Senate
- Thailand News
Thailand to rethink visa-free policy for Chinese citizens: Senate
The Senate has urged the Government of Thailand to reconsider its visa-free policy for Chinese citizens, expressing concerns that Thailand may become a centre for criminal activities. Senator Wanchai Ekpornpichit raised these issues during a recent Senate meeting led by Speaker Mongkol Surasajja. Wanchai pointed out that the policy, initially designed to boost tourism, has been misused by criminal groups.…
- Thailand News
Child smacking ban in Thailand gets Senate green light
In a landmark move for children’s rights, the Senate yesterday unanimously approved a draft amendment to Section 1567 of the Civil and Commercial Code, redefining the boundaries of parental discipline. The amendment, which had earlier sailed through the lower house, was deliberated and passed in all three readings in one day. It proposes a crucial update to the clause that…
- Thailand News
Senate to vote on divisive referendum double-majority rule
The Senate is set to convene tomorrow, December 17, to cast votes on a contentious referendum bill concerning constitutional amendments. The majority of senators are anticipated to uphold the divisive double-majority requirement, a decision that has sparked significant debate. Following a vote by a joint MP-Senate committee, the double-majority rule, necessary for passing a charter rewrite referendum, has been endorsed.…
- Thailand News
Constitutional amendment: PP proposes Senate removal in process
The People’s Party (PP) yesterday submitted a proposal aiming to remove the Senate from the constitutional amendment process, according to the House of Representatives’ secretariat. This is one of the 17 proposals put forth by the PP, targeting specific sections of the constitution for amendment. A central focus of these proposals is Section 256, which requires that any charter amendment…
- Tourism News
Senate urges crackdown on foreign-run tourism businesses
The Senate called on the government to intensify efforts against tourism businesses managed by local proxies for foreign citizens, aiming to shield local enterprises from unfair competition. During a recent session, Senator Nantana Nantavaropas raised concerns about the difficulties Thai businesses face in competing with companies managed by nominees. Tourism and Sports Minister Sorawong Thienthong responded, revealing that ministry representatives…
- Thailand News
Joint session on 2017 Thailand constitution set for mid-December
The House of Representatives anticipates holding a joint session with the Senate by mid-December to deliberate on a bill amending the 2017 constitution. According to Nattawut Buaprathum, a People’s Party list MP and opposition whip chief, this decision follows an agreement between the government and opposition whips. The whips agreed that starting deliberation during the nearly concluded parliamentary session would…
- Thailand News
Senate passes referendum bill, simplifies majority requirement
The Senate has given initial approval to the referendum bill passed by the House of Representatives, despite significant opposition from some senators. The contentious issue revolves around the bill’s replacement of the referendum’s double majority requirement with a simpler single majority or more than half of the votes cast. At the conclusion of yesterday’s session, the Senate voted 179 to…
- Politics News
Senators call for PM Srettha’s exit after ex-con Cabinet pick
Forty former senators are pushing for the dismissal of Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin over his decision to appoint Pichit Chuenban, an ex-convict, as a Cabinet minister. They announced plans to submit their closing statement to the Constitutional Court by the end of the month. Somchai Swangkarn, a former Senator, revealed that the group is finalising a written closing statement for…
- Thailand News
Thai Senate to cut standing committees amid reduced membership
The Senate is poised to reduce the number of its standing committees to align with the decreased number of senators in the Upper House. Concerns have been raised that this reduction could affect the chamber’s functionality in government. The Senate will debate this issue in its second meeting tomorrow, July 30. Mongkol Surasajja, recently elected as Senate speaker, confirmed that…
- Thailand News
Bhumjaithai Party allies dominate new Thai Senate
The new Senate is poised to play a crucial role in the forthcoming political power dynamics and efforts to amend the Thai constitution. Observers note that the Upper House is now heavily influenced by senators with connections to the Bhumjaithai Party, the third-largest political faction in Thailand. The newly elected Senate Speaker and one of his deputies are perceived to…
- Thailand News
Buriram’s next act: Ex-governor poised to lead Senate as speaker
Former Buriram Governor Senator Mongkol Surasajja is anticipated to be chosen as the Senate Speaker in the upcoming session of the Upper House tomorrow. The selection of the Senate Speaker and two deputies will occur after the swearing-in ceremony. The most senior senator has been approached to preside over the inaugural meeting. A source familiar with the situation indicated that…
- Thailand News
Senate factions prepare for speaker and deputy elections
Senate factions are gearing up for the election of the Senate Speaker and deputy roles, with three main groups emerging as contenders. The New Breed, the Blue group, and a faction representing independent Senate votes are all preparing their nominations. Each group is rallying behind its preferred candidates, though discussions about compromise candidates are also on the table. The New…
- Thailand News
Election Commission seals deal: Senatorial results get green light
The Election Commission (EC) finally endorsed the results of the senatorial election. Despite initial delays and mounting complaints, the EC confirmed the election’s integrity and backed all 200 winners. The EC convened today, July 10, meeting from 9am to 2.30pm, to resolve the matter. Initially slated for an announcement on July 3, the endorsement was repeatedly postponed due to a…
- Thailand News
Outgoing Senate to fulfil duties until new members endorsed by EC
Senate Speaker Pornpetch Wichitcholchai affirmed that the outgoing Senate will continue its duties until the Election Commission (EC) officially endorses the 200 new senators. This statement comes amid questions from political analysts and senators-elect regarding the outgoing Senate’s role in reviewing the budget proposal for the upcoming fiscal year. Concerns have been raised about why the outgoing senators, whose terms…
- Thailand News
Ex-army general open to Senate Speaker role amid security focus
General Kriangkrai Srirak, who received the highest votes in the public administration and security professional group in last week’s Senate election, responded positively to speculation that he might become the Senate Speaker. Kriangkrai expressed yesterday that if the majority of the Senate members trusted him with the position of Senate Speaker, he would not hesitate to accept the role. However,…
- Thailand News
Election scandal shocker: Senate results halted amid fraud claims
The Election Commission (EC) delayed endorsing the 200 senatorial election winners due to a flurry of electoral fraud complaints, as announced by the chief commissioner. The eagerly awaited results, originally set to be revealed today, July 3, have now been postponed indefinitely, leaving the nation in suspense. EC Chairman Ittiporn Boonprakong stated that the process is not yet complete, offering…
- Thailand News
Thai beautician tops senator votes with 79 votes
A 45 year old beautician emerged as one of the 200 newly elected senators, achieving the highest vote count with 79 votes. Her victory highlights a notable career in preventive medicine, skin and beauty expertise, and extensive advisory roles. Chinnachot Saengsang secured 77 votes, Police Lieutenant General Yutthana Thaiphakdi received 76 votes, General Kriangkrai Srirak garnered 74 votes, and Sopon…
- Thailand News
Senate election fraud claims spark call for investigation
Election manipulation allegations have surfaced in the recent Senate race, with claims that some candidates were favoured through collusion. Senator-elect Nanthana Nanthawarophas, representing a media professional group, stated that over 100 losing candidates intend to file a complaint with the Election Commission (EC), urging an investigation into suspected vote rigging. Nanthana highlighted that the top seven candidates with the highest…
- Thailand News
Human rights activist narrowly clinches Senate election
Renowned human rights activist and widow of kidnapped lawyer Somchai Neelapaijit, Angkhana Neelapaijit secured a seat in the Senate as a representative of the civil sector and NGOs. However, she has raised serious concerns about the integrity of the election process, alleging widespread fraud and vote manipulation in favour of certain candidates. In an impassioned statement, Angkhana claimed that the…
- Thailand News
Army general tops polls in national Senate election
The Election Commission (EC)’s vote counting began at 9.40pm yesterday and concluded around 5am today, revealing the biggest political surprise of the year. With 2,989 candidates vying for seats, the new Senate will comprise 200 members from 20 professions, replacing the 250 junta-appointed senators whose term expired on May 10. Former 4th Army Region Commander General Kriangkrai Srirak, a classmate…
- Thailand News
EC under fire for broken livestream promise
Yingcheep Atchanont, the manager of Internet Dialogue on Law Reform (iLaw), unleashed a scathing critique against the Election Commission (EC) for failing to live up to its promise of livestreaming the crucial final round of senatorial election voting. “The EC had publicly promised that observers could follow the procedure on CCTV streamed from the halls. What we found, however, is…
- Thailand News
Senate bid: Ex-PM Somchai reveals the secret to his success
Former Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat revealed the key to his success in reaching the final round of the Senate election: His wife’s unwavering support. Upon arriving at Impact Arena in Mueang Thong Thani today to participate in the election, Somchai dispelled rumours that he had been chosen to lead the next Senate. He clarified that he was competing in the…
- Thailand News
EC urges Senate candidates to behave as final voting day nears
The Election Commission (EC) issued a stern warning to Senate election candidates regarding adherence to regulations as the final phase of voting takes place today. Some 2,995 candidates, who cleared the provincial-level selection process on June 16, are competing for 200 seats at Mueang Thong Thani in Nonthaburi. The official results will be announced on July 2. EC Secretary-General Sawaeng…
- Thailand News
Election frenzy: Senators battle for top seats
Senatorial candidates arrived at the Impact Forum Mueang Thong Thani in Nonthaburi province as early as 5am today, ahead of the election scheduled for today, June 26. Although official registration wasn’t set to begin until 8am, many candidates decided to brave the early hours to avoid the notorious traffic congestion of the Bangkok metropolitan area. With anticipation running high, the…
- Thailand News
Senate election to proceed despite 333 complaints, fraud concerns
Despite the Election Commission (EC) fielding over 300 complaints, including 39 cases related to potential fraud, the Senate election results will proceed as scheduled. EC Secretary-General Sawang Boonmee revealed that a total of 333 complaints have been lodged, with 90 involving accusations of corruption. Investigations into these complaints are expected to take significant time. A large portion of the complaints…
- Thailand News
EC clarifies Senate election vote exchange, downplays complaints
After questions arose regarding candidate vote exchange in the Senate elections, the Election Commission (EC) no longer deems wooing or exchanging votes in the Senate election as a breach. A petition challenging the initial restrictions on candidates’ election campaigning led the Administrative Court to rule against these restrictions on May 24, resulting in their repeal. EC Secretary-General Sawang Boonme addressed…
- Thailand News
Progressive Movement’s senate bid: Triumph or tragedy?
In a last-ditch effort to reshape Thailand’s political landscape, the Progressive Movement’s campaign to secure one-third of Senate seats and amend the junta-drafted 2017 Constitution is faltering as the election reaches its climax. Progressive Movement leader Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit kicked off the campaign in April with a bold goal: securing 70 People’s Senators in the 200-member upper house. However, the initial…
- Thailand News
Shock as top Senate candidates fail to advance
The provincial senator election at the weekend saw 3,000 candidates advance to the national stage but not without some unexpected snubs. The Election Commission (EC) office confirmed the results of the provincial senator election on Sunday, June 16, revealing that 3,000 hopefuls will move forward to the national level. Among these successful candidates are 2,164 men and 836 women. However,…
- Thailand News
Provincial Senate election tomorrow: Candidates must be punctual
The nationwide provincial-level Senate election will occur tomorrow, with the Election Commission (EC) urging candidates to arrive at polling stations punctually without introducing themselves during the vote. Election officials, led by EC Secretary-General Sawaeng Boonmee, inspected the Vayupak Convention Centre at the Centara Life Government Complex Hotel on Chaeng Watthana Road in Lak Si district, a designated polling station for…
- Thailand News
US Senator blasts Thai government over MFP threat
US Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Ben Cardin voiced his alarm over the potential dissolution of Thailand’s Move Forward Party (MFP). He issued a stern warning to the Thai government, urging them to uphold democratic principles and avoid stifling political opposition. Taking to social media, Cardin expressed his concerns. “I am deeply concerned by developments in Thailand on the potential…
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