Constitution of Thailand - 1978 Constitution

1978 Constitution

Kriangsak drafted a more democratic constitution in 1978. The constitution established a bicameral National Assembly, consisting of an elected 301-member House of Representatives and an appointed 225-member Senate. The Premier, not the King, appointed the Senate. The House could submit a motion for parliamentary debate for vote a of no-confidence. However, the Senate could block House legislation concerning national security, the economy, the budget, and votes of no confidence. Most significantly, the Constitution created a transitory period, to end in 21 April 1983, after which military and civil servants would be banned from appointment to the Premiership and Cabinet.

House elections, for which political parties were banned, were held in April 1979, resulting in a coalition government which continued to appoint Kriangsak as Premier. The oil crisis later caused rampant inflation, leading to Kriangsak's resignation (without a dissolution of Parliament) in February 1980. A coalition government was formed that appointed Kriangsak's Defense Minister, Army Commander Prem Tinsulanonda as Premier.

Prem ruled for another 8 years, never once running in an election. He retained power despite several military coups with strong palace support. Prem legalized political parties.

In early 1983, facing the end of the constitutional transitory period in 21 April, after which he would be banned from appointment to the Premiership, Prem planned to amend the Constitution to make the transitory period permanent. Prem's aid, Pichit Kullavanich, hinted at a military coup if the amendment was not ratified. The amendment faced harsh public opposition while the military itself was distracted by internal conflicts, leading to the failure of the amendment its 3rd reading on 16 March 1983.

On 19 March 1983, Prem dissolved Parliament and scheduled House elections on 18 April. The new government would thus be formed under the transitory clauses, allowing Prem to continue as Premier for up to 4 more years. Prem's plan was successful and allowed him to consolidate his power base. Prem noted that "The armed forces will play an important role in the defense of the country, national independence, and the democratic system under the monarchy."

Parliament revolted again in 1986, prompting Prem to dissolve Parliament and schedule House elections in 27 July. The Democrats campaigned against Prem's domination and managed to win the most seats. But the government coalition they formed still reappointed Prem as Premier. Later, Prem's became accused of using the King's name and the military's strength as the means to retain power.

Prem was finally brought down by a series of corruption scandals and the humiliating defeat of Thai troops in a border skirmish with Laos. Parliament was dissolved and House elections scheduled for 24 July 1988, with Prem again not standing for election. As in 1986, the election resulted in no single party winning enough seats to govern without a coalition. Thousands protested in front of Prem's house against the prospect of an unelected Premier, until Prem finally announced that he would not accept the Premiership. The Chart Thai party, led by General Chatichai Choonhavan, won the most seats in the election, and Chatichai became the new Premier.