ABSTRACT
The government of Thailand is a constitutional monarchy. His Majesty King Bhumipol Adulyadej ascended to the throne in 1946 at age 19, and is the longest reigning monarch in the world. As head of state, the king has the authority to exercise sovereign power through the national assembly, the council of ministers, and the courts. The government is run by the prime minister, who functions in the name of the king and is responsible for all royal commands regarding the affairs of the state. His majesty the King and Her Majesty Queen Sirikit are the cultural and spiritual leaders for all Thai people. Buddhism is the national religion, which is practiced by 95% of the population (Thailand BOI, 2008).
