Parliament of Thailand

:"This article describes the legislature of Thailand that existed prior to the military coup d'etat of September 19, 2006.":"For the current legislature of Thailand that opened on January 28, 2008, see National Assembly of Thailand":"For the roles and responsibilities of national assemblies under previous constitutions, see Constitution of Thailand"

The Parliament of Thailand ( _th. รัฐสภา, "Rathasapha") was the legislative branch of the government of Thailand. It was organized is a bicameral body, consisting of two chambers: the Senate ( _th. วุฒิสภา, "Wuthisapha") and the House of Representatives ( _th. สภาผู้แทนราษฎร, "Saphaputhan Ratsadon").

The Senate was non-partisan with limited legislative powers, composed of 200 directly elected members from constituent districts, with every province having at least one senator. Terms were six years and excluded any additional officeholding or membership in a partizan organization. Under most prior constitutions, senators were appointed by the King.

The House of Representatives had 500 members, 400 of whom were directly elected from electoral constituencies, with the remainder drawn proportionally from party lists. The House was granted the primary responsibility for legislation, while the Senate was to approve, propose amendments, or reject. If the two deadlocked, the bill in question would be proposed for 180 days and then could be passed by the House without comment from the Senate.

Election results

For electoral history and final composition of the Assembly, see:

Latest election

Previous election

House of Representatives of Thailand

*http://www.parliament.go.th/main.php
*http://www.parliament.go.th/files/mainpage.htm

References

* [http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/2814.htm Background Note: Thailand] : U.S. State Department public domain document
* [http://www.senat.fr/senatsdumonde/english/thailande.html Structure and powers of the Senate of Thailand]