Thailand has a complex and regularly shifting political arrangement between the military, the monarchy, and a political class. Some have characterized this arrangement as a symbiotic relationship of the military and the monarchy, with a growing civilian bureaucracy. Since a coup in 2014, the Thai military has held the reigns of government in the country. This military, which maintains a close but separate relationship with the monarchy, is now preparing the return political rule to a political class and hold a general election in 2019 under a new constitution. This constitution was passed by the military junta and protects its future political role in the country, where 1/3rd of future legislators will be appointed by the military.
Source: New army chief takes over as Thailand prepares for return of civilian rule | Reuters