however some restrictions apply: The voter must be a national of Thailand; if not by birth then by being a citizen for 5 years, must be over 18 years old before the year the election is held and the voter must have also registered 90 days before the election at his constituency. Those barred from voting in House elections are: members of the sangha
Sangha
Sangha is a word in Pali or Sanskrit that can be translated roughly as "association" or "assembly," "company" or "community" with common goal, vision or purpose...
or clergy
Clergy
Clergy is the generic term used to describe the formal religious leadership within a given religion. A clergyman, churchman or cleric is a member of the clergy, especially one who is a priest, preacher, pastor, or other religious professional....
, those suspended from the privilege for various reasons, detainees under legal or court orders and being of unsound mind or of mental infirmity. Voting in Thailand is compulsory
Compulsory voting
Compulsory voting is a system in which electors are obliged to vote in elections or attend a polling place on voting day. If an eligible voter does not attend a polling place, he or she may be subject to punitive measures such as fines, community service, or perhaps imprisonment if fines are unpaid...
.
Officers
The President of the National Assembly of Thailand is an ex-officio position occupied by the Speaker of the House of Representatives of ThailandHouse of Representatives of Thailand
The House of Representatives of the Kingdom of Thailand is the lower house of the National Assembly of Thailand, the legislative branch of the Thai Government. The system of government of Thailand is that of a Constitutional Monarchy and a Parliamentary Democracy. The system of the Thai...
, who upon election as Speaker of the House, will automatically assume office as President of the National Assembly. The Vice President of the National Assembly of Thailand is also an ex-officio position occupied by the President of the Senate of Thailand
Senate of Thailand
The Senate of the Kingdom of Thailand is the upper house of the National Assembly of Thailand, . In accordance with the 2007 Constitution of Thailand, the Senate is a non-partisan legislative chamber, composed of 150 members...
. The current officers are:
| Title | Name | Appointment |
|---|---|---|
| President of the National Assembly and Speaker of the House of Representatives |
Somsak Kiatsuranont Somsak Kiatsuranont Somsak Kiatsuranont is a Thai politician . He has been serving as the Speaker of the House of Representatives of Thailand who is ex officio also the President of the National Assembly of Thailand, since 3 August 2011.... |
1 August 2011 |
| Vice President of the National Assembly and President of the Senate |
Teeradej Meepien | 9 May 2011 |
Legislation
2007 Constitution of Thailand
A Permanent Constitution for the Kingdom of Thailand was drafted by a committee established by the military junta that abrogated the previous 1997 Constitution. On August 19, 2007, a referendum was held in which 59.3% of the voters voted in favor of the constitution...
. The main powers of the National Assembly are its legislative powers, the procedure for an enactment of a Bill is as follows:
- A bill can be introduced to the National Assembly for consideration by: the Cabinet of Thailand, a minimum of twenty members of the House of Representatives, a Court (Judiciary), a constitutional independent organIndependent agencies of the Thai governmentThe Independent agencies of the Thai government under the Constitution) are executive branch agencies of the Government of Thailand, that exists and function outside of the Cabinet Ministries of Thailand....
(but only in respect of the law that is concerned with that organization) and persons having the right to vote signing and petition of not less than ten thousand in number (a form of direct democracyDirect democracyDirect democracy is a form of government in which people vote on policy initiatives directly, as opposed to a representative democracy in which people vote for representatives who then vote on policy initiatives. Direct democracy is classically termed "pure democracy"...
). If the bill is a money billMoney billIn the Westminster system , a money bill or supply bill is a bill that solely concerns taxation or government spending , as opposed to changes in public law.- Conventions :...
its introduction must only be made with the endorsement of the Prime MinisterPrime Minister of ThailandThe Prime Minister of Thailand is the head of government of Thailand. The Prime Minister is also the chairman of the Cabinet of Thailand. The post has existed since the Revolution of 1932, when the country became a constitutional monarchy....
.
- The bill is then introduced to the House of Representative for debate, amendment and vote. When the House of Representatives has considered the bill and passed a resolution approving it, the House of Representatives shall submit the bill to the Senate. The Senate must finish the consideration of such bill within sixty days; but if it is a money bill, the consideration must be finished within thirty days.
- After the Senate has finished the consideration of a bill, and if it agrees with the House of Representatives the bill will the proceed to the next stage. If the Senate disagrees with the House of Representatives, then the bill will be withheld and returned to the House of Representatives. If there is an amendment, the amended bill will then be returned to the House of Representatives. If the House of Representatives approves such an amendment, the bill will proceed to the next stage. In other cases, each Houses will appoint representatives (being or not being its members) in equal number (as may be fixed by the House of Representatives), to constitute a joint committeeJoint committeeA Joint Committee is a term in politics that is used to refer to a committee made up of members of both chambers of a bicameral legislature. In other contexts, it refers to a committee with members from more than one organization.-Republic of Ireland:...
for considering the bill. The joint committee will then prepare a report and submit the bill which it has already considered to both Houses. If both Houses approve the bill already considered by the joint committee, further proceedings under section the bill will proceed to the next stage. If either House disapproves it, the bill will be withheld.
- After a bill has already been approved by the National Assembly, the Prime Minister shall present it to the King for his Royal AssentRoyal AssentThe granting of royal assent refers to the method by which any constitutional monarch formally approves and promulgates an act of his or her nation's parliament, thus making it a law...
within twenty days from the date of the receipt of such bill from the National Assembly, and it shall come into force upon its publication in the Royal Gazette.
- If the King refuses his Royal assent, by withholding his signature to a bill and either returns it to the National Assembly or does not return it within ninety days (a vetoVetoA veto, Latin for "I forbid", is the power of an officer of the state to unilaterally stop an official action, especially enactment of a piece of legislation...
), the National Assembly must re-deliberate that bill. If the National Assembly resolves to reaffirm the bill with the votes of not less than two-thirds of the total number of existing members of both Houses, the Prime Minister shall present such bill to the King for signature on another occasion. If the King still does not sign and return the bill within thirty days, the Prime Minister can cause the bill to be promulgated as an Act in the Royal Gazette as if the King had signed it. Giving the National Assembly the power to overturn the Royal veto.
Relationship with the Government
The Government of Thailand, particularly the Cabinet of Thailand is answerable directly to the National Assembly. The constitution mandates that within fifteen days of being sworn-in the Cabinet must state its policies to the National Assembly. The National Assembly has the authority to call any Minister to appear before it at any time to explain policies or answer questions. This power of scrutiny is extremely important as some members of the Cabinet do not need to be a member of the National Assembly, if they are a member they can only be from the lower house or the House of Representatives, as the constitution expressly forbidden members of the Senate from being members of the Cabinet.As the Prime Minister is selected from the ranks of the House of Representatives and elected by the House, the Prime Minister is therefore directly responsible to the legislature. The National Assembly can also compel him to appear before it like any other Minister, and force him to explain policies and answer questions, just like any other member of the Cabinet. In reverse the Cabinet also has some powers over the National Assembly, the Cabinet can, according to the constitution, call an emergency session of the National Assembly at any time.
Appointment
Apart from legislative and scrutiny functions, the National Assembly also has the power of appointment and removal. The House is given exclusive rights to elect the Prime Minister of Thailand, first the candidate must receive the support of one-fifth of all members, afterwards a simple majority vote will confirm his appointment which will be made officially by the King, the royal assent is then countersigned by the President of the National Assembly.The Senate is given exclusive powers to advise on the appointment of members of the judiciary and members of independent government organizations. These include the: Judges of the Constitutional Court of Thailand
Constitutional Court of Thailand
The Constitutional Court of Thailand is an independent Thai court originally established under the 1997 Constitution with jurisdiction over the constitutionality of parliamentary acts, royal decrees, draft legislation, as well as the appointment and removal of public officials and issues regarding...
, members of the Election Commission
Election Commission (Thailand)
The Election Commission of the Kingdom of Thailand is an independent government agency and the sole Electoral Commission of Thailand tasked with overseeing Senate, House, local and district elections throughout the Kingdom of Thailand. Established by the Constitution, the Election Commission has...
, Members of the Counter Corruption Commission and the National Human Rights Commission
National Human Rights Commission (Thailand)
The Thai National Human Rights Commission was established on July 13, 2001 as a national human rights institution. From its inception to May 31, 2005, it received a total of 2,148 complaints of which 1,309 had already been investigated, 559 were still in the process of investigation, and 209 were...
. However the power to appoint members of the State Audit Commission (including the Auditor General) belongs to the King, with only a counter signature of the President of the Senate.
The National Assembly also has the power to impeach and remove these officers. The Prime Minister can only be removed by the House in a vote of no confidence. Members of the Cabinet are not appointed by the National Assembly, but they can be removed by the National Assembly in a similar process, this time the vote of no confidence is allowed by both or individual houses. Judges and Independent government officers can also be removed by both houses of the National Assembly.
Term
General election
In a parliamentary political system, a general election is an election in which all or most members of a given political body are chosen. The term is usually used to refer to elections held for a nation's primary legislative body, as distinguished from by-elections and local elections.The term...
of the House of Representatives. The first session must be opened by the King in person by reading a Speech from the Throne
Speech from the Throne
A speech from the throne is an event in certain monarchies in which the reigning sovereign reads a prepared speech to a complete session of parliament, outlining the government's agenda for the coming session...
; this ceremony is held in the Ananda Samakhom Throne Hall
Ananda Samakhom Throne Hall
The Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall is a former reception hall within Dusit Palace in Bangkok, Thailand. It now serves as a museum and is from time to time employed for certain state occasions....
. He may also appoint the Crown Prince
Crown Prince
A crown prince or crown princess is the heir or heiress apparent to the throne in a royal or imperial monarchy. The wife of a crown prince is also titled crown princess....
or a representative to carry out this duty. It is also the duty of the King to prologue sessions through a Royal Decree when the House term expires. The King also has the prerogative
Royal Prerogative
The royal prerogative is a body of customary authority, privilege, and immunity, recognized in common law and, sometimes, in civil law jurisdictions possessing a monarchy as belonging to the sovereign alone. It is the means by which some of the executive powers of government, possessed by and...
to call extraordinary sessions and prolong sessions at his discretion.
The National Assembly may host a "Joint-sitting" of both Houses under several circumstances. These include: The appointment of a Regent, any alteration to the 1924 Palace Law of Succession
1924 Palace Law of Succession
The Palace Law on Succession, BE 2467 governs succession to the Throne of the Kingdom of Thailand, under the ruling House of Chakri. The law was established during the reign of King Vajiravudh to systematically resolve previous succession controversies...
, the opening of the first session, the announcement of policies by the Cabinet of Thailand, the approval of the declaration of war
Declaration of war
A declaration of war is a formal act by which one nation goes to war against another. The declaration is a performative speech act by an authorized party of a national government in order to create a state of war between two or more states.The legality of who is competent to declare war varies...
, the hearing of explanations and approval of a treaty
Treaty
A treaty is an express agreement under international law entered into by actors in international law, namely sovereign states and international organizations. A treaty may also be known as an agreement, protocol, covenant, convention or exchange of letters, among other terms...
and the amendment of the Constitution.
Privileges
Members of the National Assembly enjoy parliamentary privilegeParliamentary privilege
Parliamentary privilege is a legal immunity enjoyed by members of certain legislatures, in which legislators are granted protection against civil or criminal liability for actions done or statements made related to one's duties as a legislator. It is common in countries whose constitutions are...
which were enshrined in the constitution, these include: the "words expressed in giving statements of fact or opinions or in casting the vote" in a joint sitting of the National Assembly, No member of the House of Representatives or Senator shall, during a session, be arrested, detained or summoned by a warrant for an inquiry as the suspect in a criminal case unless permission of the House of which he or she is a member is obtained or he or she is arrested in flagrante delicto.
The two Houses also retain the privilege to decide its own rules and procedures, committees, quorum
Quorum
A quorum is the minimum number of members of a deliberative assembly necessary to conduct the business of that group...
of committees, sittings, the submission and consideration of organic law bills and bills, the submission of motions, the consultation, debates, the passing of a resolution, the recording and disclosure of the passing of a resolution, the interpellation, the initiation of a general debate and committee members.
Parliament House of Thailand
From June 28, 1932 to 1974, the legislature met in the Ananda Samakhom Throne HallAnanda Samakhom Throne Hall
The Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall is a former reception hall within Dusit Palace in Bangkok, Thailand. It now serves as a museum and is from time to time employed for certain state occasions....
. After the first elections to the National Assembly in 1933, King Prajadhipok
Prajadhipok
Phra Bat Somdet Phra Poramintharamaha Prajadhipok Phra Pok Klao Chao Yu Hua , or Rama VII was the seventh monarch of Siam under the House of Chakri. He was the last absolute monarch and the first constitutional monarch of the country. His reign was a turbulent time for Siam due to huge political...
officially gave the Throne Hall for the legislature's use. However through the years the composition of the Assemblies increased and the Throne Hall became too small to accommodate all the legislators and its secretariat. Three attempts were made to build a new building, however each failed because the government in power was terminated before a budget could be appropriated.
The fourth time however was a success with the help of King Bhumibol Adulyadej
Bhumibol Adulyadej
Bhumibol Adulyadej is the current King of Thailand. He is known as Rama IX...
who appropriated to the National Assembly, royal land immediately north of the Throne Hall for the site of the new Parliament House. The construction began on the 5 November 1970, with a budget of 51,027,360 baht. The new Parliament House complex comprises three buildings:
- The First Building: or the Parliament House with 3 stories contains the meeting chambers for the National Assemblyt, where the Senate and the House both share. It also contain the offices of the President and Vice President of the National Assembly and the deputies presiding officers.
- The Second Building: a 7 story building contains the Secretariat and offices of the National Assembly as well as the it's Printing Press.
- The Third Building: a 2 story building used as the Parliament club, with facilities for Assembly members.
The Parliament House was first used in 19 September 1974, as the Ananda Samakhom Throne Hall became a national historic building. From then on the Parliament House became the primary building used for the National Assembly, only the State Opening is held in the Throne Hall.
On J29 uly 2008, the National Assembly appropriated new funds to construct a new and grander Parliament House. As of December 2008, a site belonging to the Royal Thai Army has been found but has not yet been confirmed.
History
28th of June 1932
Prior to 1932, the Kingdom of Siam did not possess a legislature, as all legislative powers were vested within the person of the monarch. This has been the case since the foundation of the Sukhothai KingdomSukhothai kingdom
The Sukhothai Kingdom ) was an early kingdom in the area around the city Sukhothai, in north central Thailand. The Kingdom existed from 1238 till 1438...
in the 12th century: as the King was seen as a “Dharmaraja” or “King who rules in accordance with Dharma
Dharma
Dharma means Law or Natural Law and is a concept of central importance in Indian philosophy and religion. In the context of Hinduism, it refers to one's personal obligations, calling and duties, and a Hindu's dharma is affected by the person's age, caste, class, occupation, and gender...
” (the Buddhist law of righteousness). However on the 24 June 1932 a group of civilians and military officers, calling themselves the Khana Ratsadon
Khana Ratsadon
Khana Ratsadon , frequently mistakenly written as Khana Rat , was a Siamese group of military and civil officers, and later a political party, which staged a bloodless coup against King Prajadhipok and transited the country's absolute monarchy to constitutional monarchy on 24 June 1932.-The...
(or People’s Party) carried out a bloodless revolution
Siamese Revolution of 1932
The Siamese Revolution of 1932 or the Siamese Coup d'état of 1932 was a crucial turning point in Thai history in the 20th century...
, in which the 150 years of absolute rule
Absolute monarchy
Absolute monarchy is a monarchical form of government in which the monarch exercises ultimate governing authority as head of state and head of government, his or her power not being limited by a constitution or by the law. An absolute monarch thus wields unrestricted political power over the...
of the House of Chakri was ended. In its stead the group advocated a constitutional form of monarchy
Constitutional monarchy
Constitutional monarchy is a form of government in which a monarch acts as head of state within the parameters of a constitution, whether it be a written, uncodified or blended constitution...
with an elected legislature.
The "Draft Constitution" of 1932 signed by King Prajadhipok
Prajadhipok
Phra Bat Somdet Phra Poramintharamaha Prajadhipok Phra Pok Klao Chao Yu Hua , or Rama VII was the seventh monarch of Siam under the House of Chakri. He was the last absolute monarch and the first constitutional monarch of the country. His reign was a turbulent time for Siam due to huge political...
, create Thailand’s first legislature, a People’s Assembly with 70 appointed members. The Assembly met for the first time on the 28 June 1932, in the Ananda Samakhom Throne Hall
Ananda Samakhom Throne Hall
The Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall is a former reception hall within Dusit Palace in Bangkok, Thailand. It now serves as a museum and is from time to time employed for certain state occasions....
. The Khana Ratsadon decided that the people were not yet ready for an elected assembly, however they later changed their minds. By the time the "Permanent" Constitution came into force in December of that year, elections were scheduled for the 15 November 1933. The new constitution also changed the composition of the Assembly to 78 directly elected and 78 appointed (by the Khana Ratsadon) together compromising 156 members.
Attempts at democracy
After the Second World War a new constitution was promulgated in 1946 under the government of Pridi Panomyong. The constitution is considered Thailand’s most democratic and created for the first time a bicameral legislature: the Senate and the House of Representatives. Also for the first and last time the constitution called for a fully elected Senate (albeit indirectly) and House, the Senate to 6 years term and the House to 4 years. The ban on political parties were lifted and the first full elections were held in 1946. However in 1947 a coup d’etatSiamese coup d'état of 1947
The Siamese coup d'état of 1947 was a Thai coup d’état that happened on the evening of 7 November 1947, ending in the early hours of the morning on 8 November. The coup ousted the government of Rear Admiral Thawan Thamrong Nawasawat, who was replaced by Khuang Aphaiwong as Prime Minister of...
executed by the military, abrogated the constitution and replaced it with the 1947 ‘temporary’ and then a ‘permanent’ charter in 1949. The new constitution retained the House but created a 100 member Senate directly appointed by the King.
Military dominace
This charter lasted until 1957 when the military again carried out a coup d’etat and created a single 123 member appointed National Assembly, 103 of which were from the military or police. In 1959 Field MarshalChom Phon
Chom Phon or Field Marshal of Thailand is a military rank of Thailand in the Royal Thai Army, considered the equivalent to a Field Marshal or General of the Army . Today it is ceremonially held by members of the Thai Royal family and exists only on paper in the actual Thai military...
Sarit Dhanarajata
Sarit Dhanarajata
Field Marshal Sarit Thanarat , was a Thai career soldier who staged a coup in 1957, thereafter serving as Thailand's Prime Minister until his death in 1963. He was born in Bangkok, but grew up in his mother's home town in Lao-speaking northeastern Thailand and considered himself a northeasterner...
carried out another coup d’etat this time abolishing the National Assembly altogether. In 1969 under Thanom Kittikachorn
Thanom Kittikachorn
Field Marshal Thanom Kittikachorn was a military dictator of Thailand. A staunch anti-Communist, Thanom oversaw a decade of military rule in Thailand from 1963 to 1973, until public protests which exploded into violence forced him to step down...
the National Assembly returned; this time with a 219 member House and again a royally appointed Senate. This lasted until 1972 when Thanom overthrew his own government and ruled the country through a National Executive Council. Under pressure Thanom reinstated a 299 appointed National Legislative Assembly, 200 of which were members of the military.
In 1974 the rule of the 'Three Tyrants’ (as Thanom’s tenure became known) was finally overthrown. A new constitution was promulgated, this time swinging the power back to the legislature by creating a bicameral legislature with an elected House and a House-appointed Senate. Within two years the military led by Tanin Kraivixien
Tanin Kraivixien
Tanin Kraivixien or Thanin Kraivixien was the prime minister of Thailand between 1976 and 1977. Tanin is a son of Hae and Pa-ob Kraivixien, and is of Chinese-Thai descent. Tanin studied law at Thammasat University, graduating in 1948. He then went to the London School of Economics to continue with...
again abrogated the constitution and installed a royally-appointed 360 member unicameral National Assembly.
By 1978, Kriangsak Chomanan
Kriangsak Chomanan
General Kriangsak Chomanan served as prime minister of Thailand from 1977 to 1980.A professional soldier, General Kriangsak fought against the communists in both the Korean War and the Vietnam War...
(who succeeded Tanin in 1977) restored the bicameral legislature with an elected 301 member House and a Prime Ministerially-appointed 225 Senate. This arrangement lasted for almost 13 years until Army Commander General Suchinda Kraprayoon
Suchinda Kraprayoon
Suchinda Kraprayoon was Prime Minister of Thailand from 7 April 1992 until 24 May 1992.Suchinda, son of Juang and Sompong Kraprayoon, was born 6 August 1933 in the province of Nakhon Pathom, Thailand, and is of Chinese and Mon descent...
overthrew the government of Chatichai Choonhavan
Chatichai Choonhavan
General Chatichai Choonhavan was the Prime Minister of Thailand from 1988 to 1991. He was the only son of Field Marshal Phin Choonhavan, and is of Thai Chinese descent with ancestry from Chenghai District...
in 1991 and returned the unicameral appointed National Assembly with 292 members. However Suchinda’s rule was brought down by the Black May uprising, which led to the overthrow of the military and the drafting of a new constitution.
The present
The Constitution of 19971997 Constitution of Thailand
For legal and historical context, see the Constitutions of Thailand articlethumb|275px|Bangkok's [[Democracy Monument, Bangkok|Democracy Monument]]: a representation of the 1932 Constitution sits on top of two golden offering bowls above a turret....
or the People’s Constitution returned Thailand to democracy with a National Assembly composed of an elected 500 (400 directly, 100 by party-lists) House of Representatives, and an elected 200 member Senate, this arrangement lasted for almost ten years. The constitution was abrogated following the 2006 Coup d’etat, by the military under General Sonthi Boonyaratglin
Sonthi Boonyaratglin
General Sonthi Boonyaratglin is former Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Army and former head of the Council for National Security, the military junta that ruled the kingdom. He is the first Muslim in charge of the mostly Buddhist army...
. In 2007 the military appointed National Legislative Assembly
National Legislative Assembly of Thailand (2006)
The National Legislative Assembly of Thailand was formed as the National Assembly of Thailand during the 2006 Coup d’etat, by the junta under General Sonthi Boonyaratglin and ceased to function in 2007 as it was stituted by the new National Assembly. The Constitution Drafting Assembly was also...
to draft the new constitution
2007 Constitution of Thailand
A Permanent Constitution for the Kingdom of Thailand was drafted by a committee established by the military junta that abrogated the previous 1997 Constitution. On August 19, 2007, a referendum was held in which 59.3% of the voters voted in favor of the constitution...
. This copy was eventually adopted after it was approved through a referendum
Thai constitutional referendum, 2007
A referendum on the new constitution was held in Thailand on 19 August 2007. Had the draft been rejected, the military government would have had the freedom to choose any previous constitution to adapt and promulgate instead...
in 2007, this is the constitution currently in use.
- Further Information: Constitution of ThailandConstitution of ThailandThe Constitution of the Kingdom of Thailand is the supreme law of Thailand. Since the change from an absolute monarchy to a constitutional democracy in 1932, Thailand has had 17 charters and constitutions, reflecting the high degree of political instability and frequency of military coups faced...
See also
- President of the National Assembly of Thailand
- National People's Assembly of ThailandNational People's Assembly of ThailandNational People's Assembly of Thailand , or, in brief, NPA , is an assembly in Thailand consisting of citizen from various sectors convoked for the purpose of electing some amongst themselves to constitute the Constitution Drafting Assembly...
- National Legislative Assembly of Thailand 2006
- Government of Thailand
- Politics of ThailandPolitics of ThailandThe politics of Thailand are currently conducted within the framework of a constitutional monarchy, whereby the Prime Minister is the head of government and a hereditary monarch is head of state. The judiciary is independent of the executive and the legislative branches.Thai kingdoms and late...
- Constitution of ThailandConstitution of ThailandThe Constitution of the Kingdom of Thailand is the supreme law of Thailand. Since the change from an absolute monarchy to a constitutional democracy in 1932, Thailand has had 17 charters and constitutions, reflecting the high degree of political instability and frequency of military coups faced...
- 2007 Constitution of Thailand2007 Constitution of ThailandA Permanent Constitution for the Kingdom of Thailand was drafted by a committee established by the military junta that abrogated the previous 1997 Constitution. On August 19, 2007, a referendum was held in which 59.3% of the voters voted in favor of the constitution...
- Senate of ThailandSenate of ThailandThe Senate of the Kingdom of Thailand is the upper house of the National Assembly of Thailand, . In accordance with the 2007 Constitution of Thailand, the Senate is a non-partisan legislative chamber, composed of 150 members...
- House of Representatives of ThailandHouse of Representatives of ThailandThe House of Representatives of the Kingdom of Thailand is the lower house of the National Assembly of Thailand, the legislative branch of the Thai Government. The system of government of Thailand is that of a Constitutional Monarchy and a Parliamentary Democracy. The system of the Thai...
- Elections in Thailand