Monarchy and Thai Meta-policy: The Early Years of Rama X’s Reign

The specific attribute of the policy landscape in Thailand, which might not be detected elsewhere, is the hidden and explicit roles of the monarchy in Thai meta-policy, either to frame it or to be its exception. The chapter will provide insights that have not been documented in most policy-related literature about Thailand, particularly about royal interventions in national politics and public policy. It will also highlight that, unlike a typical European model of constitutional monarchy, the Thai monarch’s role has not been restricted to merely symbolic and ritualistic realms. With the focus on the monarchy and Thai meta-policy, it is clear that so far what the palace has pursued, especially in the era of King Rama X, are exceptional from the implementation of existing meta-policies in the country. These policies include the adopted principles of good governance, the rule of law, democracy, human rights protection, welfare provision and reduction of social inequality.