Constitutional Bricolage
Thailand's Sacred Monarchy vs. The Rule of Law
Format:Paperback
Publisher:Bloomsbury Publishing PLC
Published:15th Jun '23
Currently unavailable, and unfortunately no date known when it will be back
Critical and innovative account of the unique Thai constitutional model
This book analyses the unique constitutional system in operation in Thailand as a continuous process of bricolage between various Western constitutional models and Buddhist doctrines of Kingship. Reflecting on the category of 'constitutional monarchy’ and its relationship with notions of the rule of law, it investigates the hybridised semi-authoritarian, semi-liberal monarchy that exists in Thailand. By studying constitutional texts and political practices in light of local legal doctrine, the book shows that the monarch's affirmation of extraordinary prerogative powers strongly rests on wider doctrinal claims about constitutionalism and the rule of law. This finding challenges commonly accepted assertions about Thailand, arguing that the King's political role is not the remnant of the 'unfinished' borrowing of Western constitutionalism, general disregard for the law, or cultural preference for 'charismatic authority', as generally thought. Drawing on materials and sources not previously available in English, this important work provides a comprehensive and critical account of the Thai ‘mixed constitutional monarchy’ from the late 19th century to the present day.
As a work that explains in depth the evolution of monarchical domination over Thailand’s various constitutions, it is unsurpassed. -- Paul Chambers * Pacific Affairs *
Carefully researched and persuasively argued … [a] clear and well-documented account of the origins of a constitutionalism and its “own dogmatic logic.” -- Frank W. Munger * Asian Journal of Law and Society *
Constitutional Bricolage is a significant contribution to Thai constitutional law literature. It offers a new approach to the subject and provides a richly detailed account of Thailand’s constitutional history. -- Khemthong Tonsakulrungruang * International Journal of Constitutional Law *
There is a lot to like in Mérieau’s newest book, Constitutional Bricolage. As Mérieau high lights, the book does much that has often been lacking in studies of Thai and non-Western constitutions. This includes that it seeks to take Thai constitutions seriously, and that it is based on extensive research that covers not only secondary, but also a wide range of primary, sources … the book should be of interest not only to scholars of Thailand, but also to those interested in monarchies, the movement of legal ideas, comparative method, and legal history. -- Sarah Bishop * Asian Studies Review *
The most comprehensive analysis to date of the impact that foreign legal conceptual transplants have had on Thailand’s constitutional topography. -- Rawin Leelapatana * Contemporary Southeast Asia *
Eugénie Mérieau is one of the finest scholars on Thai constitutional law … Constitutional Bricolage is a fascinating book. Thai legal history is the river less travelled, and Eugénie Mérieau has marvellously filled this void. The book is packed with interesting detail, not only for constitutional lawyers, but anyone interested in the topic of the Thai monarchy and politics. * Journal of Siam Society *
Constitutional Bricolage offers a comprehensive understanding of Thai constitutional history through contextual legal studies. -- Kongsatja Suwanapech * Thai Legal Studies *
ISBN: 9781509946815
Dimensions: unknown
Weight: unknown
352 pages