Khemthong Tonsakulrungruang, Review of Eugenie Merieau. Constitutional Bricolage: Thailand’s Sacred Monarchy vs. The Rule of Law

Abstract

Eugenie Merieau is known for her series of studies on Thai constitutional law, ranging from the deep state theory1 to the 1932 constitutional compromise,2 from the lèse majesté3 to Buddhist kingship.4 Her new book, Constitutional Bricolage: Thailand’s Sacred Monarchy vs. the Rule of Law, is an epitome of her previous works. The book fascinates readers with years of research as well as first-person observation of Thailand’s fragile constitutions and constitutional scholars. Merieau’s description of Thai constitutionalism as a bricolage is apt. Thailand’s democratization has had its highs and lows, from an outburst of democratic movement to a long period of military dictatorship. No group or ideology has won control over the constitution-making process. As a result, Thai constitutionalism is built upon competing ideas, imported and developed at different times and in different contexts. Most constitutions met with an abrupt end, and were succeeded by a completely different one. Still, Merieau is able to find method in this madness.