Thailand

ThailandThe Land Of The Free

THAILAND

Form of government: Constitutional MonarchyCapital City: BangkokPopulation: 67, 200, 000 (2014 est.)Land Area: 514,000km2Language(s): Thai (official), EnglishCurrency: Thai Baht

Thailand(formerly known asSiam) is a country at the centre of theIndochinapeninsula inSoutheast Asia. The country comprises 76 provinces that are further divided into districts, sub-districts and villages

Bangkok is the capital city and centre of political, commercial, industrial and cultural activities. It is also the seat of Thailand's revered Royal Family, with His Majesty the King recognized as Head of State, Head of the Armed Forces, Upholder of the Buddhist religion and Upholder of all religions.

Thailand is a constitutional monarchy with His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej, or King Rama IX, the ninth king of the Chakri Dynasty, the present king

The King has reigned for more than half a century, making him the longest reigning Thai monarch. Thailand embraces a rich diversity of cultures and traditions.

The kingdom of Thailand lies in the heart of Southeast Neighboring countries:\Myanmar - west and northLao P.D.R. - north and northeastCambodia - southeastMalaysia - south

Thailand is one of the most strongly Buddhist countries in the world. The national religion is Theravada Buddhism, a branch of Hinayana Buddhism, practiced by more than 90 % of all Thais. The remainder of the population adheres to lslam, Christianity, Hinduism and other faiths all of which are allowed full freedom of expression.Brief History Of Thailand:Throughout its 800-year history, Thailand can boast the distinction of being the only country in Southeast Asia never to have been colonized. Its history is divided into five major periods.First was the Nancaho Period wherein Thai people founded their kingdom in Southern part of China, many people migrated south and settled down under the rule of the Khmer Empire. Founded their independent state of Sukhothaai that started the second period, Sukhothai Period where Thai people emerge and seek independence from Khmer rule and successfully influenced by the state of Ayuthaya and took over leading to the third, the Ayuthaya Period but during this period, Ayuthaya extend its rule over neighboring Thai principalities that caused conflict, and a Burnese invasion took placed but General Phya Taksin ended it that came into the fourth period. The Thon Buri Period where General taksin established a new capital in Thon Buri and reunited the provinces. Lastly, Rattanakosin Period which is still the period up to now, General Chakri became the first king of the Chakri Dynasty after Taksins death and transferred the royal capital from Thon Buri to Bangkok. Followed by Rama II up to the present Rama IX, Bhumibol Adulyadej. They opened relations to other countries, made treaties and economic trades, changed the name Siam to Thailand and established a modern Thailand.

The Government Of Thailand

TheGovernment of Thailand, or formally theRoyal Thai Government(RTG) is the unitary government of the Kingdom of Thailand. Thailand has been aconstitutional monarchyunder aparliamentary democracysystem since 1932. The country has existed in someformsince the 13th century, but the country emerged as a modern nation state after the foundation of theChakri Dynastyand the city ofBangkokin 1782.

It is made up of three branches: the executive, the legislative, and the judiciary, the system of government is modeled after theWestminster system.

It is made up of three branches: the executive, the legislative, and the judiciary, the system of government is modeled after theWestminster system.

Since May 2014 Thailand has been ruled by amilitary junta, theNational Council for Peace and Order which has partially repealed the2007 constitution, declared martial law and nationwide curfew, banned political gatherings, arrested and detainedpoliticiansand anti-coup activists, imposedinternet censorship and taken control of the media.

The Monarchy

The King of Thailand, KingBhumibol Adulyadej(or Rama IX), is the world's longest reigning monarch. He has reigned since 1946. The symbol of the nationhead of the armed forcesPower to grant pardon and appoint heirHead of the House of Chakri (ruling house of Thailand)King Bhumibol Adulyadej(1946-present)

The Executive: Prime MinisterHead of the governmentMain spokesperson of the governmentLeader of the largest party in the House of ParliamentPM Yingluk Shinawatra(first female PM)The Cabinet of Thailand or the Council of Ministers of Thailand is a council composed of 35 ministers of state and deputy ministers, who run thecabinet ministriesof the kingdom. There are currently 20 cabinet ministries, The cabinet is responsible for the formulation and execution of policies of the government.

The Legislative: National AssemblyIt is a bicameral legislature and is composed of two houses: the Senate and the House of Representatives. The legislative branch took its current form in 2007. The national assembly has 630 members. The House of Representatives and the Senate were abolished after the 22 May 2014 coup by the NCPO. Currently, according to the interim Constitution of Thailand imposed by NCPO, there is no House of Representatives. Legislative power is vested in the National Legislative Council, appointed by the NCPO.The JudiciaryThe judiciary of Thailand is composed of three distinct systems:Court of Justice System - is the largest of the court system and makes up the majority of courts in the kingdom. They are composed of three tiers: the Court of First Instance, the Court of Appeals, and the Supreme Court of Justice of Thailand.

2. Administrative Courts Sstem - is made up of two tiers: The Administrative Courts of First Instance and the Supreme Administrative Court. The court's main jurisdiction is to settle litigation between the state and private citizens.

3. Constitutional Court System - was created solely as a high court to settle matters pertaining to the constitution.

Thailand'slegal system blends principles of traditional Thai and Western laws. The traditional "Thai" laws are the product of Hindu-Brahmin laws used by theKhmer Empire.