Political System
Thailand is a former constitutional democracy. In 1997, the government was overthrown and a
constitutional monarchy was created. In turn, a new constitut
ion was written.
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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.
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Citizens are able to begin voting at the age of 18 years. In Thailand, there is a multi
-
party
system, but communism is banned.
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The current Prime Minister is the Democratic Party leader 48
Abhisit Vejjava, after the previous two Prime Ministers from the Pro
-
Thaskin People’s Party
were thrown out