Thailand has initiated the selection process for new senators, igniting a battle between progressives and conservatives. Hopeful candidates are vying for one of the 200 seats in the upper house of Parliament, with registration taking place at district offices nationwide. The Senate, while less powerful than the House of Representatives, played a significant role in preventing the formation of a new government. The selection process, outlined in the 2017 Constitution passed under a military regime, includes three rounds of voting at the district, provincial, and national levels. Senators are chosen by their fellow applicants, competing in various categories such as occupation or social position.
The power of the Senate was on display when it blocked the progressive party that won the most seats in the previous election from forming a new government. Senators must approve the prime minister through a joint vote with the House of Representatives, leading to clashes between those seeking democratic political reforms and those aiming to maintain the status quo. The Move Forward Party faced opposition from senators who disagreed with its proposed reforms to Thailand’s monarchy. The final results of the selection process are expected to be announced in July, shaping the future of the country’s political landscape.
The 2017 Constitution is criticized for its complexity and lack of clarity, potentially discouraging public participation in the selection of senators. The process limits the power of directly elected officeholders and grants more authority to state bureaucracy. Although the new senators will no longer participate in selecting a prime minister, they retain the power to approve legislation passed by the lower house and play a role in appointing members of regulatory bodies. Civil society groups are urging those in favor of democratic reforms to enter the selection process and work towards amending the Constitution.
Law reform advocate Yingcheep Atchanont of the group iLaw has been leading efforts to educate the public on the importance of the Senate and the selection process. Candidates must meet specific criteria, including being over 40 years old and having at least 10 years of experience in their chosen occupational group. The Election Commission acknowledges the complexity of the process but assures that it will be carried out transparently. Political science lecturer Purawich Watanasukh believes that the intricate rules were intentionally designed to reduce public participation and that the selection process will shape the future political landscape of Thailand, becoming a battleground between progressive forces and the establishment.
