Then it was arguably better to make the country a constitutional monarchy rather than a republic, so as to build the widest support for democracy in a traditionally deferential society.

ECONOMIST: A god dethroned

Since the modern nation state's founding in 1932, Thailand has been served by a constitutional monarchy and is the only country in Southeast Asia to avoid coming under European colonial rule.

CNN: Country profile: Thailand

Labor's picture of the country focused on multiculturalism, closer ties with Asia, breaking the constitutional link with the British monarchy and making amends for past wrongs to indigenous people.

ECONOMIST: Australia's culture wars