THE ORIGIN, ESTABLISHMENT, AND EVOLUTION OF THE THAI ADMINISTRATIVE COURT: THE DEVELOPMENT OF DIGITAL JUDICIAL PROCESSES UNDER THE RULE OF LAW

Abstract

This academic article examines the origins, establishment, and evolution of the Thai Administrative Court, including the development of digital administrative justice under the rule of law. It employs documentary analysis of legal and academic materials, together with doctrinal legal synthesis. The findings indicate that the Thai Administrative Court has its roots in the development of Thai public law and state structures, beginning with centralized state power, legal reforms during the reign of King Rama V, the influence of European public law particularly the French Conseil d'État and the evolution of the rule of law after 1932. These developments led to the establishment of the Administrative Court under the Constitution of the Kingdom of Thailand B.E. 2540 (1997) and the Act on Establishment of Administrative Courts and Administrative Court Procedure B.E. 2542 (1999). The Administrative Court plays a key role in controlling administrative power, protecting citizens’ rights, and promoting the rule of law. It has also advanced digital administrative justice through the use of technology in judicial proceedings and public services to enhance efficiency, transparency, accountability, and access to justice. This article concludes that the Thai Administrative Court has evolved from a centralized system of governance toward a rule-of-law state and, more recently, toward digital administrative justice under the rule of law.