III.2. Political System
Thailand is a former constitutional democracy. In 1997, the government was overthrown and a
constitutional monarchy was created. In turn, a new constitution was written.8
This constitution
created a bicameral legislature and allowed for direct elections. Women and men alike are
allowed to hold positions; however, as will be shown in more details below, women represent a
small minority. After another coup, a new constitution was revised in 2007, according to which
there is a King, a Prime Minister, a legislature, and a judicial system.
The legislature is divided into two houses, the House of Representatives and the Senate.9
Citizens are able to begin voting at the age of 18 years. In Thailand, there is a multi-party
system, but communism is banned.10 The current Prime Minister is the Democratic Party leader