1949 Constitution
The Constitution of 1949 was promulgated on 23 January 1949, a permanent instrument to replace the temporary 1948 Charter. The drafting committee was headed by Seni Pramoj and dominated by royalists under the direction of Prince Rangsit and Prince Dhani.
The 1949 Constitution elevated the throne to its most powerful position since the 1932 overthrow of the absolute monarchy. The Supreme Council of State was transformed into a 9-person Privy Council. For the first time, members this council would be selected by the King alone. A 100-member Senate would also be selected by the King alone. The President of the Privy Council, rather than the Prime Minister, would countersign all laws. The King's veto was strengthened, with a 2/3's vote of Parliament required to overrule it.
The King could issue his own decrees with equal authority to the government. The King also gained the power to call for a plebiscite - the ability to amend the constitution via public referendum, bypassing Parliament and the Government. At succession, the Privy Council would name an heir - not the Parliament.
Read more about this topic: Constitution Of Thailand
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