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.
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