The word “constitution” in Thai literally means “rule of the state with dharma”. Dharma signifies the underlying order in natural human life and behaviour considered to be in accord with that order. So perhaps it is not ironic that once again, Thailand has renewed its constitution, since it seems to be human’s nature to be averse to stability, favouring change and evolving environments.

Since the founding of the modern state in 1932, Thailand has had 17 constitutions

. The great number of constitutions is indicative of the degree of political instability Thailand has faced in its modern history. The majority of charters and constitutions were the direct or indirect result of military coups. For much of Thai history, constitutions can be thought of, not as instruments of the people to control the government, but as instruments by which the government controls its people.

Thailand's last permanent constitution was published in 1997, and was considered a landmark in terms of the degree of public participation involved in its drafting as well as the democratic nature of its articles. Many human rights were explicitly acknowledged, and measures were established to increase the stability of elected governments.

However, following an army-led coup on 19th September 2006, the 1997 Constitution was abolished. The junta ruled the country by martial law and executive decree for weeks, until it declared an interim constitution that allowed the junta to appoint a prime minister, a legislature, and a drafting committee for a permanent constitution. Human rights were broadly acknowledged, but junta censorship as well as bans on assembly and political activities remained in place.

Thirty million copies of the new 150-page Thai constitution will be sent to homes across Thailand. Hopefully, it will last as long as the 1997 Constitution, if not longer; otherwise it will be a great waste of paper.

If the project proceeds as announced, a conservative estimate of 4.5 billion sheets of paper will be consumed in a hopeful effort to help Thais understand their new government better. That load of paper translates to about 5,000 trees or 200 acres of forest. That’s quite a big area of a forest for a single ambitious project. One (or a few) of the 98 pulp and paper mills in Thailand must be jumping at the opportunity to win the bid for this project. Perhaps there already is one designated, since the country on average writes a new constitution every four and half years.

Related Stories:

Why the King of Thailand never smiles

Thailand's crown prince: A king in waiting?

Thailand: Where coups still rule

Talking Buddhism

Buddhism divides Thailand

Lina Joy: A case of state-minded religion

Cheat Sheets: Thailand