National Security Council

Historical Background

The “National Security Council” The “National Security Council” was first established by the royal initiative of King Rama VI, who intended for consideration of military missions for national defense in a meticulous, efficient, and coordinated manner. Therefore, on December 11, 1910, he graciously established a council to perform such duties. At first, it did not have a specific name, but was generally called the “Council on National Defense”, with the King as the chairman.

The council’s composition was improved and revised in sequence. In 1927, both the composition and authorities were revised, and the council was renamed the “National Defense Council”. In July 1932, after the change of government, the national defense was reorganized. The National Defense Council was abolished. Later, on January 11, 1944, the “War Council” was established by issuing a law called the “War Council Act”, which was considered the first law related to the National Security Council because it stipulated that the War Council had the authorities regarding the conduct of war in military, economic, and political matters, as well as welfare of the people.

The War Council lasted only 8 months before being abolished, as the “National Defense Council” was established instead, with the enactment of the “National Defense Council Act” on September 10, 1944. Then, on January 31, 1956, a new National Defense Council Act was issued, abolishing the previous Act. This Act was in use until a major change occurred i.e., the abolition of the National Defense Council Act B.E. 2499 (1956), and the enactment of the National Security Council Act B.E. 2502 (1959), which was considered a change from the “National Defense Council” to the “National Security Council”.

At the cabinet meeting on November 1, 2014, it was agreed that all government agencies should urgently draft new laws or amend existing laws, especially outdated laws or laws to solve important national problems. The Deputy Prime Minister who was responsible for the law at that time considered that the agencies should consider amending the National Security Council Act, as it had been in force for a long time and should be amended to be consistent with the context of the changing security situation. For this reason, the Office of the National Security Council amended the National Security Council Act B.E. 2502 (1959) by repealing the original laws, and going through the consideration process according to the relevant procedures. On September 26, 2016, the National Security Council Act B.E. 2559 (2016) was announced in the Government Gazette and has been in force until today.