National Assembly (Thailand) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids National Assembly รัฐสภา Ratthasapha
26th National Assembly
Type
Type	Bicameral
Houses	Senate House of Representatives
History
Founded	28 June 1932
Leadership
Monarch	Vajiralongkorn Since 13 October 2016
President of the National Assembly and Speaker of the House of Representatives	Wan Muhamad Noor Matha, Prachachat Since 5 July 2023
Vice President of the National Assembly and President of the Senate	Pornpetch Wichitcholchai, Independent Since 28 May 2019
Prime Minister	Prayut Chan-o-cha, United Thai Nation Since 24 August 2014
Leader of the Opposition	Vacant Since 20 March 2023
Structure
Seats	750 250 (Senate) 500 (House of Representatives)
Senate political groups	Direct Junta Appointee (194)      Professional and social groups (50)      Heads of the military (ex officio) (6)
House of Representatives political groups	Majority (312)      Move Forward (151)      Pheu Thai (141)      Prachachat (9)      Thai Sang Thai (6)      Pheu Thai Ruam Palang (2)      Thai Liberal (1)      Fair Party (1)      Plung Sungkom Mai (1) Minority (188)      Bhumjaithai (71)      Palang Pracharath (40)      United Thai Nation (36)      Democrat (25)      Chart Thai Pattana (10)      Chart Pattana Kla (2)      New Democracy (1)      New Party (1)      Party of Thai Counties (1)      Thai Teachers for People (1)
Elections
House of Representatives voting system	Parallel voting: First past the post (400 seats) Party-list proportional representation (100 seats)
Senate last election	30 March 2014 (4th)
House of Representatives last election	14 May 2023 (27th)
House of Representatives next election	By 27 June 2027 (28th)
Meeting place
Sappaya-Sapasathan
Website
parliament.go.th

The National Assembly of Thailand (often called NAT) is the main law-making body of the Thai government. It has two parts, like two separate teams working together. This assembly meets in a special building called Sappaya-Sapasathan in Bangkok.

The National Assembly was created in 1932. This happened after Thailand changed from having a king with all the power to a constitutional monarchy. This new system meant the king would share power with a government chosen by the people.

During a time of political trouble in 2013, the House of Representatives was closed down. After the military took control in 2014, the National Assembly was replaced. A temporary assembly, chosen by the military, took its place. But in 2017, a new set of rules for the country brought the National Assembly back. It fully started working again after the 2019 general election.

What is the National Assembly?

The National Assembly of Thailand is made up of two groups: the Senate and the House of Representatives. Together, they have 750 members. 500 members are chosen by people voting in a general election. The other 250 members of the Senate are chosen by the military.

Most elections in Thailand use a system called "first-past-the-post." This means the person with the most votes in an area wins. This system is used for 400 members of the House of Representatives. The remaining 100 members of the House are chosen based on how many votes their political party gets.

In Thailand's parliament, most members are men (about 95%). Only about 5% are women. This is one of the lowest numbers in the world. The average for women in parliaments in Asia is 20%, and worldwide it's 24%. The United Nations thinks 30% is a good goal for women's representation.

The Senate: The Upper House

The Senate is known as the "upper house." Its members are not part of political parties. They also have limited power to make laws. The Senate has 250 members, all chosen by the military. A senator serves for six years. Senators are not allowed to hold other jobs or be members of political parties.

The House of Representatives: The Lower House

The House of Representatives is the "lower house." It has 400 members chosen directly by voters in different areas. Another 100 members are chosen based on how many votes their political party gets across the country. This system is called "parallel voting."

In a general election, every eligible voter in Thailand gets two votes. One vote is for a person to represent their local area. The second vote is for a political party they like. The House members serve for four years. However, the House can be closed down earlier if needed.

How Elections Work

In Thailand, almost everyone can vote. To vote, you must be a Thai citizen and at least 18 years old by the election year. You also need to register to vote 90 days before the election.

Some people cannot vote. These include Buddhist monks or other religious leaders. People who have lost their right to vote for legal reasons also cannot vote. Those held by court orders or who have serious mental health issues are also not allowed to vote. In Thailand, voting is required by law.

Leaders of the Assembly

The person who leads the National Assembly is called the President. This job is automatically given to the person who is chosen as the Speaker of the House of Representatives. The Vice President of the National Assembly is automatically the President of the Senate.

What the National Assembly Does

The National Assembly has important jobs, especially making laws. These powers are explained in the country's rules, called the Constitution.

Making Laws

Here's how a new law is usually made:

• A new idea for a law (called a bill) can be suggested by different groups. These include the government's Cabinet, at least 20 members of the House of Representatives, or even a court.
• Groups that protect the Constitution can also suggest laws about their own work.
• Also, if at least 10,000 citizens who can vote sign a petition, they can suggest a law.
• If a bill involves money, only the Prime Minister can approve its introduction.
• The House of Representatives first discusses, changes, and votes on the bill. If they approve it, they send it to the Senate.
• The Senate usually has 60 days to review the bill. If it's a money bill, they have 30 days.
• If the Senate agrees with the House, the bill moves forward. If they disagree or make changes, the bill goes back to the House.
• If the two houses can't agree, they form a special committee with members from both sides. This committee tries to fix the bill. If both houses then approve it, it moves on. If not, the bill is stopped.
• Once both houses approve a bill, the Prime Minister sends it to the King for his approval. This must happen within 20 days. The law then becomes official when it's published.
• If the King does not sign the bill within 90 days, the National Assembly can vote on it again. If at least two-thirds of all members vote for it, the Prime Minister can make it a law anyway. This means the Assembly can overrule the King's decision.

Working with the Government

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva and the Cabinet answer questions in the House of Representatives.

The government, especially the Cabinet (a group of top ministers), works closely with the National Assembly. The Cabinet must tell the Assembly its plans within 15 days of starting work.

The Assembly can ask any minister to come and explain their policies or answer questions. This is important because some ministers might not be members of the Assembly. If they are, they can only be from the House of Representatives. Senators are not allowed to be part of the Cabinet.

The Prime Minister is chosen by the House of Representatives. So, the Prime Minister is directly responsible to the Assembly. The Assembly can ask the Prime Minister to explain policies and answer questions, just like any other minister. The Cabinet can also ask the Assembly to meet for urgent reasons.

Choosing and Removing Officials

The National Assembly has the power to choose and remove important officials.

• The House of Representatives is the only group that can choose the Prime Minister. A candidate needs support from at least one-fifth of all members. Then, a simple majority vote confirms their appointment. The King officially appoints the Prime Minister, and the President of the National Assembly signs the document.
• The Senate helps choose judges for the Constitutional Court and members of independent government groups. These include the Election Commission and the National Anti-Corruption Commission.
• The National Assembly can also remove these officials from their jobs. The Prime Minister can be removed by a "vote of no confidence" in the House. Cabinet members can also be removed by a vote of no confidence from either house. Judges and independent government officials can be removed by both houses of the National Assembly.

How Long Members Serve

The Senate and the House of Representatives have different terms. Senators serve for six years, while House members serve for four years.

Each year, the National Assembly has two sessions: an "ordinary" session and a "legislative" session. The first meeting after a general election must happen within 30 days. The King officially opens this first session, often by reading a speech. This ceremony usually takes place in the Ananda Samakhom Throne Hall. The King can also choose someone else to do this. The King also officially ends sessions when the House's term finishes. He can also call extra meetings or make sessions longer if needed.

Sometimes, both houses of the National Assembly meet together. This happens for important things like choosing a regent (someone who rules if the King is too young or ill). They also meet to approve a declaration of war, discuss treaties, or change the Constitution.

Special Rights of Members

Members of the National Assembly have special rights, called parliamentary privileges. These rights protect them. For example, they cannot be arrested or held for a criminal case during a session without permission from their house. This protection applies unless they are caught in the act of committing a crime.

Both houses also have the right to set their own rules. This includes how they hold meetings, form committees, and vote on bills.

The Parliament Building

After officially opened on 1 May 2021, Sappaya-Sapasathan is the third and current meeting place of the National Assembly of Thailand

Chamber of the National Assembly at the old Parliament House of Thailand.

From 1932 to 1974, the National Assembly met in the Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall. King Prajadhipok gave this hall for the Assembly's use after the first elections in 1933. Over time, the Assembly grew, and the Throne Hall became too small.

A new Parliament House was built with the help of King Bhumibol Adulyadej. He provided royal land next to the Throne Hall for the new building. Construction started in 1970. The new complex has three buildings:

• The first building is the Parliament House itself. It has three floors and contains the main meeting room for both the Senate and the House. It also has offices for the President and Vice President.
• The second building has seven floors. It holds the Assembly's offices and printing press.
• The third building has two floors and is used as a club for Assembly members.

The new Parliament House was first used in 1974. The Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall became a historic building and was returned to the King. Since then, Parliament House has been the main meeting place. Only the official opening ceremony is still held in the Throne Hall.

In 2013, the National Assembly decided to move to an even newer building called Sappaya-Sapasathan. This new building officially opened in 2021.

History of the Assembly

How it Started

Ananda Samakhom Throne Hall the old meeting place of the National Assembly, now only the State Opening is held there.

Before 1932, the King of Siam (now Thailand) had all the power to make laws. But on June 24, 1932, a group called the Khana Ratsadon (People's Party) led a peaceful revolution. This ended 150 years of absolute rule by the royal family. The group wanted a constitutional monarchy with an elected law-making body.

The first set of rules, called the "Draft Constitution" of 1932, created Thailand's first law-making body. It was called the People's Assembly and had 70 appointed members. This Assembly met for the first time on June 28, 1932, in the Ananda Samakhom Throne Hall. Later, a "permanent" constitution was put in place in December 1932. It set up elections for November 15, 1933. The new Assembly had 78 elected members and 78 appointed members, making 156 in total.

After World War II

After World War II, a new constitution was created in 1946. Many people thought this was Thailand's most democratic constitution. For the first time, it created two houses: a Senate and a House of Representatives. Both houses were elected, though the Senate was chosen indirectly. Senators served for six years, and House members for four. Political parties were allowed again.

However, in 1947, the military took control and canceled this constitution. They replaced it with new rules in 1947 and 1949. The new rules kept the House but created a 100-member Senate chosen directly by the King.

On June 5, 1949, Orapin Chaiyakan became the first woman to be elected to the National Assembly. She was elected to the House of Representatives.

Times of Military Control

Parliament House of Thailand, meeting place for both the House and the Senate from 1974 to 2019

In 1957, the military took control again. They created a single National Assembly with 123 appointed members. Most of these (103) were from the military or police. In 1959, Field Marshal Sarit Thanarat completely got rid of the National Assembly.

In 1969, the National Assembly returned. It had a 219-member House and a Senate chosen by the King. This lasted until 1972, when the leader, Thanom, took over the government himself. He later brought back a 299-member appointed National Legislative Assembly, with 200 military members.

In 1974, Thanom's rule ended. A new constitution was made, giving more power back to the law-making body. It created two houses: an elected House and a Senate chosen by the House. But within two years, the military again canceled the constitution. They put in place a 360-member National Assembly chosen by the King.

By 1978, the military leader Kriangsak Chamanan brought back the two-house system. It had an elected 301-member House and a 225-member Senate chosen by the Prime Minister. This system lasted for almost 13 years. Then, in 1991, General Suchinda Kraprayoon took over the government. He brought back a single, appointed National Assembly with 292 members. However, Suchinda's rule ended after a public uprising in 1992. This led to the military losing power and a new constitution being written.

The Assembly Today

Committee meeting room at Sappaya-Sapasathan (new Parliament House of Thailand) during the standing committee meeting.

The Constitution of 1997, also called the "People's Constitution," brought democracy back to Thailand. The National Assembly then had an elected 500-member House of Representatives (400 directly elected, 100 by party lists). It also had an elected 200-member Senate. This system lasted for about ten years.

In 2006, the military again took control and canceled the constitution. In 2007, a military-appointed National Legislative Assembly wrote a new constitution. People voted to approve this new constitution in a referendum. This constitution was canceled at the end of 2013.

In 2016, people voted on another new constitution. It was approved and officially signed by the King in April 2017. This is the constitution that guides the National Assembly today.

• For more information: Constitution of Thailand

House of Representatives Elections

Here are some of the general elections for the House of Representatives:

20th Century Elections

21st Century Elections

Senate Elections

Here are some of the regular elections for the Senate in the 21st century:

• 2000 Thai Senate election
• 2006 Thai Senate election
• 2008 Thai Senate election
• 2014 Thai Senate election

See also

In Spanish: Asamblea Nacional de Tailandia para niños

• President of the National Assembly of Thailand
• Government of Thailand
• Politics of Thailand
• Constitution of Thailand
• Senate of Thailand
• House of Representatives of Thailand
• Elections in Thailand