Constitutional Bricolage: Thailand's Sacred Monarchy vs. The Rule of Law

This book explores the unique constitutional system in Thailand, which is a blend of Western constitutional models and Buddhist doctrines of Kingship. It investigates the hybridized semi-authoritarian, semi-liberal monarchy that exists in Thailand and challenges commonly accepted assertions about the King's political role. The book provides a comprehensive and critical account of the Thai 'mixed constitutional monarchy from the late 19th century to the present day.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 352 pages
Publication date: 15 June 2023
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

This book delves into the intricate constitutional system of Thailand, examining it as a dynamic and evolving blend of various Western constitutional models and Buddhist doctrines of Kingship. Through a comprehensive analysis, it explores the concept of constitutional monarchy and its complex relationship with notions of the rule of law. The book investigates the unique hybridized semi-authoritarian, semi-liberal monarchy that exists in Thailand, shedding light on the intricate dynamics between the monarchy, the government, and the legal system. By meticulously studying constitutional texts and political practices in conjunction with local legal doctrines, the book reveals that the monarch's affirmation of extraordinary prerogative powers is firmly rooted in broader doctrinal claims about constitutionalism and the rule of law. This groundbreaking finding challenges prevailing notions about Thailand, suggesting that the King's political role is not merely a remnant of an unfinished borrowing of Western constitutionalism, a general disregard for the law, or a cultural preference for charismatic authority. Instead, it emerges as a result of a complex interplay of historical, cultural, and legal factors. Drawing on a wealth of materials and sources previously unavailable in English, this important work offers a comprehensive and critical account of the Thai 'mixed constitutional monarchy' from the late 19th century to the present day. It provides a deep understanding of the historical, political, and legal developments that have shaped Thailand's constitutional landscape, offering valuable insights into the complex dynamics and challenges faced by the country.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781509946815