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The International Journal of the Royal Society of Thailand

Volume XVI-2024 (Special Issue)

this include Italy in 1919, Yugoslavia, and Sweden, in the past, while modern examples include

Lichtenstein, Monaco, and Bhutan. Thailand, in fact, exhibits this feature, as discussed by
Duncan McCargo in the article “network monarchy and the legitimacy crisis in Thailand (2006),”

which described King Rama IX’s role in Thai politics as a network monarchy. This perspective
acknowledges the king’s influence over government and parliament, including in policy, making,

and that dissolution of parliament–not solely adhering to the written constitution but also
considering governing traditions and practical political realities.

In the article “why monarchy persists in small states: the cases of Tonga, Bhutan and
Lichtenstein (2017),” Corbett argues that the size of a country plays a role in the persistence

of monarchy. Small states like Lichtenstein, Monaco and Bhutan maintain a strong relationship
between the king and the people, allowing the monarch to continue playing a role in the

government. Similarly, Thailand, though not a large country, has enjoyed a strong relationship
between the monarchy and the people for centuries. The United Kingdom remains the

prototype of the first feature of constitutional monarchy, with a ceremonial leader, as seen in
other countries like the Scandinavian nations, Belgium and Japan.

1. Principle of Constitutional Monarchy

Walter Bagehot’s classic work, The English Constitution (1867), published in the late 19 th
century, offers a detailed analysis of the British system of constitutional monarchy, a theory

shaped by his observations of the English monarchy. His ideas have become a key reference for
understanding, governance worldwide. According to Bagehot, the monarchy plays a dignified,

symbolic role within the constitution, serving as a focal point for public respect and loyalty.
The more practical and efficient aspects of the constitution depend on the cabinet, which holds

authority through the Royal prerogative. The success of the system hinges on the relationship
between the monarchy and the cabinet. The monarch, while somewhat mysterious, maintains

a majestic presence, while the cabinet exercises control over both government and parliament.
In this constitutional monarchy, the cabinet wields real political power through the Royal

prerogative, but the monarch still retains the rights to be consulted, to encourage, and to warn.
A dramatic portrayal of this dynamic can be seen in the Netflix series the Crown, which illustrates

how Queen Elizabeth II, with her vast experience, used her position to caution the cabinet.
In some instances, however, her warnings went unheeded, leading to unforeseen consequences.

With the reign lasting nearly 70 years–(almost as long as King Rama IX’s 70 years reign),
Queen Elizabeth’s experiences were unparalleled, placing her in a unique position to influence

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