State’s social welfare policy under the Constitution of the Kingdom of Thailand

Abstract

The research objectives of this article are (1) to study the development of social welfare of the state according to the provisions of the Constitution of the Kingdom of Thailand since the change of government in 1932 to the present, and (2) to compare the social welfare of the public sector. According to the provisions of the Constitution of the Kingdom of Thailand B.E. 2540, 2550 and 2560, this research uses qualitative research and collects data by researching documents. The results showed that: After the change of government in 1932, the government aimed to create basic welfare for the people equally. This is considered the starting point of focusing on people to have a good quality of life according to their rights. But political instability during the years 1932-1957 caused the provision of welfare to the people to be interrupted, cannot be carried out continuously. Therefore, in the past constitution of the Kingdom of Thailand. In addition to being a tool to determine the structure of the state. It also guarantees the rights and liberties of the people as well. When people's rights and liberties are comprehensively guaranteed in the constitution and there are acts that prescribe procedures, the government's legal system can protect the people to their full potential. That is, the constitution is a law intended to guarantee and protect the rights and liberties of the people. As well as the interests of the people as well. Which in the 2017 constitution also certifies the principle of equality, prohibiting discrimination and guarantees many rights and liberties. However, there is still a lack of clarity on some issues, full of limitations and there are many details that have been changed from the 1997 and 2007 constitutions. Therefore, if we look at "social welfare" as the basis that all citizens have the right to be protected by the government. Including designing a social welfare structure in the constitution is the most concrete way to guarantee the quality of life of the people. But better, more equitable and universal social welfare options will come at an additional cost. Therefore, in finding a source of income to support social welfare, the state may do so by reducing expenditure or increasing income as efficiently as possible. Therefore, it will be able to respond to the provision of social welfare for the people as completely as possible.