The Senate election in Thailand concluded early Thursday morning, resulting in 200 senators-elect, including several linked to the Bhumjaithai Party. Notably, former prime minister Somchai Wongsawat was not among them.
Key Takeaways
- The election concluded with 200 senators-elect.
- Several senators-elect are linked to the Bhumjaithai Party.
- Former prime minister Somchai Wongsawat was not elected.
- Buri Ram led all provinces with 14 senators elected.
- The new Senate will not have the power to elect a prime minister.
Election Results
The final inter-group vote among candidates started at 8 PM on Wednesday, with the lengthy vote counting continuing until 4:52 AM. The list of 200 senators-elect and 100 potential substitutes was then released. Among the senators-elect were:
- Nipon Ekwanit, a former Phuket MP candidate from the Bhumjaithai Party.
- Pibul-at Haruehanprakan, a former adviser to a former tourism and sports minister from the same party.
- Dr. Praphon Tangsrikiatkul, who served as vice-minister for public health when Bhumjaithai leader Anutin Charnvirakul was health minister.
- Former 4th Army chief Gen Kriangkrai Srirak, the chief adviser to Interior Minister Anutin.
Provincial Representation
According to a Facebook post by Internet Dialogue on Law Reform (iLaw), Buri Ram, the stronghold of Bhumjaithai Party godfather Newin Chidchob, led all provinces with 14 senators elected. This was followed by:
- Bangkok with 9 senators.
- Surin and Ayutthaya with 7 each.
- Ang Thong, Satun, and Songkhla with 6 each.
Notable Senators-Elect
Other notable senators-elect included:
- Human rights activist Angkhana Neelaphaijit.
- Chulalongkorn University economics lecturer Lae Dilokvidhyarat.
- Former Ang Thong governor Weerasak Wichitsaengsri.
- Ex-Si Sa Ket governor Thawat Suraban.
- Mongkol Surasajja, who served as director-general of the Department of Provincial Administration.
Ms. Angkana told reporters that only a few representatives from the civil sector were elected.
Absence of Former Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat
Former prime minister Somchai Wongsawat, a brother-in-law of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, was not among those elected. Many political observers had anticipated him becoming the Senate speaker.
New Senate’s Role
The new Senate will comprise 200 members from 20 professions and succeed the 250 coup-appointed senators whose term expired on May 10. Unlike their predecessors, new senators will not be empowered to elect a prime minister. They will take part in the passage of legislation and amendments to laws and the constitution. They will also be responsible for appointing independent organizations and checking the performance of the executive government.
Sources
- Bangkok Post – Senate election ends without ex-PM candidate, Bangkok Post.
