Government and Administrative Structure
The provisions relating to constitutional government and
monarchy laid down in the 2007 Constitution specified three basic
concepts regarding the governmental structure of Thailand.
•? First, the monarch is regarded as Head of State, Head of
the Royal Armed Forces and is a Buddhist but upholder
of all religions.
•? Second, a bicameral National Assembly, which is
comprised of Members of the Council of Ministers
and Members of the Senate, administers the legislative
branch.
•? Third, the Prime Minister, as head of the government and
chief executive, oversees the executive branch, including
the Council of Ministers, which is responsible for the
administration of 19 ministries and the Office of the Prime
Minister.
Figure 1.1 presents the organisational structure of the Royal
Thai Government following reform of the bureaucratic system in
2002.