Colonel William A. Phillips

The Constitutional Court of the Kingdom of Thailand (Thai: ศาลรัฐธรรมนูญ, RTGS: San Ratthathammanun, pronounced [sǎːn rát.tʰā.tʰām.mā.nūːn]) is an independent Thai court created by the 1997 constitution with jurisdiction over the constitutionality of parliamentary acts, royal decrees, draft legislation, as well as the appointment and removal of public officials and issues regarding political parties. The current court is part of the judicial branch of the Thai national government.

The court, along with the 1997 constitution, was dissolved and replaced by a Constitutional Tribunal in 2006 following the 2006 Thai coup d'état. While the Constitutional Court had 15 members, seven from the judiciary and eight selected by a special panel, the Constitution Tribunal had nine members, all from the judiciary.^[2] A similar institution, consisting of nine members, was again established by the 2007 Constitution.

The Constitutional Court has provoked much public debate, both regarding the court's jurisdiction and composition as well as the initial selection of justices. A long-standing issue has been the degree of control exerted by the judiciary over the court^{[citation needed]}.

The decisions of the court are final and not subject to appeal. Its decisions bind every state organ, including the National Assembly, the Council of Ministers, and other courts.^[3]

The various versions of the court have made several significant decisions. These include the 1999 decision that deputy minister of agriculture Newin Chidchop could retain his cabinet seat after being sentenced to imprisonment for defamation; the 2001 acquittal of Thaksin Shinawatra for filing an incomplete statement regarding his assets with the National Anti-Corruption Commission; the 2003 invalidation of Jaruvan Maintaka's appointment as auditor-general; the 2007 dissolution of the Thai Rak Thai political party; the 2014 removal of prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra from office, the dissolution of the Thai Raksa Chart Party before the March 2019 election,^[4] and the dissolution of the Future Forward Party in 2020.^[5]

The FY2019 budget of the Constitutional Court is 223.7 million Baht.^[6] As of September 2019, its president is Nurak Marpraneet.^[7]

Origins and controversy

Drafting of the 1997 constitution

The creation of the Constitutional Court was the subject of much debate during the 1996–1997 drafting of the 1997 Constitution of Thailand.^[8] Senior judges opposed the concept on the grounds that constitutional and judicial review should remain a prerogative of the Supreme Court and that a Constitutional Court would create a fourth branch of government more powerful than the judiciary, legislature, or executive. Judges stated their fear over political interference in the selection and impeachment of judges. The Constitution Drafting Assembly (CDA) eventually made several concessions regarding the composition and powers of the court.

Jurisdiction

The constitution did not give the Constitutional Court the authority to overrule a final judgment of the Supreme Court. An affected party, or a court, could request the opinion from the Constitutional Court if it believed a case involved a constitutional issue. The court where the initial action was pending would stay its proceedings until the Constitutional Court issued its decision. Constitutional court decisions would have no retroactive effect on previous decisions of the regular courts.

The constitution also did not give the Constitutional Court the authority to rule on any case in which the constitution did not specifically delegate an agency the power to adjudicate.

Impeachment

The constitution allowed individual justices to be the subject of impeachment proceedings with the vote of one-fourth of the members of the House or with the approval of 50,000 petitioners. A vote of three-fifths of the Senate is required for impeachment. Earlier drafts had required votes of only 10% of the combined House and Senate to call for a vote of impeachment, and votes of three-fifths of the combined Parliament of Thailand to dismiss a justice.

Appointment

The constitution gave the judiciary a strong influence over the composition of the Constitutional Court. Originally, the court was to have nine justices including six legal experts and three political science experts. A panel of 17 persons would propose 18 names from which parliament would elect the nine justices. The panel president would be the president of the Supreme Court of Thailand, the panel itself would have included four political party representatives. The CDA finally compromised and allowed seven of the justices to be selected by the judiciary, while the remaining eight justices would be selected by the Senate from a list of Supreme Court nominees.^{[citation needed]}

Appointment of the first Constitutional Court

The appointment of the first Constitutional Court following the promulgation of the constitution in 1997 was four month controversy pitting the Senate of Thailand against the Supreme Court.^[8] A key issue was the senate's authority to review the backgrounds of judicial nominees and reject nominees deemed inappropriate or unqualified.^{[citation needed]}

Appointment of Amphorn Thongprayoon

After receiving the Supreme Court's list of nominees, the Senate created a committee to review the nominees' credentials and backgrounds.^[8] On 24 November 1997, the Senate voted to remove the name of Supreme Court Vice-president Amphorn Thongprayoon, on the grounds that his credentials were dubious and on allegations that he had defaulted on three million Baht in debt. The Supreme Court was furious, arguing the constitution did not empower the senate to do background checks or to reject Supreme Court nominees. The Supreme Court requested a ruling from the Constitutional Tribunal chaired by the House speaker. On 8 January 1998, in a six to three vote, the Tribunal ruled the Senate did not have the authority to do background checks or reject the Supreme Court's nominees. The Tribunal ruled that the Senate's review powers were limited to examining the records of the nominees and electing half of those nominees for appointment.

Immediately after the Supreme Court filed its request to the Tribunal, Justice Amphorn withdrew his name. After the Tribunal's ruling, the Supreme Court elected justice Jumpol na Songkhla on 9 January 1998 to replace Amphorn. The Senate ignored the Tribunal's ruling and proceeded to review Jumphol's background and delayed a vote to accept his nomination for seven days so that the Senate could evaluate Jumphol. Finding no problems, the Senate acknowledged his appointment to the court on 23 January 1998.

Appointment of Ukrit Mongkolnavin

The appointment of former Senate and Parliament president Ukrit Mongkolnavin was especially problematic.^[8] The Senate had initially elected Ukrit from the list of ten legal specialists nominated by the selection panel, despite claims by democracy activists that Ukrit was unqualified to guard the constitution because he had served dictators while president of parliament under the 1991-1992 military government of the National Peacekeeping Council.

Stung by the Senate rejection of Amphorn Thongprayoon, the two Bangkok Civil Court judges, Sriampron Salikhup and Pajjapol Sanehasangkhom, petitioned the Constitutional Tribunal to disqualify Ukrit on a legal technicality. They argued that Ukrit only had an honorary professorship at Chulalongkorn University, while the 1997 constitution specifically specifies that a nominee, if not meeting other criteria, must be at least a professor. Echoing the Senate's rejection of Amphorn, the judges also alleged that Ukrit was involved in a multi-million baht lawsuit over a golf course. On 10 January 1998, the Tribunal ruled that the judges were not affected parties and therefore they had no right to request a ruling. Nevertheless, the parliament's president invoked his power as chairman of the tribunal to ask the Senate to reconsider Ukrit's nomination.

On 19 January 1998, the Senate reaffirmed Ukrit's qualifications, noting that his professorship was special only because he was not a government official. Under Chulalongkorn's regulations, he had the academic status of a full professor.

This position inflamed activists and the judiciary, and prompted the parliament president on 21 January to invoke his authority under Article 266 of the 1997 Constitution to order the Constitutional Tribunal to consider the issue. On 8 February, in a four to three vote, the tribunal ruled that Ukrit's special professorship did not qualify him for a seat on the Constitutional Court. The tribunal noted that Chulalongkorn's criteria for honorary professorship were different from its criteria for academic professors, as intended by the Constitution. The Senate ended up electing Komain Patarapirom to replace Ukrit.

Jurisdiction

Under the 2007 Constitution, the court is competent to address the following:^[9]

#	Matters	Sections of the constitution allowing their institution	Eligible petitioners	Type
1	A petition for a decision as to whether a resolution or regulation of a political party to which the petitioner belongs is contrary to his status and functions as representative, or is contrary to the fundamental principles of the democratic regime of government with the King of Thailand as head of state	Section 65, paragraph 3	A member of the political party in question	Political party
2	A petition for a decision as to whether any person or political party exercises the constitutional rights and freedoms to undermine the democratic regime of government with the King as head of state, or to acquire the national government power by the means not recognised by the Constitution	Section 68	Any person	Constitutional defence
3	A petition for a decision as to whether any representative or Senator loses his membership by operation of the Constitution	Section 91	At least one-tenth of the existing representatives or senators	Membership
4	A petition for a decision as to whether a political party resolution terminating any representative's membership in the party is contrary to his status and functions as representative, or is contrary to the fundamental principles of the democratic regime of government with the King as head of state	Section 106 (7)	The representative in question	Political party
5	A petition for a decision concerning the constitutionality of a draft organic act having been approved by the National Assembly of Thailand	Section 141	The National Assembly	Constitutionality of draft law
6	A petition for a decision as to whether a draft organic act or act introduced by the council of ministers or representatives bears the principle identical or similar to that which needs to be suppressed	Sections 140 and 149	The president of the House of Representatives or Senate	Constitutionality of draft law
7	A petition for a decision as to whether a bill having been approved by the National Assembly by virtue of section 150 but having not yet been submitted to the king by the prime minister, or a bill having been reapproved by the National Assembly but having not yet been resubmitted to the King by the prime minister, is unconstitutional, or whether its enactment was in compliance with the requirements of the Constitution	Section 154	At least one-tenth of the existing representatives or senators The prime minister	Constitutionality of draft law
8	A petition for a decision as to whether the draft rules of order of the House of Representatives, the draft rules of order of the Senate, or the draft rules of order of the National Assembly, which have been approved by the House of Representatives, Senate or National Assembly but have not yet been published in the Government Gazette, are unconstitutional, or whether their enactment was in compliance with the requirements of the Constitution	Section 155	At least one-tenth of the existing representatives or senators The prime minister	Constitutionality of draft law
9	A petition for a decision as to whether any motion, motion amendment or action introduced during the House of Representatives, Senate or committee proceedings for consideration of a draft bill on annual expenditure budget, additional expenditure budget or expenditure budget transfer, would allow a representative, Senator or committee member to directly or indirectly be involved in the disbursement of such budget	Section 168, paragraph 7	At least one-tenth of the existing representatives or senators	Others
10	A petition for a decision as to whether any minister individually loses his ministership	Section 182	At least one-tenth of the existing representatives or Senators The Election Commission	Membership
11	A petition for a decision as to whether an emergency decree is enacted against section 184, paragraph 1 or 2, of the Constitution	Section 185	At least one-fifth of the existing representatives or senators	Constitutionality of law
12	A petition for a decision as to whether any "written agreement" to be concluded by the executive branch requires prior parliamentary approval because it contains a provision which would bring about a change in the Thai territory or the extraterritorial areas over which Thailand is competent to exercise sovereignty or jurisdiction by virtue of a written agreement or international law, its execution requires the enactment of an act, it would extensively affect national economic or social security, or it would considerably bind national trade, investment or budget	Section 190	At least one-tenth of the existing representatives or senators	Authority
13	A petition for a decision as to whether a legal provision to be applied to any case by a court of justice, administrative court or military court is unconstitutional	Section 211	A party to such case	Constitutionality of law
14	A petition for a decision as to the constitutionality of a legal provision	Section 212	Any person whose constitutionally recognised right or freedom has been violated	Constitutionality of law
15	A petition for a decision as to a conflict of authority between the National Assembly, the Council of ministers, or two or more constitutional organs other than the courts of justice, administrative courts or military courts	Section 214	The president of the National Assembly The prime minister The organs in question	Authority
16	A petition for a decision as to whether any election commissioner lacks a qualification, is attacked by a disqualification or has committed a prohibited act	Section 233	At least one-tenth of the existing representatives or senators	Membership
17	A petition for dissolution of a political party deemed to have attempted to acquire the national government power by the means not recognised by the Constitution, and disfranchisement of its leader and executive members	Section 237 in conjunction with section 68	Any person	Political party
18	A petition for a decision as to the constitutionality of any legal provision	Section 245 (1)	Ombudsmen	Constitutionality of law
19	A petition for a decision as to the constitutionality of any legal provision on grounds of human rights	Section 257, paragraph 1 (2)	The National Human Rights Commission	Constitutionality of law
20	Other matters permitted by legal provisions			Others

Composition

1997 Constitution

The Constitutional Court was modeled after the Constitutional Court of Italy.^[10] According to the 1997 constitution, the court had 15 members, all serving nine year terms and appointed by the king upon senatorial advice:^[11]

Five were judges of the Supreme Court of Justice (SCJ) and selected by the SCJ Plenum through secret ballot.
Two were judges of the Supreme Administrative Court (SAC) and selected by the SAC Plenum through secret ballot.
Five were experts in law approved by the Senate after having been selected by a special panel. Such panel consisted of the SCJ president, four deans of law, four deans of political science, and four representatives of the political parties whose members are representatives.
Three were experts in political science approved by the Senate after having been selected by the same panel.

2006 Constitution

According to the 2006 Constitution, the Constitutional Tribunal was established to replace the Constitutional Court which had been dissolved by the Council for Democratic Reform. The Tribunal had nine members as follows:^[12]

The SCJ president as president.
The SAC president as vice-president.
Five SCJ judges selected by the SCJ plenum through secret ballot.
Two SAC judges selected by the SAC plenum through secret ballot.

Members of the Tribunal

**As from the coming into force of the 2006 Constitution**
Name			Tenure			Basis^[13]
Romanised	Thai	RTGS	Start	End	Reason for vacation of office	Basis^[13]
Ackaratorn Chularat	อักขราทร จุฬารัตน	Akkharathon Chularat	2006	2008	Operation of section 300 of the 2007 Constitution	SAC president
Charan Hathagam	จรัญ หัตถกรรม	Charan Hatthakam	2006	2008	Operation of section 300 of the 2007 Constitution	SAC judge
Kitisak Kitikunpairoj	กิติศักดิ์ กิติคุณไพโรจน์	Kitisak Kitikhunphairot	2006	2008	Operation of section 300 of the 2007 Constitution	SCJ judge
Krairerk Kasemsan, Mom Luang	ไกรฤกษ์ เกษมสันต์, หม่อมหลวง	Krai-roek Kasemsan, Mom Luang	2006	2008	Operation of section 300 of the 2007 Constitution	SCJ judge
Nurak Marpraneet	นุรักษ์ มาประณีต	Nurak Mapranit	2006	2008	Operation of section 300 of the 2007 Constitution	SCJ judge
Panya Thanomrod	ปัญญา ถนอมรอด	Panya Thanomrot	2006	2007	Retirement from the office of SCJ president	SCJ president
Somchai Pongsata	สมชาย พงษธา	Somchai Phongsatha	2006	2008	Operation of section 300 of the 2007 Constitution	SCJ judge
Thanis Kesawapitak	ธานิศ เกศวพิทักษ์	Thanit Ketsawaphithak	2006	2008	Operation of section 300 of the 2007 Constitution	SCJ judge
Vichai Chuenchompoonut	วิชัย ชื่นชมพูนุท	Wichai Chuenchomphunut	2006	2008	Operation of section 300 of the 2007 Constitution	SAC judge
Viruch Limvichai	วิรัช ลิ้มวิชัย	Wirat Limwichai	2007	2008	Operation of section 300 of the 2007 Constitution	SCJ president

2007 Constitution

After the Constitutional Court was abolished by the Council for Democratic Reform and was replaced by the Constitutional Tribunal under the 2006 Constitution, the 2007 Constitution reestablishes the Constitutional Court and makes various changes to it. The court is back with greater vigour and is also empowered to introduce to the National Assembly the draft laws concerning the court itself.^[14]

Under the 2007 Constitution, the Constitutional Court has nine members, all serving for nine year terms and appointed by the King with senatorial advice:^[15]

Three are SCJ judges and are selected by the SCJ plenum through secret ballot.
Two are SAC judges and are selected by the SAC plenum through secret ballot.
Two are experts in law approved by the Senate after having been selected by a special panel. Such panel is composed of the SCJ president, the SAC president, the president of the House of Representatives, the opposition leader and one of the chiefs of the constitutional independent agencies (chief ombudsman, president of the election commission, president of the National Anti-Corruption Commission or president of the State Audit Commission).
Two are experts in political science, public administration or other field of social science and are approved by the Senate after having been selected by the same panel.

Members of the court

**As from the coming into force of the 2007 Constitution**
Name			Tenure			Presidency			Basis
Romanised	Thai	RTGS	Start	End	Reason for vacation of office	Start	End	Reason for vacation of office	Basis
Jaran Pukditanakul	จรัญ ภักดีธนากุล	Charan Phakdithanakun	2008^[16]	2020^[17]	End of term				Expert in law^[18]
Charoon Intachan	จรูญ อินทจาร	Charun Inthachan	2008^[16]	2014^[19]	Retirement	2013^[20]	2014^[21]	Resignation^[21]	SAC judge^[22]
Chalermpon Ake-uru	เฉลิมพล เอกอุรุ	Chaloemphon Ek-uru	2008^[16]	2015^[23]	Retirement				Expert in political science^[22]
Chut Chonlavorn	ชัช ชลวร	Chat Chonlawon	2008^[16]	2020^[17]	End of term	2008^[16]	2011^[24]	Resignation^[24]	SCJ judge^[22]
Nurak Marpraneet	นุรักษ์ มาประณีต	Nurak Mapranit	2008^[16]	2020^[17]	End of term	2014	2020	End of term	SCJ judge^[22]
Boonsong Kulbupar	บุญส่ง กุลบุปผา	Bunsong Kunbuppha	2008^[16]	2020^[17]	End of term				SCJ judge^[22]
Suphot Khaimuk	สุพจน์ ไข่มุกด์	Suphot Khaimuk	2008^[16]	2015	Retirement				Expert in political science^[22]
Wasan Soypisudh	วสันต์ สร้อยพิสุทธิ์	Wasan Soiphisut	2008^[16]	2013^[25]	Resignation^[25]	2011^[24]	2013^[25]	Resignation^[25]	Expert in law^[25]
Udomsak Nitimontree	อุดมศักดิ์ นิติมนตรี	Udomsak Nitimontri	2008^[16]	2020^[17]	End of term				SAC judge^[22]
Twekiat Menakanist	ทวีเกียรติ มีนะกนิษฐ	Thawikiat Minakanit	2013^[20]	2020^[17]	Continue on 2017 constitution				Expert in law^[25]
Worawit Kangsasitiam	วรวิทย์ กังศศิเทียม	Worawit Kangsasithiam	2015^[26]	2020^[17]	Continue on 2017 constitution				SAC judge
Nakharin Mektrairat	นครินทร์ เมฆไตรรัตน์	Nakarin Mektrairat	2015^[27]	2020^[17]	Continue on 2017 constitution				Expert in political science
Punya Udchachon	ปัญญา อุดชาชน	Punya Utchachon	2015^[28]	2020^[17]	Continue on 2017 constitution				Expert in political science

2017 constitution

After the 2014 Thai coup d'état, the court had not been dissolved. Until the 2017 constitution of Thailand was in effect, the judges from the 2007 Constitutional Court continued to work on the 2017 Court.

Members of the court

**As from the coming into force of the 2017 constitution**
Name		Tenure			Presidency			Basis
Romanised	Thai	Start	End	Reason for vacation of office	Start	End	Reason for vacation of office	Basis
Twekiat Menakanist	ทวีเกียรติ มีนะกนิษฐ	2013^[20]						Expert in law^[25]
Worawit Kangsasitiam	วรวิทย์ กังศศิเทียม	2015^[26]			2020^[17]			SAC judge
Nakharin Mektrairat	นครินทร์ เมฆไตรรัตน์	2015^[27]						Expert in political science
Punya Udchachon	ปัญญา อุดชาชน	2015^[28]						Expert in political science
Udom Sittiwirattham	อุดม สิทธิวิรัชธรรม	2020^[17]						SCJ judge^[17]
Wiroon Sangtian	วิรุฬห์ แสงเทียน	2020^[17]						SCJ judge^[17]
Chiranit Havanond	จิรนิติ หะวานนท์	2020^[17]						SCJ judge^[17]
Noppadon Theppitak	นภดล เทพพิทักษ์	2020^[17]						Expert in law^[17]
Bunjongsak Wongprachaya	บรรจงศักดิ์ วงศ์ปราชญ์	2020^[29]						SAC judge^[29]

Key decisions

Chuan-government emergency decrees during the 1997 economic crisis

Unconstitutionality of emergency economic decrees

In its first decision, the court ruled on the constitutionality of four emergency executive decrees issued by the Chuan government to deal with the Asian financial crisis.^[8] The government had issued the decrees in early-May 1998 to expand the role of the Financial Restructuring Authority and the Assets Management Corporation, to settle the debts of the Financial Institutions Development Fund through the issue of 500 billion baht in bonds, and to authorize the ministry of finance to seek 200 billion baht in overseas loans. The opposition New Aspiration Party (NAP) did not have the votes to defeat the bills, and therefore, on the last day of debate, invoked Article 219 of the constitution to question the constitutionality of an emergency decree.

The NAP argued that since there was no emergency nor necessary urgency (under Article 218(2)), the government could not issue any emergency decrees. Article 219, however, specifically notes the constitutionality of an emergency decree can be questioned only on Article 218(1) concerning the maintenance of national or public safety, national economic security, or to avert public calamity. The government, fearing further economic damage if the decree were delayed, opposed the court's acceptance of the complaint, as the opposition clearly had failed to cite the proper constitutional clause. The court wished to set a precedent, however, demonstrating it would accept petitions under Article 219, even if technically inaccurate. Within a day it ruled that it was obvious to the general public that the nation was in an economic crisis, and that the decrees were designed to assist with national economic security in accordance with Article 218(1). The decrees were later quickly approved by Parliament.

The NAP's last minute motion damaged its credibility, and made it unlikely that Article 219 will be invoked unless there is a credible issue and the issue is raised and discussed at the beginning of parliamentary debate, rather than at the last-minute before a vote.

On the other hand, a precedent was established by the court that it would accept all petitions under Article 219 to preserve Parliament's right to question the constitutionality of emergency executive decrees.

Treaty status of IMF letters of intent

The NAP later filed impeachment proceedings with the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) against prime minister Chuan Leekpai and the minister of finance Tarrin Nimmanahaeminda for violation of the Constitution.^[8] The NAP argued that the letter of intent that the government signed with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to secure emergency financial support was a treaty, and that Article 224 of the constitution stipulated that the government must receive prior consent from Parliament to enter a treaty.

The NACC determined the issue concerned a constitutional interpretation and petitioned the Constitutional Court for an opinion. The court ruled the IMF letters were not treaties, as internationally defined, because they were unilateral documents from the Thai government with no rules for enforcement or provisions for penalty. Moreover, the IMF itself had worded the letters in a way that stated that the letters were not contractual agreements.

Appointment of Jaruvan Maintaka as auditor-general

On 24 June 2003, a petition was filed with the Constitutional Court seeking its decision on the constitutionality of Khunying Jaruvan Maintaka's appointment by the Senate as auditor-general. Jaruvan was one of three nominees for the position of auditor-general in 2001, along with Prathan Dabpet and Nontaphon Nimsomboon. Prathan received five votes from the eight person State Audit Commission (SAC) while Jaruvan received three votes. According to the constitution, State Audit Commission chairman Panya Tantiyavarong should have submitted Prathan's nomination to the Senate, as he received the majority of votes. However, on 3 July 2001, the SAC chairman submitted a list of all three candidates for the post of auditor-general to the Senate, which later voted to select Khunying Jaruvan Maintaka.

The Constitutional Court ruled on 6 July 2004 that the selection process that led to the appointment of Jaruvan as auditor-general was unconstitutional. The court noted that the constitution empowers the SAC to nominate only one person with the highest number of votes from a simple majority, not three as had been the case. The court stopped short of saying she had to leave her post.^[30] However, when the Constitutional Court had ruled on 4 July 2002 that the then Election Commission chairman Sirin Thoopklam's election to the body was unconstitutional, the president of the court noted "when the court rules that the selection [process] was unconstitutional and has to be redone, the court requires the incumbent to leave the post".^[31]

Jaruwan refused to resign without a royal dismissal from King Bhumibol Adulyadej. She noted "I came to take the position as commanded by a royal decision, so I will leave the post only when directed by such a decision."^[32] The State Audit Commission later nominated Wisut Montriwat, former deputy permanent secretary of the ministry of finance, for the post of auditor-general. The Senate approved the nomination on 10 May 2005. However, King Bhumibol Adulyadej, in an unprecedented move, withheld his royal assent. The National Assembly did not hold a vote to overthrow the royal veto. In October 2005, the Senate rejected a motion to reaffirm her appointment, and instead deferred the decision to the SAC.^[33]

On 15 February 2006 the State Audit Commission (SAC) reinstated Auditor-General Khunying Jaruvan Maintaka. Its unanimous decision came after it received a memo from the office of King Bhumibol Adulyadej's principal private secretary, directing that the situation be resolved.^[34]

The controversy led many to reinterpret the political and judicial role of the King in Thailand's constitutional monarchy.

Thaksin Shinawatra's alleged conflicts of interest

In February 2006, 28 Senators submitted a petition to the Constitutional Court calling for the prime minister's impeachment for conflicts of interest and improprieties in the sell-off of Shin Corporation under Articles 96, 216 and 209 of the Thai constitution.^[35] The Senators said the prime minister violated the constitution and was no longer qualified for office under Article 209. However, the court rejected the petition on 16 February, with the majority judges saying the petition failed to present sufficient grounds to support the prime minister's alleged misconduct.

Political parties dissolution following the April 2006 election

Court rejects flawed oath petition

In September 2019, the court rejected a petition lodged by the Ombudsman of Thailand regarding the incomplete oath recited by Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha and his cabinet in July 2019.^[36] The prime minister failed to recite the final sentence of the oath which pledges to uphold and abide by the Constitution. The court ruled that it was "not in its authority" to make a ruling on the issue, in effect ruling that vows to uphold the constitution are none of the Constitutional Court's business.^[37]^[38]

Future Forward Party dissolution

On 20 November 2019, the court convicted Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit, disqualifying his MP status.^[39] On 21 February 2020, Future Forward Party was dissolved in the court ruling, which said that the party was in violation of election laws regarding donations to political parties. The party was loaned 191.2 million Baht (about US$6 million) from its leader, Thanathorn, according to the court, counted as a donation.^[40] The dissolution order drew criticism from commentators inside and outside the country, who characterized it as part of the military's continued interference in Thai politics, noting that the party's vocal anti-military position made it a target and that the other parties' finances were not similarly scrutinized.^[41]

Court rules that Prayut not "state official"

The court ruled in September 2019, that General Prayut, on seizing power in May 2014 with no authorization to do so, answering to no other state official, and holding onto his power only temporarily, could not be considered a state official. The ruling bears on Prayut's eligibility to serve as prime minister.^[38]

Court rules that the monarchy reform is to overthrow the state and the monarchy

"The actions have hidden intentions to overthrow the constitutional monarchy and were not a call for reform,"

-A court judge, 2021^[42]

On 10 November 2021, the court ruled that Arnon, Panupong, and Panusaya of the 2020–2021 Thai protests' 10-point call for reforms of the monarchy in 'Thammasat will not tolerate' rally on 10 August 2020 aimed to overthrow the state and the monarchy in their speeches.^[42] The court ordered them and other protest groups to end all monarchy reform movements. The petition was filed by Natthaporn Toprayoon on 3 September 2020.^[43]

“If we allow the first, second and third defendant and their networks to keep doing this action, it will not be long to lead to the overthrow of the constitutional monarchy,”

-The judge, Chiranit Havanond, 2021^[44]

The court explained that such demands were an “abuse of the rights and freedoms and harmed the state’s security”, but the court did not enforce a punishment on them, ruling on the constitutionality of their demands. Three protest leaders deny seeking to overthrow the monarchy. Evidence submitted by the defence was not examined by the court. Their lawyer and Panusaya walked out of the middle of hearing. The court also rules that sovereign power belongs to the monarchy not the people.^[44]

Sunai Phasuk of Human Rights Watch described the ruling as “essentially a judicial coup” that could escalate more legal cases against protesters, possibility treason. This could lead to an end to Thailand's constitutional monarchy rule and replacing with absolute monarchy.^[44] Jonathan Head of BBC described this ruling forcefully shuts down any room in Thailand for public discussion of the monarchy, but private discussion and social media discussion will continue on, regardless of the government efforts to stop. It was seen as another politicised intervention on the side of conservatives, royalists, by the independent court.^[45]

On 11 November 2021, the court website was hacked. Its homepage was renamed to the Kangaroo Court and a YouTube video of a song, Guillotine (It goes Yah) by Death Grips.^[46]

Same sex marriage

"Marriage is when a man and a woman are willing to live together, to build a husband and wife relationship to reproduce their offspring, under the morals, traditions, religion and the laws of each society. Marriage is, therefore, reserved for only a man and a woman."

-A judge, 2021

In 2021, the court ruled that Section 1448 of the Civil and Commercial Code interpreting marriages as only between women and men is constitutional, but after the release of full ruling, one phrase mentioned that members of the LGBTQ community cannot reproduce, as it is against nature, and they are unlike other animals with unusual behaviours or physical characteristics. The text were deemed by some as sexist and politically incorrect.^[47]

Prayut's term limit

According to the 2017 constitution, the position of prime minister has a term limit of eight years. On 30 September 2022, the court ruled 6-3 that this term limit was counted from when the constitution was promulgated, which allowed Prayut Chan-o-cha to remain prime minister despite having held the position since coming to power in the 2014 coup.^[48]

References

^ Nakharin Mektrairat: New Constitutional Court president at center of Thailand’s political conflict
^ The Nation, Nine Constitution Tribunal members Archived 26 September 2007 at the Wayback Machine, 7 October 2006
^ ข้อกำหนดศาลรัฐธรรมนูญว่าด้วยวิธีพิจารณาและการทำคำวินิจฉัย พ.ศ. 2550 - ข้อ 55 วรรค 1 [Constitutional Court Regulations on Procedure and Decision Making, BE 2550 (2007) - regulation 55, paragraph 1] (PDF). Government Gazette (in Thai). 124 Part 96 A. Bangkok: Cabinet Secretariat: 28. 21 December 2007. Archived from the original (PDF) on 15 February 2010. Retrieved 13 May 2014.
^ Mérieau, Eugénie (3 May 2019). "The Thai Constitutional Court, a Major Threat to Thai Democracy". International Association of Constitutional Law (IACL). Retrieved 21 September 2019.
^ "FFP dissolved, executives banned for 10 years". Bangkok Post. 21 February 2020. Retrieved 27 February 2020.
^ Thailand's Budget in Brief Fiscal Year 2019 (Revised ed.). Bureau of the Budget. 2018. p. 94. Retrieved 7 September 2019.
^ "President and Judges of the Constitutional Court". The Constitutional Court of the Kingdom of Thailand. Archived from the original on 12 December 2019. Retrieved 7 September 2019.
^ ^a ^b ^c ^d ^e ^f James R. Klein, "The Battle for Rule of Law in Thailand: The Constitutional Court of Thailand", "Archived copy" (PDF). Archived from the original on 20 March 2012. Retrieved 12 September 2006.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link) CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link)
^ ข้อกำหนดศาลรัฐธรรมนูญว่าด้วยวิธีพิจารณาและการทำคำวินิจฉัย พ.ศ. 2550 [ข้อ 17] [Constitutional Court Regulations on Procedure and Decision Making, BE 2550 (2007), [Regulation 17]] (PDF). Government Gazette (in Thai). 124 (96 A). Cabinet Secretariat: 1. 21 December 2007. Archived from the original (PDF) on 15 February 2010. Retrieved 21 February 2014.
^ Andrew Harding, May there be Virtue: ‘New Asian Constitutionalism’ in Thailand, Microsoft Word format and HTML format
^ รัฐธรรมนูญแห่งราชอาณาจักรไทย พุทธศักราช ๒๕๔๐ (in Thai). Council of State of Thailand. 14 September 2006. Archived from the original on 21 September 2013. Retrieved 20 September 2013.
^ รัฐธรรมนูญแห่งราชอาณาจักรไทย (ฉบับชั่วคราว) พุทธศักราช ๒๕๔๙ (PDF) (in Thai). Cabinet Secretariat. 1 October 2006. Archived from the original (PDF) on 5 October 2006. Retrieved 20 September 2013.
^ ประกาศ ลงวันที่ 1 พฤศจิกายน 2549 [Announcement of 1 November 2006] (PDF) (in Thai). Cabinet Secretariat. 7 November 2006. Archived from the original (PDF) on 17 October 2011. Retrieved 20 September 2013.
^ Council of State of Thailand (2007). "Constitution of the Kingdom of Thailand, Buddhist Era 2550 (2007)". Asian Legal Information Institute. Retrieved 14 December 2013. Section 139. An organic law bill may be introduced only by the following...(3) the Constitutional Court, the Supreme Court of Justice or other independent Constitutional organisation by through the President of such Court or of such organizations whom having charge and control of the execution of the organic law.
^ องค์ประกอบของศาลรัฐธรรมนูญตามรัฐธรรมนูญแห่งราชอาณาจักรไทย พุทธศักราช 2550. Constitutional Court (in Thai). n.d. Archived from the original on 21 September 2013. Retrieved 20 September 2013.
^ ^a ^b ^c ^d ^e ^f ^g ^h ⁱ ^j ประกาศแต่งตั้งประธานศาลรัฐธรรมนูญและตุลาการศาลรัฐธรรมนูญ ลงวันที่ 28 พฤษภาคม 2551 [Proclamation on Appointment of President and Judges of the Constitutional Court dated 28 May 2008] (PDF) (in Thai). Cabinet Secretariat. 27 June 2008. Archived from the original (PDF) on 19 November 2011. Retrieved 20 September 2013.
^ ^a ^b ^c ^d ^e ^f ^g ^h ⁱ ^j ^k ^l ^m ⁿ ^o ^p ^q ^r "มาแล้ว! ตุลาการศาลรัฐธรรมนูญชุดใหม่ ที่ใช้เวลาสรรหาตั้งแต่ประกาศใช้ รธน.60". ilaw.ot.th - มาแล้ว! ตุลาการศาลรัฐธรรมนูญชุดใหม่ ที่ใช้เวลาสรรหาตั้งแต่ประกาศใช้ รธน.60 (in Thai). Retrieved 10 November 2021.^{[permanent dead link]}
^ จรัญ ภักดีธนากุล [Jaran Pukditanakul] (in Thai). DailyNews. 19 May 2012. Retrieved 20 September 2013.
^ ""จรูญ อินทจาร" ลาออกประธานศาลรธน. ก่อนพ้นวาระ". dailynews (in Thai). 11 April 2017. Retrieved 10 November 2021.
^ ^a ^b ^c ประกาศแต่งตั้งประธานศาลรัฐธรรมนูญและตุลาการศาลรัฐธรรมนูญ ลงวันที่ 21 ตุลาคม 2556 [Proclamation on Appointment of President and Judges of the Constitutional Court dated 21 October 2013] (PDF) (in Thai). Cabinet Secretariat. 31 October 2013. Archived from the original (PDF) on 5 November 2013. Retrieved 1 November 2013.
^ ^a ^b ผลการประชุมคณะตุลาการศาลรัฐธรรมนูญ วันพุธที่ 21 พฤษภาคม 2557 [Constitutional Court meeting, Wednesday, 21 May 2014] (in Thai). Constitutional Court. 21 May 2014. Archived from the original (PDF) on 21 May 2014. Retrieved 21 May 2014.
^ ^a ^b ^c ^d ^e ^f ^g สัจจะไม่มีในหมู่โจร [No honour among thieves] (in Thai). Manager. 27 July 2011. Archived from the original on 21 September 2013. Retrieved 20 September 2013.
^ matichon (4 March 2016). "สิ้น'เฉลิมพล เอกอุรุ' อดีต ตลก.ศาล รธน. วูบดับในบ้านพักเพียงลำพัง". มติชนออนไลน์ (in Thai). Retrieved 10 November 2021.
^ ^a ^b ^c ประกาศแต่งตั้งประธานศาลรัฐธรรมนูญ ลงวันที่ 26 ตุลาคม 2554 [Proclamation on Appointment of President of the Constitutional Court dated 26 October 2011] (PDF) (in Thai). Cabinet Secretariat. 17 November 2011. Archived from the original (PDF) on 21 September 2013. Retrieved 20 September 2013.
^ ^a ^b ^c ^d ^e ^f ^g ประกาศคณะกรรมการสรรหาตุลาการศาลรัฐธรรมนูญ ลงวันที่ 5 สิงหาคม 2556 [Announcement of the Constitutional Judge Recruitment Panel dated 5 August 2013] (PDF) (in Thai). Senate of Thailand. n.d. Archived from the original (PDF) on 21 September 2013. Retrieved 20 September 2013.
^ ^a ^b isranews (18 September 2014). "โปรดเกล้าฯแต่งตั้ง "นุรักษ์ มาประณีต" เป็นประธานศาลรัฐธรรมนูญ". สำนักข่าวอิศรา (in Thai). Retrieved 10 November 2021.
^ ^a ^b "โปรดเกล้าฯ 'นครินทร์ เมฆไตรรัตน์' เป็นตุลาการศาลรัฐธรรมนูญ". bangkokbiznews (in Thai). 25 November 2015. Retrieved 10 November 2021.
^ ^a ^b "โปรดเกล้าฯ แต่งตั้ง "ปัญญา อุดชาชน" เป็นตุลาการศาลรัฐธรรมนูญแล้ว". mgronline.com (in Thai). 4 December 2015. Retrieved 10 November 2021.
^ ^a ^b "โปรดเกล้าฯ แต่งตั้ง 'บรรจงศักดิ์ วงศ์ปราชญ์' ดำรงตำแหน่งตุลาการศาลรัฐธรรมนูญ". bangkokbiznews (in Thai). 26 August 2020. Retrieved 10 November 2021.
^ Chronology of events in the auditor-general’s deadlock, The Nation 30 August 2005
^ The Nation, "Jaruvan again in eye of the storm" Archived 12 March 2007 at the Wayback Machine, 2 June 2006
^ Jaruvan waits for royal word, The Nation 9 September 2005
^ Senate steers clear of motion on Jaruvan, The Nation, 11 October 2005
^ Poll booths 'the decider', Bangkok Post Friday 5 May 2006
^ Xinhua, Students submit voters petition to impeach Thai PM, 29 July 2006
^ "The Guardian view on Thailand: intimidation can't solve the problem" (Opinion). The Guardian. 20 September 2019. Retrieved 21 September 2019.
^ Bangprapa, Mongkol; Chetchotiros, Nattaya (12 September 2019). "Court rejects oath petition". Bangkok Post. Retrieved 12 September 2019.
^ ^a ^b Techawongtham, Wasant (21 September 2019). "Fuzzy logic doing a disservice to nation?" (Opinion). Bangkok Post. Retrieved 21 September 2019.
^ "Thanathorn: Thai opposition leader disqualified as MP". BBC. 20 November 2019. Retrieved 21 November 2019.
^ "Future Forward: Thai pro-democracy party dissolved over loan". BBC. 21 February 2020. Retrieved 1 February 2020.
^ Ratcliffe, Rebecca (21 February 2020). "Thai court dissolves opposition party Future Forward". The Guardian. Retrieved 21 February 2020.
^ ^a ^b "Thai court rules students' royal reform call sought to overthrow monarchy". Reuters. 10 November 2021.
^ "Constitutional Court rules activists aimed to overthrow monarchy". Bangkok Post. Bangkok Post. 10 November 2021.
^ ^a ^b ^c "Thai court rules calls for curbs on monarchy are 'abuse of freedoms'". The Guardian. 10 November 2021.
^ "Thai court says calls for monarchy reform unconstitutional". BBC News. 10 November 2021.
^ "Thai charter court's website hacked, renamed 'Kangaroo Court'". www.thaipbsworld.com. 2021.
^ "Constitutional Court's full verdict enrages LGBT community, rights defenders". www.thaipbsworld.com. 2012.
^ Wongcha-um, Panu; Thepgumpanat, Panarat (30 September 2022). "Thai court clears way for PM Prayuth's return from suspension". Reuters. Retrieved 30 July 2023.

External links

Constitutional Court on Facebook (subscription required)

[1] Nakharin Mektrairat: New Constitutional Court president at center of Thailand’s political conflict

[2] The Nation, Nine Constitution Tribunal members Archived 26 September 2007 at the Wayback Machine, 7 October 2006

[3] ข้อกำหนดศาลรัฐธรรมนูญว่าด้วยวิธีพิจารณาและการทำคำวินิจฉัย พ.ศ. 2550 - ข้อ 55 วรรค 1 [Constitutional Court Regulations on Procedure and Decision Making, BE 2550 (2007) - regulation 55, paragraph 1] (PDF). Government Gazette (in Thai). 124 Part 96 A. Bangkok: Cabinet Secretariat: 28. 21 December 2007. Archived from the original (PDF) on 15 February 2010. Retrieved 13 May 2014.

[4] Mérieau, Eugénie (3 May 2019). "The Thai Constitutional Court, a Major Threat to Thai Democracy". International Association of Constitutional Law (IACL). Retrieved 21 September 2019.

[BP-20200221-5] "FFP dissolved, executives banned for 10 years". Bangkok Post. 21 February 2020. Retrieved 27 February 2020.

[6] Thailand's Budget in Brief Fiscal Year 2019 (Revised ed.). Bureau of the Budget. 2018. p. 94. Retrieved 7 September 2019.

[7] "President and Judges of the Constitutional Court". The Constitutional Court of the Kingdom of Thailand. Archived from the original on 12 December 2019. Retrieved 7 September 2019.

[Klein-8] ^ ^a ^b ^c ^d ^e ^f James R. Klein, "The Battle for Rule of Law in Thailand: The Constitutional Court of Thailand", "Archived copy" (PDF). Archived from the original on 20 March 2012. Retrieved 12 September 2006.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link) CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link)

[9] ข้อกำหนดศาลรัฐธรรมนูญว่าด้วยวิธีพิจารณาและการทำคำวินิจฉัย พ.ศ. 2550 [ข้อ 17] [Constitutional Court Regulations on Procedure and Decision Making, BE 2550 (2007), [Regulation 17]] (PDF). Government Gazette (in Thai). 124 (96 A). Cabinet Secretariat: 1. 21 December 2007. Archived from the original (PDF) on 15 February 2010. Retrieved 21 February 2014.

[10] Andrew Harding, May there be Virtue: ‘New Asian Constitutionalism’ in Thailand, Microsoft Word format and HTML format

[11] รัฐธรรมนูญแห่งราชอาณาจักรไทย พุทธศักราช ๒๕๔๐ (in Thai). Council of State of Thailand. 14 September 2006. Archived from the original on 21 September 2013. Retrieved 20 September 2013.

[12] รัฐธรรมนูญแห่งราชอาณาจักรไทย (ฉบับชั่วคราว) พุทธศักราช ๒๕๔๙ (PDF) (in Thai). Cabinet Secretariat. 1 October 2006. Archived from the original (PDF) on 5 October 2006. Retrieved 20 September 2013.

[anc2006-13] ประกาศ ลงวันที่ 1 พฤศจิกายน 2549 [Announcement of 1 November 2006] (PDF) (in Thai). Cabinet Secretariat. 7 November 2006. Archived from the original (PDF) on 17 October 2011. Retrieved 20 September 2013.

[14] Council of State of Thailand (2007). "Constitution of the Kingdom of Thailand, Buddhist Era 2550 (2007)". Asian Legal Information Institute. Retrieved 14 December 2013. Section 139. An organic law bill may be introduced only by the following...(3) the Constitutional Court, the Supreme Court of Justice or other independent Constitutional organisation by through the President of such Court or of such organizations whom having charge and control of the execution of the organic law.

[15] องค์ประกอบของศาลรัฐธรรมนูญตามรัฐธรรมนูญแห่งราชอาณาจักรไทย พุทธศักราช 2550. Constitutional Court (in Thai). n.d. Archived from the original on 21 September 2013. Retrieved 20 September 2013.

[2008_appointment-16] ^ ^a ^b ^c ^d ^e ^f ^g ^h ⁱ ^j ประกาศแต่งตั้งประธานศาลรัฐธรรมนูญและตุลาการศาลรัฐธรรมนูญ ลงวันที่ 28 พฤษภาคม 2551 [Proclamation on Appointment of President and Judges of the Constitutional Court dated 28 May 2008] (PDF) (in Thai). Cabinet Secretariat. 27 June 2008. Archived from the original (PDF) on 19 November 2011. Retrieved 20 September 2013.

[:0-17] ^ ^a ^b ^c ^d ^e ^f ^g ^h ⁱ ^j ^k ^l ^m ⁿ ^o ^p ^q ^r "มาแล้ว! ตุลาการศาลรัฐธรรมนูญชุดใหม่ ที่ใช้เวลาสรรหาตั้งแต่ประกาศใช้ รธน.60". ilaw.ot.th - มาแล้ว! ตุลาการศาลรัฐธรรมนูญชุดใหม่ ที่ใช้เวลาสรรหาตั้งแต่ประกาศใช้ รธน.60 (in Thai). Retrieved 10 November 2021.^{[permanent dead link]}

[18] จรัญ ภักดีธนากุล [Jaran Pukditanakul] (in Thai). DailyNews. 19 May 2012. Retrieved 20 September 2013.

[19] ""จรูญ อินทจาร" ลาออกประธานศาลรธน. ก่อนพ้นวาระ". dailynews (in Thai). 11 April 2017. Retrieved 10 November 2021.

[2013_appointment-20] ประกาศแต่งตั้งประธานศาลรัฐธรรมนูญและตุลาการศาลรัฐธรรมนูญ ลงวันที่ 21 ตุลาคม 2556 [Proclamation on Appointment of President and Judges of the Constitutional Court dated 21 October 2013] (PDF) (in Thai). Cabinet Secretariat. 31 October 2013. Archived from the original (PDF) on 5 November 2013. Retrieved 1 November 2013.

[meeting_21_may_2014-21] ผลการประชุมคณะตุลาการศาลรัฐธรรมนูญ วันพุธที่ 21 พฤษภาคม 2557 [Constitutional Court meeting, Wednesday, 21 May 2014] (in Thai). Constitutional Court. 21 May 2014. Archived from the original (PDF) on 21 May 2014. Retrieved 21 May 2014.

[no_honour-22] ^ ^a ^b ^c ^d ^e ^f ^g สัจจะไม่มีในหมู่โจร [No honour among thieves] (in Thai). Manager. 27 July 2011. Archived from the original on 21 September 2013. Retrieved 20 September 2013.

[23] tichon (4 March 2016). "สิ้น'เฉลิมพล เอกอุรุ' อดีต ตลก.ศาล รธน. วูบดับในบ้านพักเพียงลำพัง". มติชนออนไลน์ (in Thai). Retrieved 10 November 2021.

[wasan_appointment-24] ประกาศแต่งตั้งประธานศาลรัฐธรรมนูญ ลงวันที่ 26 ตุลาคม 2554 [Proclamation on Appointment of President of the Constitutional Court dated 26 October 2011] (PDF) (in Thai). Cabinet Secretariat. 17 November 2011. Archived from the original (PDF) on 21 September 2013. Retrieved 20 September 2013.

[wasan_resign-25] ^ ^a ^b ^c ^d ^e ^f ^g ประกาศคณะกรรมการสรรหาตุลาการศาลรัฐธรรมนูญ ลงวันที่ 5 สิงหาคม 2556 [Announcement of the Constitutional Judge Recruitment Panel dated 5 August 2013] (PDF) (in Thai). Senate of Thailand. n.d. Archived from the original (PDF) on 21 September 2013. Retrieved 20 September 2013.

[:1-26] sranews (18 September 2014). "โปรดเกล้าฯแต่งตั้ง "นุรักษ์ มาประณีต" เป็นประธานศาลรัฐธรรมนูญ". สำนักข่าวอิศรา (in Thai). Retrieved 10 November 2021.

[:2-27] "โปรดเกล้าฯ 'นครินทร์ เมฆไตรรัตน์' เป็นตุลาการศาลรัฐธรรมนูญ". bangkokbiznews (in Thai). 25 November 2015. Retrieved 10 November 2021.

[:3-28] "โปรดเกล้าฯ แต่งตั้ง "ปัญญา อุดชาชน" เป็นตุลาการศาลรัฐธรรมนูญแล้ว". mgronline.com (in Thai). 4 December 2015. Retrieved 10 November 2021.

[:4-29] "โปรดเกล้าฯ แต่งตั้ง 'บรรจงศักดิ์ วงศ์ปราชญ์' ดำรงตำแหน่งตุลาการศาลรัฐธรรมนูญ". bangkokbiznews (in Thai). 26 August 2020. Retrieved 10 November 2021.

[30] Chronology of events in the auditor-general’s deadlock, The Nation 30 August 2005

[31] The Nation, "Jaruvan again in eye of the storm" Archived 12 March 2007 at the Wayback Machine, 2 June 2006

[32] Jaruvan waits for royal word, The Nation 9 September 2005

[33] Senate steers clear of motion on Jaruvan, The Nation, 11 October 2005

[34] Poll booths 'the decider', Bangkok Post Friday 5 May 2006

[35] Xinhua, Students submit voters petition to impeach Thai PM, 29 July 2006

[36] "The Guardian view on Thailand: intimidation can't solve the problem" (Opinion). The Guardian. 20 September 2019. Retrieved 21 September 2019.

[37] Bangprapa, Mongkol; Chetchotiros, Nattaya (12 September 2019). "Court rejects oath petition". Bangkok Post. Retrieved 12 September 2019.

[BP-20190921-38] Techawongtham, Wasant (21 September 2019). "Fuzzy logic doing a disservice to nation?" (Opinion). Bangkok Post. Retrieved 21 September 2019.

[39] "Thanathorn: Thai opposition leader disqualified as MP". BBC. 20 November 2019. Retrieved 21 November 2019.

[40] "Future Forward: Thai pro-democracy party dissolved over loan". BBC. 21 February 2020. Retrieved 1 February 2020.

[41] Ratcliffe, Rebecca (21 February 2020). "Thai court dissolves opposition party Future Forward". The Guardian. Retrieved 21 February 2020.

[reutersnovember-42] "Thai court rules students' royal reform call sought to overthrow monarchy". Reuters. 10 November 2021.

[43] "Constitutional Court rules activists aimed to overthrow monarchy". Bangkok Post. Bangkok Post. 10 November 2021.

[guardiannovember-44] "Thai court rules calls for curbs on monarchy are 'abuse of freedoms'". The Guardian. 10 November 2021.

[45] "Thai court says calls for monarchy reform unconstitutional". BBC News. 10 November 2021.

[46] "Thai charter court's website hacked, renamed 'Kangaroo Court'". www.thaipbsworld.com. 2021.

[47] "Constitutional Court's full verdict enrages LGBT community, rights defenders". www.thaipbsworld.com. 2012.

[:12-48] Wongcha-um, Panu; Thepgumpanat, Panarat (30 September 2022). "Thai court clears way for PM Prayuth's return from suspension". Reuters. Retrieved 30 July 2023.

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Colonel William A. Phillips

Origins and controversy

Drafting of the 1997 constitution

Jurisdiction

Impeachment

Appointment

Appointment of the first Constitutional Court

Appointment of Amphorn Thongprayoon

Appointment of Ukrit Mongkolnavin

Jurisdiction

Composition

1997 Constitution

2006 Constitution

Members of the Tribunal

2007 Constitution

Members of the court

2017 constitution

Members of the court

Key decisions

Chuan-government emergency decrees during the 1997 economic crisis

Unconstitutionality of emergency economic decrees

Treaty status of IMF letters of intent

Appointment of Jaruvan Maintaka as auditor-general

Thaksin Shinawatra's alleged conflicts of interest

Political parties dissolution following the April 2006 election

Court rejects flawed oath petition

Future Forward Party dissolution

Court rules that Prayut not "state official"

Court rules that the monarchy reform is to overthrow the state and the monarchy

Same sex marriage

Prayut's term limit

See also

References

Further reading

In English

In Thai

External links