Suggestions and process for the current election of senators in Thailand

Abstract

After 11 May 2024, the special senators appointed and selected by the 
National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) will expire. After that, there will be a 
new set of senators for the application day. Senators according to the Organic Act on 
the Acquisition of Senators B.E. 2018, Section 12, and the Election Commission 
regulations. Concerning the selection of senators, B.E. 2024, selection of senators, 
Article 41 stipulates that after the Royal Decree providing for the selection of 
senators comes into effect. The Election Commission (EC) must announce the 
application deadline and selection date for senators within five days. For the 
application location According to the Organic Act on the Acquisition of Senators 2018, 
Section 13 (4), the district in which applicants must apply must be 40 years of age, 
have Thai nationality, have knowledge and work experience of at least 10 years. In 
order to get senators, they must go through a 3-step process of self-selection: at the 
district level, the top 5 people with the highest scores are considered to be the 
primary electors of each group. At the provincial level, the top 5 recipients of the 
highest scores will be considered the preliminary selection of each group. and at the 
national level, the top 10 people receiving the highest scores in each group (20 
groups times 10 people = 200 people) will be selected as senior members. All 3 
steps will be complicated in acquiring senior members. Next, the writing of 
qualifications, characteristics of position holders and prohibited characteristics will 
therefore be numerous as well. However, the Organic Act on the Acquisition of 
Senators B.E. 2018 still does not allow the people to participate in the election of 
senators. Because it may cause the buying and selling of votes, causing the upper 
house to be discredited. Therefore, those interested in running for Senate must have 
a track record, a reputation, and have enough patience with the said process to be 
able to work at the national level. according to their own needs