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The International Journal of the Royal Society of Thailand

Volume XVI-2024 (Special Issue)

His Majesty King Rama IX initiated more than 4,000 royal projects for the benefit of the

public and has established six development centers where any one can learn. It is not surprising
that the United Nations recognized His Majesty the King as the “Father of Human Development”

and honored him with the United Nations Development Program’s inaugural Human
Development Lifetime Achievement Award in Bangkok on May 26, 2006 on the sixtieth

anniversary of His Majesty’s accession to the throne. This was a unique recognition, the first of
its kind, and no one else has ever received such an award.

In conclusion, the Thai democracy with His Majesty the King as Head of State is rooted in
the principle of the constitutional monarchy as seen in countries like Great Britain, Scandinavia,

and Japan. Nevertheless, Thailand’s monarchy is unique, shaped by a distinct tradition of
governance within its democratic framework. Unlike the model suggested by Professor Dr. Anek

Laothamatas, the Thai form of constitutional monarchy stands out as a distinctive aspect of
global democracy, reflecting the nation’s spirit. This uniqueness aligns with the vision expressed

in the poem given by His Majesty King Rama I the Great.

“All capitals are akin to a physical body.
The King is the spirit that presides over the entire being.”
“อัันพรุะนครุทั้ั�งหลั่าย ก็เหมือันกับักายสุังขารุ

กษััตรุิย์คือัจิตวิญญาณ เป็นปรุะธานแก่รุ่างอัินทั้รุีย์”

Bibliography
Krea-ngam, W. (2023). His Majesty King Rama IX’s Governing Work. In Like Beaches and

Seas. Bangkok: Matichon, 127-151.

Uwanno, B. (2024). Governing Tradition in Democracy System with His Majesty the King as Head
of State. In Uwanno, B. Special Lecture on The uniqueness of Thai democracy in the world
democracy trend. (Document for special lecture on March 13, 2024).

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