Unofficial translation
CONSTITUTION OF THE KINGDOM OF THAILAND,
B.E. 2550 (2007)
FOREIGN LAW BUREAU
OFFICE OF THE COUNCIL OF STATE
www.krisdika.go.th
www.lawreform.go.th
© 2007
CONSTITUTION OF THE KINGDOM OF THAILAND
SOMDET PHRA PARAMINTHARAMAHA
BHUMIBOL ADULYADEJ
SAYAMMINTHARATHIRAT BOROMMANATTHABOPHIT
Enacted on the 24th Day of August B.E. 2550;
Being the 62 Year of the Present Reign.
May there be virtue. Today is the eleventh day of the waxing moon in the ninth month of the year of the Pig under the lunar calendar, being Friday, the twenty-forth day of August under the solar calendar, in the 2550th year of the Buddhist Era.
Phrabat Somdet Phra Paramintharamaha Bhumibol Adulyadej Mahitalathibet Ramathibodi Chakkri Narubodin Sayammintharathirat Borommanatthabophit is graciously pleased to proclaim that the President of the National Legislative Assembly addresses royalty that the democratic regime of government with the King as Head of State has been evolved in Thailand for more than seventy five years and, through this period of time, the Constitutions had been promulgated, repealed and amended for the compliance with the situation of the nation and the changing circumstances and that the Constituent Assembly and the Constitution Drafting Commission have been established by the provisions of the Constitution of the Kingdom of Thailand (Interim), B.E. 2549 so as to prepare the new Constitution for the compatibility of the administration of State affairs in the forthcoming period with due regard to opinions of the public at all steps through the extensive public consultation and all invaluable opinions have been introduced incessantly into drafting process and to the consideration of motions thereon.
This prepared draft Constitution contains the significant principles in maintaining mutual interest of the Thai people in securing of independence and security of the nation, upholding all religions, revering the King as the Head of State and mental representation of the nation, upholding the democratic regime of government with the King as Head of State for the administration of State affairs, rendering the crystallised promotion and protection of rights and liberties of the people, strengthening role and participation of the public in the administration of State affairs and in the examination of the exercise of State power, determining the mechanism for efficiently balancing of powers of political institutions both the legislative and the executive in accordance with the parliamentary regime and strengthening the Court and other independent organisations to perform their duties honestly and fairly.
At the completion of drafting process, the Constituent Assembly had published and disseminated the draft Constitution to the public extensively for acknowledgement and then organised the referendum for public approval thereto. The referendum result has shown that the majority of the people having the right to vote resolved approval to the draft Constitution. The President of the National Legislative Assembly then presents the draft Constitution to the King for His Royal signature to promulgate it as the Constitution of the Kingdom of Thailand and the King is graciously pleased in so doing for the compliance with public opinion.
Be it, therefore, commanded by the King that the Constitution of the Kingdom of Thailand be promulgated to replace, as from the date of its promulgation, the Constitution of the Kingdom of Thailand (Interim), B.E. 2549 promulgated on 1st Day of October B.E. 2549.
May the Thai people unite in observing, protecting and upholding the Constitution of the Kingdom of Thailand in order to maintain the democratic regime of government and the sovereign power derived from the Thai people, and to bring about happiness, prosperity and dignity to His Majesty's subjects throughout the Kingdom according to the will of His Majesty in every respect.
CHAPTER I
General Provisions
Section 1. Thailand is one and indivisible Kingdom.
Section 2. Thailand adopts a democratic regime of government with the King as Head of State.
Section 3. The sovereign power belongs to the Thai people. The King as Head of State shall exercise such power through the National Assembly, the Council of Ministers and the Courts in accordance with the provisions of this Constitution.
The performance of duties of the National Assembly, the Council of Ministers, the Courts, the Constitutional organisations and State agencies shall be in accordance with the rule of laws.
Section 4. The human dignity, right, liberty and equality of the people shall be protected.
Section 5. The Thai people, irrespective of their origins, sexes or religions, shall enjoy equal protection under this Constitution.
Section 6. The Constitution is the supreme law of State. The provisions of any law, rule or regulation, which are contrary to or inconsistent with this Constitution, shall be unenforceable.
Section 7. Whenever no provision under this Constitution is applicable to any case, it shall be decided in accordance with the constitutional convention in the democratic regime of government with the King as Head of State.
CHAPTER II
The King
Section 8. The King shall be enthroned in a position of revered worship and shall not be violated.
No person shall expose the King to any sort of accusation or action.
Section 9. The King is a Buddhist and Upholder of religions.
Section 10. The King holds the position of Head of the Thai Armed Forces.
Section 11. The King has the prerogative to create titles and confer decorations.
Section 12. The King selects and appoints qualified persons to be the President of the Privy Council and not more than eighteen Privy Councilors to constitute the Privy Council.
The Privy Council has the duty to render such advice to the King on all matters pertaining to His functions as He may consult, and has other duties as prescribed in this Constitution.
Section 13. The selection, appointment or removal of Privy Councilors shall be at the King's pleasure.
The President of the National Assembly shall countersign the Royal Command appointing or removing the President of the Privy Council.
The President of the Privy Council shall countersign the Royal Command appointing or removing other Privy Councilors.
Section 14. A Privy Councilor shall not be a member of the House of Representatives, senator, Election Commissioner, Ombudsman, a member of the National Human Rights Commission,
Constitutional Court judge, Administrative Court judge, a member of the National Counter Corruption Commission, a member of the State Audit Commission, government official holding permanent position or receiving a salary, official of State enterprise, other State official or member or official of political party, and must not manifest loyalty to any political party.
Section 15. Before taking office, a Privy Councilor shall make a solemn declaration before the King in the following words:
“I, (name of the declarer), do solemnly declare that I will be loyal to His Majesty the King and will faithfully perform my duties in the interests of the State and the people. I will also uphold and observe the Constitution of the Kingdom of Thailand in every respect.”
Section 16. A Privy Councilor vacates office upon death, resignation or removal by Royal Command.
Section 17. The appointment and removal of officials of the Royal Household and of the Royal Chief Aide-de-Camp shall be at the King’s pleasure.
Section 18. Whenever the King is absent from the Kingdom or unable to perform His functions for any reason whatsoever, the King may appoint a person as Regent. In this regard, the President of the National Assembly shall countersign the Royal Command therefor.
Section 19. In the case where the King does not appoint the Regent under section 18, or the King is unable to appoint the Regent owing to He is not being sui juris or any other reason whatsoever, the Privy Council shall submit the name of a person suitable to hold the office of the Regent to the National Assembly for approval. Upon approval of the National Assembly, the President of the National Assembly shall make an announcement, in the name of the King, to appoint such person as Regent.
During the expiration of the term of the House of Representatives or the dissolution thereof, the Senate shall act as the National Assembly in giving an approval under paragraph one.
Section 20. While there is no Regent under section 18 or section 19, the President of the Privy Council shall be Regent pro tempore.
In the case where the Regent appointed under section 18 or section 19 is unable to perform his duties, the President of the Privy Council shall act as Regent pro tempore.
While being the Regent under paragraph one or acting as the Regent under paragraph two, the President of the Privy Council shall not perform his duties as President of the Privy Council. In such case, the Privy Council shall select a Privy Councilor to act as President of the Privy Council pro tempore.
Section 21. Before taking office, the Regent appointed under section 18 or section 19 shall make a solemn declaration before the National Assembly in the following words:
“I, (name of the declarer), do solemnly declare that I will be loyal to His Majesty the King (name of the King) and will faithfully perform my duties in the interests of the State and the people. I will also uphold and observe the Constitution of the Kingdom of Thailand in every respect.”
During the expiration of the term of the House of Representatives or the dissolution thereof, the Senate shall act as the National Assembly under this section.
Section 22. Subject to section 23, the succession to the Throne shall be in accordance with the Palace Law on Succession, B.E. 2467.
The Amendment of the Palace Law on Succession, B.E. 2467 shall be the prerogative of the King. At the initiative of the King, the Privy Council shall draft the Palace Law Amendment and shall present it to the King for His consideration. When the King has already approved the draft Palace Law amendment and put His signature thereto, the President of the Privy Council shall notify the President of the National Assembly for informing the National Assembly. The President of the National Assembly shall countersign the Royal Command. The Palace Law Amendment shall come into force upon its publication in the Government Gazette.
During the expiration of the term of the House of Representatives or the dissolution thereof, the Senate shall act as the National Assembly in acknowledging the matter under paragraph two.
Section 23. In the case where the Throne becomes vacant and the King has already appointed His Heir to the Throne under the Palace Law on Succession, B.E. 2467, the Council of Ministers shall notify the President of the National Assembly. The President of the National Assembly shall then convoke the National Assembly for the acknowledgement thereof and shall invite such Heir to ascend the Throne and proclaim such Heir King.
In the case where the Throne becomes vacant and the King has not appointed His Heir under paragraph one, the Privy Council shall submit the name of the Successor to the Throne under section 22 to the Council of Ministers for further submission to the National Assembly for approval. For this purpose, the name of a Princess may be submitted. Upon the approval of the National Assembly, the President of the National Assembly shall invite such Successor to ascend the Throne and proclaim such Successor King.
During the expiration of the term of the House of Representatives or the dissolution thereof, the Senate shall act as the National Assembly in acknowledging the matter under paragraph one or in giving an approval under paragraph two.
Section 24. Pending the proclamation of the name of the Heir or the Successor to the Throne under section 23, the President of the Privy Council shall be Regent pro tempore. In the case where the Throne becomes vacant while the Regent has been appointed under section 18 or section 19 or while the President of the Privy Council is acting as the Regent under section 20 paragraph one, such Regent, as the case may be, shall continue to be the Regent until the proclamation of the name of the Heir or the Successor to ascend the Throne as King.
In the case where the Regent who has been appointed and continues to be the Regent under paragraph one is unable to perform his duties, the President of the Privy Council shall act as Regent pro tempore.
In the case where the President of the Privy Council is the Regent under paragraph one or acts as Regent pro tempore under paragraph two, the provisions of section 20 paragraph three shall apply.
Section 25. In the case where the Privy Council has to perform its duties under section 19 or section 23 paragraph two, or the President of the Privy Council has to perform his duties under section 20 paragraph one or paragraph two or section 24 paragraph two, and there is, during that period, no President of the Privy Council or the President of the Privy Council is unable to perform his duties, the remaining Privy Councilors shall elect one among themselves to act as President of the Privy Council or to perform the duties under section 20 paragraph one or paragraph two or section 24 paragraph three, as the case may be.
CHAPTER III
Rights and Liberties of Thai People
Part 1
General Provisions
Section 26. In exercising powers of all State authorities, regard shall be had to human dignity, rights and liberties in accordance with the provisions of this Constitution.
Section 27. Rights and liberties recognised by this Constitution explicitly, by implication or by decisions of the Constitutional Court shall be protected and directly binding on the National Assembly, the Council of Ministers, the Courts, the Constitutional organisations and all State organs in enacting, applying and interpreting laws.
Section 28. A person can invoke human dignity or exercise his rights and liberties in so far as it is not in violation of rights and liberties of other persons or contrary to this Constitution or good morals
A person whose rights and liberties recognised by this Constitution are violated can invoke the provisions of this Constitution to bring a lawsuit or to defend himself in the Courts.
A person may bring a lawsuit against the State directly so as to act in compliance with the provisions in this Chapter. If there is a law enforcing the exercise of any right and liberty as recognised by this Constitution, the exercising of that right and liberty shall be in accordance with such law.
A person shall have the right to be enhanced, supported and assisted by the State in exercising of right under this Chapter.
Section 29. The restriction of such rights and liberties as recognised by the Constitution shall not be imposed on a person except by virtue of the law specifically enacted for the purpose determined by this Constitution and only to the extent of necessity and provided that it shall not affect the essential substances of such rights and liberties.
The law under paragraph one shall be of general application and shall not be intended to apply to any particular case or person; provided that the provision of the Constitution authorising its enactment shall also be mentioned therein.
The provisions of paragraph one and paragraph two shall apply mutatis mutandis to rules or regulations issued by virtue of the law.
Part 2
Equality
Section 30. All persons are equal before the law and shall enjoy equal protection under the law.
Men and women shall enjoy equal rights.
Unjust discrimination against a person on the grounds of the difference in origin, race, language, sex, age, disability, physical or health condition, personal status, economic or social standing, religious belief, education or constitutionally political view, shall not be permitted.
Measures determined by the State in order to eliminate obstacle to or to promote persons’ ability to exercise their rights and liberties as other persons shall not be deemed as unjust discrimination under paragraph three.
Section 31. Members of the armed forces or the police force, Government officials, other officials of the State and officers or employees of State agencies shall enjoy the same rights and liberties under the Constitution as those enjoyed by other persons, unless such enjoyment is restricted by law or rule issued by virtue of the law specifically enacted in regard to politics, efficiency, disciplines or ethics.
Part 3
Rights and Liberties of an Individual
Section 32. A person shall enjoy the right and liberty in his life and person.
A torture, brutal act or punishment by a cruel or inhumane means shall not be made; provided that punishment under judgments of the Courts or by virtue of the law shall not be deemed the punishment by a cruel or inhumane means under this paragraph.
Arrest and detention of person shall not be made except by order or warrant issued by the Courts or there is a ground as provided by the law.
Search of person or act affecting the right and liberty under paragraph one shall not be made except by virtue of the law.
In the case where there is an act affecting right and liberty under paragraph one, the injured person, public prosecutor or any person acting for the benefit of the injured person shall have the right to bring lawsuit to the Courts so as to stop or nullify such act and to impose appropriate measure to alleviate damage occurred therefrom.
Section 33. A person shall enjoy the liberty of dwelling.
A person is protected for his peaceful habitation in and for possession of his dwelling.
The entry into a dwelling without consent of its possessor or the search of a dwelling or private place shall not be made except by order or warrant issued by the Courts or there is a ground as provided virtue of the law.
Section 34. A person shall enjoy the liberty of travelling and the liberty of making the choice of his residence within the Kingdom.
The restriction on such liberties under paragraph one shall not be imposed except by virtue of the law specifically enacted for maintaining the security of the State, public order, public welfare, town and country planning or welfare of youth.
No person of Thai nationality shall be deported or prohibited from entering the Kingdom.
Section 35. A person’s family rights, dignity, reputation and the right of privacy shall be protected.
The assertion or circulation of a statement or picture in any manner whatsoever to the public, which violates or affects a person’s family rights, dignity, reputation or the right of privacy, shall not be made except for the case which is beneficial to the public.
Personal data of a person shall be protected from the seeking of unlawful benefit as provided by the law.
Section 36. A person shall enjoy the liberty of communication by lawful means.
The censorship, detention or disclosure of communication between persons including any other act of disclosing a statement in the communication between persons shall not be made except by virtue of the law specifically enacted for security of the State or maintaining public order or good morals.
Section 37. A person shall enjoy full liberty to profess a religion, a religious denomination or creed, and observe religious precepts or commandments or exercise a form of worship in accordance with his belief; provided that it is not contrary to his civic duties, public order or good morals.
In exercising the liberty referred to in paragraph one, a person shall be protected from any act of the State, which is derogatory to his rights or detrimental to his due benefits on the grounds of professing a religion, a religious denomination or creed or observing religious precepts or commandments or exercising a form of worship in accordance with his different belief from that of others.
Section 38. Forced labour shall not be imposed except by virtue of the law specifically enacted for the purpose of averting imminent public calamity or by virtue of the law which provides for its imposition during the time when the country is in a state of war or armed conflict, or when a state of emergency or martial law is declared.
Part 4
Rights in Judicial Process
Section 39. No person shall be inflicted with a criminal punishment unless he has committed an act which the law in force at the time of commission provides to be an offence and imposes a punishment therefor, and the punishment to be inflicted on such person shall not be heavier than that provided by the law in force at the time of the commission of the offence.
The suspect or the accused in a criminal case shall be presumed innocent.
Before the passing of a final judgement convicting a person of having committed an offence, such person shall not be treated as a convict.
Section 40. A person shall have the rights in judicial process as follows:
(1) right to access to judicial process easily, comfortably, quickly and indiscriminately;
(2) fundamental rights in judicial process composing of, at least, right to public trial; right to be informed of and to examine into facts and related documents adequately; right to present facts, defences and evidences in the case; right to object the partial judges; right to be considered by the full bench of judges; and right to be informed of justifications given in the judgement or order;
(3) right to correct, prompt and fair trial;
(4) an injured person, alleged offender, plaintiff, defendant or the accused, interested parties, interested person or witness to the case shall have the right to appropriate treatment in judicial process including the right to be investigated correctly, promptly and fairly and not to testify against himself;
(5) an injured person, alleged offender, the accused and witness to a criminal case shall have the right to necessary and appropriate protection and assistance from State. The gratuity, compensation and expenses to be paid shall be provided by the law;
(6) every child, youth, woman or aging or disabled person shall have the right to appropriate protection in judicial process and shall have the right to appropriate treatment in the case related to sexual offences;
(7) an alleged offender and the accused in criminal case shall have the right to correct, prompt and fair investigation or trial with an adequate opportunity in defending his case, the right to examine or to be informed of evidence, right to defend himself through counsel and the right to bail;
(8) a person shall, in civil action, have the right to appropriate legal assistance from State.
Part 5
Property Right
Section 41. The property right of a person is protected. The extent and the restriction of such right shall be in accordance with the provisions of the law.
The succession is protected. The right of succession of a person shall be in accordance with the provisions of the law.
Section 42. The expropriation of immovable property shall not be made except by virtue of the law specifically enacted for the purpose of public utilities, necessary national defence, exploitation of national resources, town and country planning, promotion and preservation of the quality of the environment, agricultural or industrial development, land reform, conservation of ancient monument and historic sites, or other public interests, and fair compensation shall be paid in due course to the owner thereof as well as to all persons having the rights thereto, who suffer loss by such expropriation, as provided by law.
The amount of compensation under paragraph one shall be fairly assessed with due regard to the normal market price, mode of acquisition, condition and location of the immovable property, loss of the person whose property or right thereto is expropriated, and benefits that the State and the person whose property or right thereto is expropriated may receive from the use of the expropriated property.
The expropriation of immovable property law shall specify the purpose of the expropriation and shall clearly determine the period of time to fulfil that purpose. If the immovable property is not used to fulfil such purpose within such period of time, it shall be returned to the original owner or his heir.
The return of immovable property to the original owner or his heir under paragraph three and the claim of compensation paid shall be in accordance with the provisions of the law.
Part 6
Rights and Liberties in Occupation
Section 43. A person shall enjoy the liberties to engage in an enterprise or an occupation and to undertake a fair and free competition.
The restriction on such liberties under paragraph one shall not be imposed except by virtue of the law specifically enacted for maintaining the security and safety of State or economy of the country, protecting the public in regard to public utilities, maintaining public order and good morals, regulating the engagement in an occupation, consumer protection, town and country planning, preserving natural resources or the environment, public welfare, preventing monopoly, or eliminating unfair competition.
Section 44. A person shall enjoy the right to work safety and welfare and to living security irrespective of whether he is employed or unemployed in accordance with the provisions of the law.
Part 7
Freedom of Expression of Individual and the Press
Section 45. A person shall enjoy the liberty to express his opinion, make speech, write, print, publicise, and make expression by other means.
The restriction on liberty under paragraph one shall not be imposed except by virtue of the law specifically enacted for the purpose of maintaining the security of State, protecting the rights, liberties, dignity, reputation, family or privacy rights of other person, maintaining public order or good morals or preventing or halting the deterioration of the mind or health of the public.
The closure of a newspaper or other mass media business in deprivation of the liberty under this section shall not be made.
The prevention of a newspaper or other mass media from printing news or expressing their opinions, wholly or partly, or interference in any manner whatsoever in deprivation of the liberty under this section shall not be made except by the provisions of the law enacted in accordance with the provisions of paragraph two.
The censorship by a competent official of news or articles before their publication in a newspaper or other mass media shall not be made except during the time when the country is in a state of war; provided that it must be made by virtue of the law enacted under the provisions of paragraph two.
The owner of a newspaper or other mass media business shall be a Thai national.
No grant of money or other properties shall be made by State as subsidies to private newspapers or other mass media.
Section 46. Officials or employees in a private sector undertaking newspaper, radio or television broadcasting businesses or other mass media business shall enjoy their liberties to present news and express their opinions under the constitutional restrictions without mandate of any government agency, State agency, State enterprise or the owner of such businesses; provided that it is not contrary to their professional ethics, and shall enjoy the right to form organisation with balancing mechanism among professional organisations so as to protect rights, liberties and fairness.
Government officials, officials or employees of a government agency, State agency or State enterprise engaging in the radio or television broadcasting business or other mass media business enjoy the same liberties as those enjoyed by officials or employees under paragraph one.
Any act done by a person holding political position, State official or the owner of business with a view to obstruct or interfere the presentation of news or an expression of opinions in public issue of the person under paragraph one or paragraph two, irrespective of whether such act has been done directly or indirectly, shall be deemed as wilfully misuse of power and take no effect except where such act has been done through the enforcement of law or professional ethics.
Section 47. Transmission frequencies for radio or television broadcasting and telecommunication are national communication resources for public interest.
There shall be an independent regulatory body having the duty to distribute the frequencies under paragraph one and supervise radio or television broadcasting and telecommunication businesses as provided by the law.
In carrying out the act under paragraph two, regard shall be had to utmost public benefit at national and local levels in education, culture, State security, other public interests and fair and free competition, including public participation in providing public mass media.
The supervision of the businesses under paragraph two shall constitute measures for the prevention of merger, acquisition or control among the mass media or by other persons which may deteriorate liberties to information of the public or may hinder the public from variety of information.
Section 48. No person holding a political position shall be the owner of, or hold shares in, newspaper, radio or television broadcasting or telecommunication business, irrespective of whether he so commits in his name, or through his proxy or nominee, or by other direct or indirect means which enable him to administer such business as if he is the owner of, or hold shares in, such business.
Part 8
Rights and Liberties in Education
Section 49. A person shall enjoy an equal right to receive education for the duration of not less than twelve years which shall be provided by State thoroughly, up to the quality, and without charge.
The indigent, disabled or handicapped, or destitute person shall enjoy an equal right under paragraph one and shall be supported by State to receive equal education with other persons.
The education and training provided by professional or private organisation, alternative education of the public, self-directed learning and lifelong learning shall get appropriate protection and promotion from State.
Section 50. A person shall enjoy an academic freedom.
Education and training, learning and teaching, research and disseminating of research according to academic principles shall be protected; provided that it is not contrary to his civic duties or good morals.
Part 9
Rights to Public Health Services and Welfare
Section 51. A person shall enjoy an equal right to receive standard public health service, and the indigent shall have the right to receive free medical treatment from State’s infirmary.
The public health service by the State shall be provided thoroughly and efficiently.
The State shall promptly prevent and eradicate harmful contagious diseases for the public without charge.
Section 52. Children and youth shall enjoy the right to survive and to receive physical, mental and intellectual development potentially in suitable environment with due regard to their participation.
Children, youth, women and family members shall have the right to be protected by State against violence and unfair treatment and shall have the right to medical treatment or rehabilitation upon the occurrence thereof.
An interference and imposition of rights of children, youth and family members shall not be made except by virtue of the law specially enacted for the maintenance of family institution or utmost benefit of such person.
Children and youth with no guardian shall have the right to receive appropriate care and education from the State.
Section 53. A person who is over sixty years of age and has insufficient income for living shall have the right to welfare, public facilities and appropriate aids from State.
Section 54. The disabled or handicapped shall have the right to get access to, and to utilise of, welfare, public facilities and appropriate aids from State.
A person of unsound mind shall have the right to appropriate aids from State.
Section 55. A person who is homeless and has insufficient income for living shall have the right to appropriate aids from State.
Part 10
Rights to Information and Petition
Section 56. A person shall have the right to receive and to get access to public information in possession of a government agency, State agency, State enterprise or local government organisation, unless the disclosure of such information shall affect the security of State, public safety, interests of other persons which shall be protected, or personal data of other persons as provided by law.
Section 57. A person shall have the right to receive information, explanation and justification from a government agency, State agency, State enterprise or local government organisation before permission is given for the operation of any project or activity which may affect the quality of the environment, health and sanitary conditions, the quality of life or any other material interest concerning him or a local community and shall have the right to express his opinions on such matters to the concerned agencies for their consideration.
The State shall organise public consultation thoroughly before the making of social, economic, politic and cultural development plan, the expropriation of immovable property, the making of town and country planning, the determination of land use, and the enactment of rule which may affect material interest of the public.
Section 58. A person shall have the right to participate in the decision-making process of State official in the performance of administrative functions which affect or may affect his rights and liberties, as provided by law.
Section 59. A person shall have the right to present a petition and to be informed of the result of its consideration within the appropriate time.
Section 60. A person shall have the right to sue a government agency, State agency, State enterprise, local government organisation or other State authority which is a juristic person to be liable for an act or omission done by its government official, official or employee.
Section 61. The right of a person who is a consumer to receive actual information shall be protected and a consumer shall have the right to make a complaint for remedy of damage and to amalgamate with another so as to protect consumers’ rights.
There shall be an autonomous consumer protection organisation which is not a State agency consisting of representatives of consumers for giving opinions to a State agency on the enactment and issuance of laws, rules and regulations and on the determination of various measures for consumer protection, and for examining and making a report on any act or omission related to consumer protection. The State shall provide financial support for an operation of such autonomous organisation.
Section 62. A person shall have the right to follow up, and to request for examination of, the performance of duties of a person holding political position, State agency and State officials.
A person who provides information related to the performance of duties of a person holding political position, State agency and State officials to the organisation examining the misuse of State power or State agency shall be protected.
Part 11
Liberties to Assembly and Association
Section 63. A person shall enjoy the liberty to assemble peacefully and without arms.
The restriction on such liberty under paragraph one shall not be imposed except by virtue of the law specifically enacted for the purpose of public assembling and for securing public convenience in the use of public places or for the maintenance of public order during the time when the country is in a state of war, or when a state of emergency or martial law is declared.
Section 64. A person shall enjoy the liberty to unite and form an association, a union, a league, a co-operative, a farmer group, a private organisation, a non-governmental organisation or any other group.
The government officials and State officials shall enjoy the liberty to association as other individual if it is not affect efficiency of State administration and the continuation in providing public services as provided by law.
The restriction on such liberty under paragraph one and paragraph two shall not be imposed except by virtue of the law specifically enacted for preventing common interests of the public, maintaining public order or good morals or preventing economic monopoly.
Section 65. A person shall enjoy the liberty to unite and form a political party for the purpose of making political will of the people and carrying out political activities in fulfilment of such will through the democratic regime of government with the King as Head of State as provided in this Constitution.
The internal organisation, management and regulations of a political party shall be consistent with the fundamental principles of the democratic regime of government with the King as Head of State.
Members of the House of Representatives who are members of a political party, members of the Executive Committee of a political party, or members of a political party, of not less than the number prescribed by the organic law on political parties shall, if of the opinion that their political party’s resolution or regulation on any matter is contrary to the status and performance of duties of a member of the House of Representatives under this Constitution or contrary to or inconsistent with the fundamental principles of the democratic regime of government with the King as Head of State, have the right to refer it to the Constitutional Court for decision thereon.
In the case where the Constitutional Court decides that such resolution or regulation is contrary to or inconsistent with the fundamental principles of the democratic regime of government with the King as Head of State, such resolution or regulation shall lapse.
Part 12
Community Rights
Section 66. Persons assembling as to be a community, local community or traditional local community shall have the right to conserve or restore their customs, local wisdom, arts or good culture of their community and of the nation and participate in the management, maintenance and exploitation of natural resources, the environment and biological diversity in a balanced and sustainable fashion.
Section 67. The right of a person to participate with State and communities in the preservation and exploitation of natural resources and biological diversity and in the protection, promotion and conservation of the quality of the environment for usual and consistent survival in the environment which is not hazardous to his health and sanitary condition, welfare or quality of life, shall be protected appropriately.
Any project or activity which may seriously affect the quality of the environment, natural resources and biological diversity shall not be permitted, unless its impacts on the quality of the environment and on health of the people in the communities have been studied and evaluated and consultation with the public and interested parties have been organised, and opinions of an independent organisation, consisting of representatives from private environmental and health organisations and from higher education institutions providing studies in the field of environment, natural resources or health, have been obtained prior to the operation of such project or activity.
The right of a community to sue a government agency, State agency, State enterprise, local government organisation or other State authority which is a juristic person to perform the duties under this section shall be protected.
Part 13
Right to Protect the Constitution
Section 68. No person shall exercise the rights and liberties prescribed in the Constitution to overthrow the democratic regime of government with the King as Head of State under this Constitution or to acquire the power to rule the country by any means which is not in accordance with the modes provided in this Constitution.
In the case where a person or a political party has committed the act under paragraph one, the person knowing of such act shall have the right to request the Prosecutor General to investigate its facts and submit a motion to the Constitutional Court for ordering cessation of such act without, however, prejudice to the institution of a criminal action against such person.
In the case where the Constitutional Court makes a decision compelling the political party to cease to commit the act under paragraph two, the Constitutional Court may order the dissolution of such political party.
In the case where the Constitutional Court makes the dissolution order under paragraph three, the right to vote of the President and the executive board of directors of the dissolved political party at the time the act under paragraph one has been committed shall be suspended for the period of five years as from the date the Constitutional Court makes such order.
Section 69. A person shall have the right to resist peacefully an act committed for the acquisition of the power to rule the country by a means which is not in accordance with the modes provided in this Constitution.
CHAPTER IV
Duties of the Thai People
Section 70. Every person shall have a duty to uphold the nation, religions, the King and the democratic regime of government with the King as Head of State under this Constitution.
Section 71. Every person shall have a duty to defend the country, to protect benefits of the nation and to obey the law.
Section 72. Every person shall have a duty to exercise his right to vote at an election.
The person who exercises his right to vote at an election or fails to attend an election for voting without notifying the reasonable cause of such failure shall be entitled to or lose the right as provided by law.
The notification of the cause of failure to attend an election and the provision of facilities for attendance thereat shall be in accordance with the provisions of the law.
Section 73. Every person shall have a duty to serve in armed forces, render assistance in providing public calamity prevention and rehabilitation, pay taxes, render assistance to the official service, receive education and training, protect, preserve and pass on the national arts and culture and local wisdom and conserve natural resources and the environment as provided by law.
Section 74. A Government official, official or employee of a government agency, State agency, State enterprise or local government organisation and other State official shall have a duty to act in compliance with the law in order to protect public interests, and provide convenience and services to the public according to the good public governance principle.
In performing the duty and other act relating to the public, the person under paragraph one shall be politically impartial.
In the case where the person under paragraph one neglect or fail to perform the duties under paragraph one or paragraph two, the interested person shall have the right to request the person under paragraph one or his superior to explain reason and request them to act in compliance with the provisions of paragraph one or paragraph two.
CHAPTER V
Directive Principles of Fundamental State Policies
Part 1
General Provisions
Section 75. The provisions of this Chapter are intended to serve as directive principles for legislating and determining policies for the administration of State affairs.
In stating its policies to the National Assembly, the Council of Ministers which will assume the administration of State affairs shall clearly state to the National Assembly the activities and their implementation period intended to be carried out for the administration of State affairs in implementation of the directive principles of fundamental State policies provided in this Chapter and shall prepare and submit to the National Assembly an annual report on the result of the implementation, including problems and obstacles encountered.
Section 76. The Council of Ministers shall prepare a plan for the administration of State affairs stating measures and their details which shall be done for the administration of State affairs in each year and such plan shall be in compliance with the directive principles of fundamental State policies.
For the purpose of State administration, the Council of Ministers shall have the plan to enact laws necessarily to the administration of State affairs.
Part 2
National Security Policy
Section 77. The State shall protect and uphold the institution of kingship and the independence and integrity of its jurisdictions and shall arrange for the maintenance of necessary and adequate armed forces and ordnances as well as up-to-date technology for the protection and upholding of its independence, sovereignty, security of State, institution of kingship, national interests and the democratic regime of government with the King as Head of State, and for national development.
Part 3
State Administration Policy
Section 78. The State shall act in compliance with the State administration policy as follows:
(1) carrying out the administration of State affairs with a view to establish sustainable development of social, economic and security of the nation and strengthening an implementation of the sufficient economy philosophy with due regard to general benefits of the nation materially;
(2) making powers, duties and responsibilities among the central administration, provincial administration and local administration to be clear and suitable for national development, and supporting a Changwat to set up its development plan and providing financial support for the implementation of such plan for the benefit of the public within that area;
(3) delegating powers to local governments for the purpose of autonomy and self-determination of local affairs, enhancing local governments to participate and act in compliance with the directive principles of fundamental State policies, develop local economics, public utilities and assistances and information infrastructure in the localities thoroughly and equally throughout the country as well as developing into a large sized local government organisation a Changwat ready for such purpose with due regard to the will of the people in that Changwat;
(4) developing working system of public sector with due regard to the development of quality, merit and ethics of State officials along the line with the improvement of working processes for the efficiency of State administration, and encouraging State agencies to apply the good public governance principle in the performance of their official duties;
(5) organising officials work and other works of State with a view to enhance quick, efficiency, transparency and accountability in making or providing public services and with due regard to public consultation;
(6) preparing a legal agency providing legal opinion related to the performance of the State under the laws and examining draft laws for the State to perform its duties autonomously so as to ensure that the administration of State affairs is in accordance with the rule of law;
(7) preparing a political development plan and establishing autonomously political development council to monitor an implementation of the plan;
(8) ensuring the government officials and State officials to have appropriate rights and benefits.
Part 4
Religions, Social, Public Health, Education and Culture Policies
Section 79. The State shall patronise and protect Buddhism as the religion observed by most Thais for a long period of time and other religions, promote good understanding and harmony among followers of all religions as well as encourage the application of religious principles to create virtue and develop the quality of life.
Section 80. The State shall act in compliance with the social, public health, education and culture policies as follows:
(1) protecting and developing child and youth, promoting childhood nourishment and education, promoting the equality between women and men, creating, reinforcing and developing family integrity and the strength of communities, as well as providing aids and welfare to the elderly, the indigent, the disabled or handicapped and the destitute person for their better quality of life and ability to become self-reliance;
(2) promoting, supporting and developing health system with due regard to the health promotion for sustainable health conditions of the public, providing and promoting standard and efficient public health service thoroughly and encouraging private sector and the communities in participating in health promotion and providing public health service, and the person having duty to provide such service whose act meets the requirements of professional and ethical standards shall be protected as provided by law;
(3) developing quality and standard in providing education at all levels and forms to be in line with economic and social changes, preparing the national education plan and the law for national education development, providing development of quality of teachers and educational personnel to meet the current changing in the present day world, and instilling awareness of being Thais, disciplines, common interests and a democratic regime of government with the King as Head of the State to learners;
(4) promoting and supporting the delegation of powers to the local governments, communities, religious organisations and private sector with a view to provide and participate in educational management for the development of educational quality standard equally and to be in line with the fundamental State policy;
(5) encouraging and supporting the making of researches in various disciplines of arts and sciences and disseminating all research results funded by the State;
(6) encouraging and instilling the right awareness of national unity and learning, and instilling and making known of arts, tradition and culture of the nation as well as good value and local wisdom.
Part 5
Law and Justice Policies
Section 81. The State shall act in compliance with the law and justice policies as follows:
(1) ensuring the compliance with, and the enforcement of, the law to be correct, quick, fair and thorough, enhancing the provision of legal assistances and knowledge to the public, providing efficient public service system and other State affairs in relation to the administration of justice with due regard to the participation of the public and the profession organisations, and providing legal aids service to the public;
(2) protecting rights and liberties of individual from any violation irrespective of whether such violation has been done by a State official or other persons, and providing justice to the public on an equal basis;
(3) preparing the law establishing the autonomous law reform organisation for the purpose of reforming and developing laws of the nation and revising the existing laws for the compliance with the Constitution, with due regard to opinions given by persons affected by such laws;
(4) preparing the law establishing the autonomous organisation for reforming the judicial process for improving and developing the performance of all agencies concerned with the judicial process;
(5) providing support for the operation of private organisations rendering legal assistance to the public, especially the people who suffers from domestic violence.
Part 6
Foreign Policy
Section 82. The State shall promote friendly relations with other countries and adopt the principle of non-discrimination and shall comply with human rights conventions in which Thailand is a party thereto as well as international obligations concluded with other countries and international organisations.
The State shall promote trade, investment and tourism with other countries and shall render protection and guardian to benefits of Thais living abroad.
Part 7
Economic Policy
Section 83. The State shall encourage and support an implementation of the sufficient economy philosophy.
Section 84. The State shall act in compliance with the economic policy as follows:
(1) encouraging a free and fair economic system through market mechanism, ensuring the development of economics in sustainable fashion by repealing and refraining from the enactment of laws, rules and regulations controlling business which do not correspond with the economic necessity, and refraining from the engagement in an enterprise in competition with the private sector unless it is necessary for the purpose of maintaining the security of State, preserving common interests, or providing public utilities;
(2) encouraging entrepreneurs to use merit, ethics and corporate governance principle in carrying out of their businesses;
(3) preserving monetary and financial disciplines in order to strengthen balance and security of economic and social of the nation, improving tax system to be fair and compatible with the changing of economic and social conditions;
(4) providing saving system for old age living to the public and State officials thoroughly;
(5) regulating business activities for free and fair competition, antimonopoly whether direct or indirect monopoly, and consumer protection;
(6) implementing fair distribution of incomes, and protecting, enhancing and extending the occasion to occupation of the public for economic development as well as promoting and supporting the development of local wisdom and Thai wisdom for the manufacturing of goods and providing of services and for use in occupation;
(7) promoting people of working age to obtain employment, protecting child and woman labour, providing the system of labour relations and tripartite which entitling labours to elect their representatives, providing social security and ensuring labours working at equal value to obtain wages, benefits and welfares upon fair and indiscriminate basis;
(8) protecting and maintaining the interests of farmers in manufacturing and marketing, ensuring maximise profits of the farm products, encouraging an association of farmers in the form of farmer council having with a view to agricultural planning and the protection of their mutual interests;
(9) promoting, encouraging and protecting the autonomous cooperative system and the occupation or profession body as well as the association of the public to carry out economic activities;
(10) providing infrastructures necessarily for the living of people with a view to maintain economic security of State and preventing private sector from monopolising such infrastructures that may be harmful to the State;
(11) refraining from doing any act which may give rise to the transfer of ownership of the fundamental structure or network of infrastructures necessarily for the living of people or for national security to private sector or to the decrease of shares or capital held or invested by the State lower than fifty per cent;
(12) encouraging and supporting the merchant marine and rail transportation, and carrying out the domestic and international logistics management system;
(13) encouraging and strengthening the private sector organisations, both national and local level;
(14) encouraging agricultural products transformation industry with a view to increase value added thereto.
Part 8
Land Use, Natural Resources and Environment Policies
Section 85. The State shall act in compliance with the land use, natural resources and environment policies as follows:
(1) preparing and applying the rule on the use of land through out the country with due regard to the compliance with environmental condition, nature of land and water and the way of life of local communities, the efficient measures for preservation of natural resources, the sustainable standard for land use and opinion of the people in the area who may be affected by the rule on the use of land;
(2) distributing the right to hold land fairly, enabling farmers to be entitled to the ownership or the right in land for agriculture thoroughly by means of land reform or by other means, and providing water resources for the distribution of water to farmers for use in agriculture adequately and appropriately;
(3) preparing town and country planning, and developing and carrying out the plan effectively and efficiently for the purpose of sustainable preservation of natural resources;
(4) preparing systematic management plan for water and other natural resources for the common interests of the nation, and encouraging the public to participate in the preservation, conservation and exploitation of natural resources and biological diversity appropriately;
(5) conducting the promotion, conservation and protection of the quality of the environment under the sustainable development principle, and controlling and eliminate pollution which may affect health and sanitary, welfare and quality of life of the public by encouraging the public, the local communities and the local governments to have participation in the determination of the measures.
Part 9
Science, Intellectual Properties and Energy Policies
Section 86. The State shall act in compliance with the science, intellectual properties and energy policies as follows:
(1) enhancing the development of science, technology and innovation in all aspects by enacting specific law in so doing, preparing budget for studying and making of researches, establishing institution for research and development, encouraging the use of results emerging from researches and development, the efficient transfer of technology and the appropriate development of researchers, and disseminating science and modern technology knowledge to the public and encouraging the public to apply science into their living;
(2) supporting an invention or excogitation for new wisdom, preserving and developing local wisdom and Thai wisdom, and protecting intellectual properties;
(3) promoting and supporting continuously and systematically of the research, the development and the use of natural alternative energy which is beneficial to the environment.
Part 10
Public Participation Policy
Section 87. The State shall act in compliance with the public participation policy as follows:
(1) encouraging public participation in the determination of public policy and the making of economic and social development plan both in the national and local level;
(2) encouraging and supporting public participation to make decision on politics and the making of economic and social development plan and the provision of public services;
(3) encouraging and supporting public participation in the examination of the exercise of State power at all levels in the form of profession or occupation organisation or other forms;
(4) strengthening the politics power of the public, and preparing the laws establishing civil politics development fund for facilitating the communities to organise public activities and for supporting networks of the groups of people to express opinion and requirements of the communities in the localities;
(5) supporting and providing education to the public related to the development of politics and public administration under the democratic regime of government with the King as Head of State, and encouraging the public to exercise their rights to vote honestly and uprightly.
In providing public participation under this section, regard shall be had to approximate proportion between women and men.
CHAPTER VI
The National Assembly
Part 1
General Provisions
Section 88. The National Assembly consists of the House of Representatives and the Senate.
Joint or separate sittings of the National Assembly shall be in accordance with the provisions of this Constitution.
No person shall be a member of the House of Representatives and a senator simultaneously.
Section 89. The President of the House of Representatives is President of the National Assembly. The President of the Senate is Vice-President of the National Assembly.
In the case where there is no President of the House of Representatives, or the President of the House of Representatives is not present or is unable to perform his duties, the President of the Senate shall act as President of the National Assembly in his place.
The President of the National Assembly shall have the powers and duties as provided in this Constitution and shall conduct the proceedings of the National Assembly at joint sittings in accordance with the rules of procedure.
The President of the National Assembly and the person who acts as President of the National Assembly in his place shall be impartial in the performance of duties.
The Vice-President of the National Assembly shall have the powers and duties as provided in this Constitution and as entrusted by the President of the National Assembly.
Section 90. An organic law bill and a bill may be enacted as law only by and with the advice and consent of the National Assembly and when the King’s signature has been given or deemed to be given thereto; it shall come into force upon its publication in the Government Gazette.
Section 91. Members of the House of Representatives or senators of not less than one-tenth of the total number of the existing members of each House shall have the right to lodge with the President of the House of which they are members a complaint asserting that the membership of any member of such House has terminated under section 106 (3), (4), (5), (6), (7), (8), (10), or (11) or section 119 (3), (4), (5), (7), or (8), as the case may be, and the President of the House with whom the complaint is lodged shall refer it to the Constitutional Court for decision as to whether the membership of such person has terminated.
When the Constitutional Court has made a decision, it shall notify the President of the House with which the complaint is lodged under paragraph one of such decision.
In the case where the Election Commission is of opinion that the membership of a member of the House of Representatives or a senator has terminated under paragraph one, it shall refer this matter to the President of the House which such person is a member and the President of that House shall then refer it to the Constitutional Court for decision under paragraph one and paragraph two.
Section 92. The vacation of the office of a member of the House of Representatives or a senator after the day on which his membership terminates or the day on which the Constitutional Court decides that the membership of any member terminates does not affect any act done by such member in the capacity as member including the receipt of emolument or other benefits by such member before he vacates office or the President of the House of which such person is a member has been notified of the decision of the Constitutional Court, as the case may be, except that in the case of vacation of the office on the ground of his being elected or selected in violation of the organic law on election of members of the House of Representatives and acquisition of senators, emolument and other benefits received from being in office shall be returned.
Part2
The House of Representatives
Section 93. The House of Representatives consists of four hundred and eighty members, four hundred of whom are from the election on a constituency basis and eighty of whom are from the election on a proportional basis.
The election of member of the House of Representatives shall be by direct suffrage and secret ballot, and the ballot to be used in an election shall be varied upon the election basis.
The rules and procedure for the election of members of the House of Representatives shall be in accordance with the organic law on election of members of the House of Representatives and acquisition of senators.
In the case where the office of a member of the House of Representatives becomes vacant for any reason and an election of a member of the House of Representatives has not been held to fill the vacancy, the House of Representatives shall consist of the existing members of the House.
Subject to section 109 (2), in the case where there occurs, during the term of the House of Representatives, any cause resulting in the members elected from the election on a proportional basis being less than eighty in number, such members shall consist of the existing members.
In the case where there occurs, during the general election, any cause resulting in the members of the House of Representatives elected from the election being less than four hundred and eighty in number but not less than ninety-five per cent of the total number of members of the House of Representatives, such members is deemed to constitute the House of Representatives. In this case, the acquisition for the fulfillment of the total number of members of the House of Representatives shall be completed within one hundred and eighty days and the new coming members shall hold office for the remaining term of the House of Representatives.
Section 94. In the election of members of the House of Representatives on a constituency basis, the person having the right to vote shall cast ballot for the equal number of members of the House in each constituency.
The determination of the number of members of the House of Representatives in each constituency and the determination of constituencies shall be as follows:
(1) the determination of the ratio of the number of inhabitants to one member shall be made by reference to the division of such number of inhabitants throughout the country as evidenced in the census announced in the year preceding the year of election by the number of four hundred members of the House of Representatives;
(2) any Changwat with inhabitants below the number of inhabitants per one member under (1) shall have one member of the House of Representative. Any Changwat with more inhabitants than the number of inhabitants per one member shall have an additional member of the House of Representatives for every such number of inhabitants as representing the number of inhabitants per one member;
(3) upon the number of members of the House of Representatives of each Changwat being obtained under (2), if the number of members of the House of Representatives is still less than four hundred, any Changwat with the largest fraction remaining from the determination under (2) shall have an additional member of the House of Representatives and the addition of the members of the House of Representatives in accordance with such procedure shall be made to other Changwat in respective order of fractions remaining from the determination under (2) until the number of four hundred is obtained;
(4) in a Changwat where the number of members of the House of Representatives to be elected is not more than three, the area of that Changwat shall be regarded as the constituency and in a Changwat where the number of members of the House of Representatives is more than three, the area of such Changwat shall be divided into constituencies and, for this purpose, each constituency shall have three members of the House of Representatives;
(5) in a Changwat which is divided into many constituencies, if there is unable to have three members of the House of Representatives in all constituencies, the area of such Changwat shall be firstly divided into the constituency with three members of the House of Representatives and the rest constituencies shall have not less than two members of the House of Representatives and in a Changwat where the number of members of the House of Representatives to be elected is four, the area of such Changwat shall be divided into two constituencies and each constituency shall have two members of the House of Representatives;
(6) in a Changwat which is divided into more constituencies than one, the boundary of each constituency shall be adjoining and the number of inhabitants in each constituency must be closely apportioned.
The counting of votes shall be conducted at the polling station and the result of the vote-counting shall be reported to the constituency for calculation of total votes-counting in that constituency and the result of the total vote-counting shall be announced publicly at any single place in that constituency as designated by the Election Commission, except that in the case where necessity arises in a particular locality, the Election Commission may otherwise prescribe the counting of votes, the calculation of total vote-counting and the announcement of the result of the total vote-counting in accordance with the organic law on election of members of the House of R