By Itsarin Tisantia
Photos courtesy of Bangkok Post
Constitution Day comes once again on December 10. On this day, Thais celebrate the country's first constitution, which was created in 1932.
This week’s Exercises takes a brief look at Constitution Day in Thailand.
December 10 is a public holiday in Thailand to commemorate Constitution Day. The history of Constitution Day goes back to 1932, when the country became a constitutional democracy.
FIRST CONSTITUTION
The transition from absolute monarchy to constitutional democracy began when King Prajadhipok, or Rama VII, agreed to a constitution to resolve the political unrest in 1932.
His Majesty the King signed the Temporary Charter for the Administration of Siam Act 1932 on June 27, 1932. The King then countersigned the Permanent Constitution of the Kingdom of Siam on December 10, 1932.
"I am willing to surrender the powers that I formerly exercised to the people as a whole, but I don’t agree to turn my powers over to any individual or any group in particular to use in an autocratic manner without heeding the real voice of the people,” His Majesty said.
SPECIAL MONUMENT
Democracy Monument on Ratchadamnoen Road in Bangkok was constructed between 1939 and 1940. On top of the monument is a replica of the 1932 constitution manuscript, which is placed on a golden tray.
The base of the monument is surrounded by four wing-shaped pillars, which are 24 metres tall. The four wings represent the four branches of the Thai armed forces — the army, navy, air force and police. The height of the pillars (24 metres) represents the fact that the absolute monarchy became a constitutional monarchy on June 24, 1932.
OFFICIAL CELEBRATIONS
Every year the formal ceremony to mark Constitution Day takes place at Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall in Bangkok. People gather to lay wreaths and pay respects to a statute of King Rama VII located in front of the hall. In the meantime, Thai citizens are encouraged to decorate their residences with Thai national flags.
Exercises
Read the story and fill in the blanks with the correct words.
1. Constitution Day each year falls on __________________________.
2. The ceremony to celebrate Constitution Day is held annually at ________________________________.
3. King Rama VII singed the Permanent Constitution of the Kingdom of Siam on __________________.
4. The base of Democracy Monument is surrounded by four wing-shaped pillars that are ______ metres in height.
Vocabulary
- absolute monarchy (n): a system of government in which absolute power is invested in the monarch
constitutional monarchy (n): a country that is governed by a king or queen within laws which limit his or her power
autocratic (adj): having complete power; involving rule by somebody who has complete power
heed (v): to pay careful attention to somebody’s advice or warning
replica (n): a very good or exact copy of something
