King Bhumibol is highly revered in Thailand

King Bhumibol returned a bill on education reform to parliament this week because of "flaws", according to the ruling Thai Rak Thai party.

It was reported to be the first time the king has rejected a major bill since Thailand became a constitutional monarchy in 1932, and has severely embarrassed the administration of Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

The Teachers and Education Personnel Regulating Bill aimed to create regional school zones, and impose a hierarchy on school and university teachers in recognition of skill and experience.

The bill was passed by parliament because the ruling party and its coalition partners have an overwhelming majority. But teachers were alarmed that the bill gave no details of proposed salary changes.

It had also been criticised by opposition parties and independent senators.

"The government humbly acknowledges its mistake, because there were some flaws in (the) bill," Thai Rak Thai spokesman Suranand Vejjajiva told The Associated Press news agency.

Under Thailand's constitution, the government can take the original bill back to parliament for further debate and then if it is passed by a two-thirds majority, it can be resubmitted to the king. If he rejects it a second time, the government can enact it by decree.

But Mr Suranand said the government would scrap the old bill and start again.

King Bhumibol has been on the throne since 1946. He is regarded highly by his people, and some even see him as a god-like figure.