11 October 1997

Hopes high as King approves ‘People’s constitution’ hailed as a new beginning for Thai democracy

People from all walks of life hailed the new constitution, hoping that it would cure the political, economic and social ills plaguing the country.

His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej, who signed the charter, told Prime Minister Chavalit Yongchaiyudh and other government officials that cooperation had enabled the passing of the new law. ‘The success was made possible because of the unity of all Thais,’ said the King.

Widely hailed as the ‘people’s constitution’, as it was written by a popularly elected committee, the new charter created a bicameral legislature with both houses to be directly elected by the people for the first time. The constitution committee was made up of 76 popularly elected drafters from each of the provinces, and 23 appointees from a Parliament-approved shortlist. The charter enshrined new rights and freedoms, including equal rights for men and women.

11 October 1997

Hopes high as King approves ‘People’s constitution’ hailed as a new beginning for Thai democracy

People from all walks of life hailed the new constitution, hoping that it would cure the political, economic and social ills plaguing the country.

His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej, who signed the charter, told Prime Minister Chavalit Yongchaiyudh and other government officials that cooperation had enabled the passing of the new law. ‘The success was made possible because of the unity of all Thais,’ said the King.

Widely hailed as the ‘people’s constitution’, as it was written by a popularly elected committee, the new charter created a bicameral legislature with both houses to be directly elected by the people for the first time. The constitution committee was made up of 76 popularly elected drafters from each of the provinces, and 23 appointees from a Parliament-approved shortlist. The charter enshrined new rights and freedoms, including equal rights for men and women.