Ratchakitchanubeksa (Royal Thai Government Gazette)
The Ratchakitchanubeksa (ราชกิจจานุเบกษา), often translated as the Royal Thai Government Gazette, is the official public journal of Thailand. It serves as the primary publication for disseminating official decrees, laws, regulations, announcements, and other important information from the government. Understanding its role is crucial for anyone needing to stay informed about the legal and administrative landscape of Thailand.
The Ratchakitchanubeksa is published by the Secretariat of the Cabinet, which falls under the Prime Minister’s Office. It’s issued on a regular basis, usually weekly or more frequently depending on the volume of governmental pronouncements. Historically printed on paper, the Gazette is now predominantly accessible online, providing a convenient and searchable resource for the public.
The content of the Ratchakitchanubeksa is diverse and far-reaching. It includes:
- Acts of Parliament (พระราชบัญญัติ): All laws passed by the National Assembly (Parliament) are published in the Ratchakitchanubeksa, marking their official enactment. This includes constitutional amendments, major legislative reforms, and acts governing various aspects of Thai society.
- Royal Decrees (พระราชกฤษฎีกา): These are regulations issued by the King, typically on the advice of the Cabinet. Royal Decrees are used to implement laws passed by Parliament or to address specific urgent matters.
- Ministerial Regulations (กฎกระทรวง): Issued by individual ministers or ministries, these regulations provide detailed rules and procedures for implementing laws and Royal Decrees within their respective areas of responsibility.
- Announcements (ประกาศ): A wide range of announcements from government agencies, including notifications about tenders, appointments, changes in regulations, and public health notices, are published in the Gazette.
- Court Judgments (คำพิพากษา): Important decisions from the Constitutional Court and other high courts are sometimes published, particularly those that set legal precedents.
- Notices of Incorporation and Dissolution of Companies: Changes in corporate registration, including the establishment and liquidation of companies, are recorded in the Ratchakitchanubeksa.
- Official Notifications of Name Changes: Individuals officially changing their names are required to publish a notice in the Gazette.
The publication in the Ratchakitchanubeksa is the crucial step that gives legal force and effect to laws and regulations. Until a law is published in the Gazette, it is not legally binding. This ensures transparency and public awareness of the legal framework governing the country.
The online accessibility of the Ratchakitchanubeksa has significantly improved access to legal information for researchers, lawyers, businesses, and the general public. The website allows users to search for specific documents by keywords, date, issuing agency, or type of publication. Although primarily in Thai, efforts are being made to provide English translations of key legal documents to facilitate international understanding. Studying and understanding the *Ratchakitchanubeksa* provides key insights into Thailand’s legal and administrative functions, making it an indispensable tool for anyone operating within or interacting with the Thai legal system.