The
Rattanakosin Kingdom and the three traditionally counted preceding kingdoms, collectively called
Siam, had an
uncodified constitution until 1932. In the preamble to the Penal Code promulgated 1 April 1908, which came into effect on 21 September, King
Chulalongkorn (
Rama V) stated: "In the ancient times the monarchs of the Siamese nation governed their people with laws which were originally derived from the
Dhamasustra of
Manu, which was then the prevailing law among the inhabitants of
India and the
neighbouring countries." The transition from
absolute monarchy to
constitutional monarchy began when King
Prajadhipok (Rama VII) agreed to a
codified constitution to resolve the
bloodless coup of 1932. The king signed a temporary charter on 27 June 1932 at 17:00, which began by announcing that "the highest power in the land belongs to all people."