The Interim Constitution of Thailand, promulgated on 22 July 2014, is Thailand’s 19th constitution. It is expected to be in effect for one year before the drafting of the next permanent constitution is completed.
According to the Interim Constitution, the King appoints the Prime Minister, upon the resolution of the National Legislative Assembly, and no more than 35 other ministers, upon the advice of the Prime Minister.
The new government is responsible for administering the country, conducting reforms, and promoting national unity and reconciliation. The King has the prerogative to remove the Prime Minister, upon the advice of the President of the National Legislative Assembly, as well as to remove ministers, upon the advice of the Prime Minister.
The Prime Minister and ministers have the right to attend and give statements of fact and opinions at sittings of the National Legislative Assembly, or the National Reform Council, but do not have the right to cast votes.
The Interim Constitution states that there will be a National Reform Council to study and offer suggestions for reforms in various areas – politics, national administration, laws and juridical processes, local administration, education, economic affairs, energy, public health and environment, mass media, social affairs, among others.
The National Reform Council consists of no more than 250 members, who will be appointed by His Majesty the King, upon the advice of the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO). The King appoints one member of the National Reform Council as its President and no more than two as its Vice Presidents, upon the resolution of the National Reform Council.
There will be selection committees responsible for selecting suitable persons in various fields for membership of the National Reform Council. Each province will also have a selection committee to select its representative from various groups.
Apart from giving suggestions for reforms, members of the National Reform Council are also responsible for offering opinions and suggestions to the Constitutional Drafting Commission in relation to the writing of the new charter. It will give approval to the draft charter, as well.
The Interim Constitution also states that there will be a Constitutional Drafting Commission, comprising 36 members, appointed by the President of the National Reform Council. These members will be nominated by the NCPO, the National Reform Council, the National Legislative Assembly, and the Cabinet.
Members of the Constitutional Drafting Commission must not hold political office positions within two years after they are discharged from the membership of the Commission.
The NCPO will remain in power until the promulgation of the new permanent constitution. It is empowered to offer suggestions to the Cabinet; however, it is not authorized to discharge members of the Cabinet.
