Constitution of Thailand - 1968 Constitution

1968 Constitution

General Thanom Kittikachorn succeeded Sarit as dictator of Thailand, ruling amid a rising communist insurgency in Thailand and an escalating US presence in Indochina. The United States provided the Thai government with a billion US dollars in aid, but corruption was rampant. During a trip by King Bhumibol to the US, the American anti-war movement pressured the US government to reduce its support for the regime.

Despite resistance from Thanom, a new constitution was promulgated in 20 June 1968. Although democratic on the surface, the 1968 Constitution legitimized Thanom's military-dominated regime. A bicameral Parliament was established, with an elected 219-member House and a royally appointed 164-member Senate. Contrary to the principles of parliamentary democracy, members of the House were banned from serving in the Cabinet. In addition, the Senate had the power to delay any legislation for up to a year, and the Senate President was the Parliament President. King Bhumibol approved Thanom's entire slate of mostly military Senate nominees. The new constitution also validated all legislation previously made by the regime, including the sweeping Anticommunist Act used to repress dissent.

In February 1969, the first democratic elections in over a decade were held, resulting in parties aligned with Thanom winning a majority in the House.