Full booze ban for Senatorial election
PHUKET: Following final confirmation by the national Election Commission (EC) that voting for the Senatorial election will take place nationwide on March 2, the Phuket Election Committee (PEC) has confirmed that it is 100% ready to conduct the polls – and that the same restrictions on alcohol sales will be in force during both the advance and general polling.
Under the new Constitution, Thailand’s new-look upper house will comprise150 members. Of these, a slight majority (76) will be elected, while the remainder will be appointed by a special panel.
Under the 1997 constitution, the entire upper house was elected.
Those wishing to run for Senate can register with the PEC from January 21 to 25 at Phuket Community Hall on Palien Rd in Phuket City.
Voters registered in other provinces but residing in Phuket can cast advance votes on February 23 and 24 at Phuket Community Hall, provided they register to do so at any of Phuket’s three district offices (Muang, Thalang, Kathu) or Phuket City Municipality Offices by January 31.
There are currently 214,329 eligible voters in Phuket, the same number registered for the last general election.
Phuket residents who are still not eligible to vote can register at any district office or Phuket City Municipality Office before February 20.
Unless changes are announced, the ban on alcohol sales will apply from 6 pm on Friday, February 22 thought till midnight the following Sunday; then again from 6 pm on Saturday March 1 though till midnight the following Sunday.
