This Is Thailand

NATIONAL SYMBOLS

National Flower: “Ratchaphruek“ (or golden shower)

Ratchaphruek is chosen as national flower because it is widely known to Thais, which it can be plant and seen anywhere throughout the country. It bears beautiful cluster-shaped flowers in summer. The color of flowers is shining yellow contrasting great importance similarly to the color of our national religion ‘Buddhism’ and the color of Monday when His Majesty King of Thailand was born.

National Animal: “Chang Thai” (or Thai elephant)

Thai elephant is selected as national animal because it has maintained close link with Thai history and custom, it has a long life, and it is closely related to the livelihood of Thai people as one of transportation means both in times of peace and battles. Especially, ‘white elephant’ is deeply connected to King of Thailand, and white elephant was portrayed in the former national flag.

Thai tradition abounds with examples of the elephant playing an important role in the workings of the Kingdom. Most significant of all, perhaps, is the white elephant, prized because it is a rare animal judged fit only for royal duties.

According to ancient royal Thai traditions, a white elephant is a noble beast of special importance, exemplifying a king’s honor and glory. Known in Thai as Chang Samkhan, a white elephant is a gift fit for a king and to acquire one during his reign, will bring about prosperity and happiness throughout the kingdom.

National Architecture: “Sala Thai” (or Thai-style arbor)

Sala Thai reflects knowledge of Thai people. It retains beauty, which is different from architectures of other countries, and foreigners can acknowledge ‘Thai-ness’ through Sala Thai.

POLITIC

The politics of Thailand currently takes place in a framework of a constitutional monarchy, whereby the Prime Minister is the head of government and a hereditary monarch is head of state. Executive power is currently exercised by a military junta and its appointed Prime Minister and Cabinet. Legislative power is vested in a junta-appointed legislature. The Judiciary is independent of the executive and the legislature. Political activities are currently banned. Prior to the 2006 coup, the kingdom was a parliamentary democracy, with an elected bicameral legislature.

Thailand had been ruled by kings since the thirteenth century. In 1932, the country officially became a constitutional monarchy, though in practice, the government was dominated by the military and the elite bureaucracy. The country’s current constitution was promulgated in 2006.

The King of Thailand has little direct power under the constitution but is a symbol of national identity and unity. King Bhumibol — who has been on the throne since 1946 — commands enormous popular respect and moral authority, which he has used on occasion to resolve political crises that have threatened national stability.

Currently, Thailand is run by a military Military junta calling itself the Council for National Security. On 19 September 2006, the CNS staged a coup d’etat that overthrew the elected government of Thaksin Shinawatra. Since that time, Thailand has been governed by a military junta headed by General Sonthi Boonyaratglin, who later appointed General Surayud Chulanont, who is a member of King’s Privy Council, as Prime Minister. The coup and the governing junta were endorsed by King Bhumibol Adulyadej in a royal decree on the day following the coup