Government

Thailand has been a constitutional monarchy since 1932. The king is the head of state, but his role is mainly symbolic. Under the constitution of 1991, actual executive power is vested in the premier and cabinet. There is a two-house parliament consisting of a senate, whose members are appointed by the king for six-year terms, and a house of representatives, whose members are directly elected for four-year terms. The premier and cabinet ministers are appointed by the king. The judiciary consists of a supreme court, courts of appeal, and lesser courts.

Thailand is divided for administrative purposes into 73 changwats (provinces), each headed by a governor.