Public holiday
The history of this day dates back to 1932, when King Rama VII endorsed the nation’s first constitution, beginning its journey to democratic government which lives up to its subsequent and present name, “Thailand,” meaning “land of the free.”
Under the new constitution, the institution of the monarchy remained in place with the King as the head of state. On December 10th, 1932, Thailand formally transitioned from an absolute monarchy into a constitutional monarchy. Next year on November 15th, 1933, indirect elections were held in which voters elected subdistrict representatives, who in turn elected members of parliament (MPs). Five years later, the first direct elections for MPs were held in November 1937. In both elections, MPs constituted half of all parliamentary representatives, with the other half comprising royal appointees.
Until today, Thailand’s Constitution Day continues to celebrate the country’s first constitution and this landmark transition, and the enduring political tradition of constitutional monarchy.
