an, Narathiwat, Nong Bua Lamphu, Nong Khai, Nonthaburi, Pathum
Thani, Pattani, Phangnga, Phatthalung, Phayao, Phetchabun,
Phetchaburi, Phichit, Phitsanulok, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Phrae,
Phuket, Prachin Buri, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Ranong, Ratchaburi,
Rayong, Roi Et, Sa Kaeo, Sakon Nakhon, Samut Prakan, Samut Sakhon,
Samut Songkhram, Sara Buri, Satun, Sing Buri, Sisaket, Songkhla,
Sukhothai, Suphan Buri, Surat Thani, Surin, Tak, Trang, Trat, Ubon
Ratchathani, Udon Thani, Uthai Thani, Uttaradit, Yala, Yasothon

Independence: 1238 (traditional founding date; never colonized)

National holiday: Birthday of His Majesty the King, 5 December
(1927)

Constitution: new constitution approved 7 December 1991; amended
10 June 1992

Legal system: based on civil law system, with influences of common
law; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction; martial law in
effect since 23 February 1991 military coup

Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:
chief of state: King PHUMIPHON Adunyadet (since 9 June 1946) is a
constitutional monarch; Heir Apparent Crown Prince WACHIRALONGKON
(born 28 July 1952)
head of government: Prime Minister BANHAN Sinlapa-acha (since 13
July 1995); prime minister must be appointed from among the members
of the House of Representatives
cabinet: Council of Ministers
Privy Council: NA

Legislative branch: bicameral National Assembly (Rathasapha)
Senate (Wuthisapha): consists of a 270-member appointed body
House of Representatives (Sapha Phuthaen Ratsadon): elections last
held 2 July 1995 (next to be held 2 July 1999); results - percent of
vote by party NA; seats - (391 total) TNP 93, DP 86, NAP 56, NDP 53,
PDP 23, SAP 23, NTP 18, TCP 18, LDP 10, SP 8, MP 3

Judicial branch: Supreme Court (Sandika), judges appointed by the
king

Political parties and leaders: Thai Nation Party (TNP or Chat Thai
Party), BANHAN Sinlapa-acha; Democratic Party (DP or Prachathipat
Party), CHUAN Likphai; New Aspiration Party (NAP or Khwamwang Mai),
Gen. CHAWALIT Yongchaiyut; National Development Party (NDP or Chat
Phattana), CHATCHAI Chunhawan; Phalang Dharma Party (PDP or Phalang
Tham), THAKSIN Chinnawat; Social Action Party (SAP or Kitsangkhom
Party), MONTRI Phongphanit; Thai Leadership Party (NTP or Nam Thai),
Amnuai Wirawan; Thai Citizen's Party (TCP or Prachakon Thai), SAMAK
Sunthonwet; Liberal Democratic Party (LDP or Seri Tham), ATHI