Thailand Constitution Day

Thailand Constitution Day

December 10

In 1932 Thailand's absolute monarchy was replaced with a constitutional monarchy. King Rama VII oversaw the transfer of power. Under the newly instituted constitution of that time, the monarchy remained in place and the king was designated the head of state, head of the armed forces, upholder of all religions, and sacred and inviolable in his person.
In practice, however, while the monarchy is still held in esteem by the people, real power in Thailand has often been held by the military. Reflecting the country's volatile politics, Thailand has had a series of 18 constitutions or charters since 1932, the latest one being adopted in 2007. All of them have allowed for a constitutional monarchy with greater or lesser power. Celebrations on Constitution Day involve the people thanking the monarchy for granting them a chance to take part in running the country.

CONTACTS:
Royal Thai Embassy
1024 Wisconsin Ave. N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20007
202-338-9700
www.thaiembdc.org

Celebration day: Dec 10