Thailand takes step towards democracy
Q. Who is the current king of Thailand?- Published on 10 Apr 17a. King Bhumibol Adulyadej
b. King Rama X
c. King Maha Vajiralongkorn
d. Both b and c
ANSWER: Both b and c
Thailand’s King Maha Vajiralongkorn on 6 April 2017 signed a military-backed Constitution of the country into a law.
The signing is an essential step toward an election that would bring the country back to democratic rule.
The document was signed by the King in a ceremony at Bangkok.
The outgoing military government will have the right to appoint a senate that will have a say in appointing the prime minister.
It allows the King Maha Vajiralongkorn to travel abroad without appointing a regent. T
An original draft of the constitution, viewed as the basis for returning to democracy, was approved in a referendum in August 2016.
But the King has asked in January that changes be made to give him more power on appointing a regent in the event he isn’t in the country.
The interim government has pledged to hold the election by the end of 2017.
But the vote is likely to be put off to 2018 due to a delay caused by the revision work. The military-led interim government has ruled the country since it seized power in a 2014 coup.
The Junta that seized the power after the 2014 Coup has promised to restore democracy in the nation. The 2014 coup was its 12th successful coup in some 80 years.
The new constitution is the 20th constitution of the South-east Asian country since the end of absolute monarchy in 1932.
Current PM took charge of the country after the 2014 Coup.
Besides, 6 April was a public holiday in Thailand as the day marks the establishment of the Chakri dynasty 235 years ago.
The current king is also known as King Rama X in the dynasty.
