1977 Charter
Tanin's dictatorship provoked harsh opposition, even from the military, whose slate of legislative appointees was largely rejected by Tanin. On 20 October 1977, the military, led by Kriangsak Chomanan, overthrew Tanin's government. The King's opposition to this can be seen from his immediate appointment of Kriangsak to his personal Privy Council. However, he did consent to signing the military's draft Charter.
The 1977 Charter was virtually the same as the 1976 Constitution. The only key difference was that the name of the junta was changed to the National Policy Council.
The new regime pledged a permanent constitution and elections in 1979. The National Policy Council appointed only 3 of its members to the Cabinet. Relations with communist China, Laos, and Vietnam were improved. This foreign policy, as well as reconciliary government policies, weakened the Communist Party of Thailand and greatly reduced domestic political tensions.
Kriangsak's government continued to be snubbed by the King. Deposed Premier Tanin was appointed to the King's Privy Council. Amnesty to protesters and students tried by the Tanin regime was denied for years.
Read more about this topic: Constitution Of Thailand
Famous quotes containing the word charter:
“Farewell! thou art too dear for my possessing,
And like enough thou know’st thy estimate:
The charter of thy worth gives thee releasing;
My bonds in thee are all determinate.”
—William Shakespeare (1564–1616)