The Law Today
The 1997 constitution of Thailand, like most preceding Thai constitutions, continued to rely on the Palace Law with regards to succession. However, the 2006 Interim Constitution does not contain any articles regarding succession, and instead, left it to "constitutional practice." Sections 22 and 23 of the 2007 Constitution dealing with succession again relied on the Palace Law.
The heir apparent to the Thai throne is Prince Vajiralongkorn, eldest and only son of King Bhumibol Adulyadej. The Thai constitution was amended in 1974 to allow the Privy Council to appoint a princess as successor to the throne. However this would only occur in the absence of an heir apparent. This amendment is retained in Section 23 of the 1997 "People's Constitution."
Recent constitutions of Thailand have made the amendment of the Palace Law of Succession the sole prerogative of the reigning King. According to Gothom Arya, noted public intellectual, this allows the reigning king, if he so chooses, to appoint his son or any of his daughters to the Throne.
Read more about this topic: 1924 Palace Law Of Succession
Famous quotes containing the words law and/or today:
“The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony
of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple.”
—Bible: Hebrew Psalm XIX (l. XIX, 7)
“Hear, O Israel: The LORD is our God, the LORD alone; You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your might. Keep these words that I am commanding you today in your heart. Recite them to your children and talk about them when you are at home and when you are away, when you lie down and when you rise. Bind them as a sign on your hand, fix them as an emblem on your forehead, and write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.”
—Bible: Hebrew, Deuteronomy 6:4-9.