Abstract:
A welfare state is a modern state that emphasizes the importance of not only individual rights but also the protection of social and economic rights, which are social basic rights. A welfare state abides by the Rule of Law while undertaking the economic intervention so as to create the rights, liberties and equality in the society. This thesis aims at studying Thailands welfare, base on the development of the protection of social and economic rights as provided by the Constitution from the past to the present. The research found that all constitutions of Thailand have proved a progressive development in specifying the state intervention in the society so as to provide with social and economic protection. Especially, the Constitution of Thailand B.E.2540 emphasizes not only the importance of individual rights and liberties, but also puts more emphasis on social and economic rights that constitute the social basic rights. The emphasis is stated in the chapter "Rights and Liberterties of Thai People" and "Directive Principles of Fundamental State Policies" that provide that the government be committed to distribute the resources to ensure the social welfare and the social and economic protection. All of these clauses reflect the increasing degree of the welfare state in Thailand.