Election officials showcased a ballot at a bustling Senate election station set up at Banbangkapi School in Bangkok’s lively Bang Kapi district this Sunday. (Photo: Varuth Hirunyatheb)
The district-level vote in the Senate election on Sunday flowed seamlessly, wrapping up with several prominent political figures snagging this first round of the Upper House race. Winners included former prime minister Somchai Wongsawat and former election commissioner Somchai Srisutthiyakorn. As the excitement builds, provincial-level voting is set to follow next Sunday (June 16), with successful district and provincial candidates standing in the grand national-level vote on June 26. The Election Commission (EC) aims to unveil the final results for the election of 200 new senators by July.
Overall, Sunday’s vote was a smooth sail, with only around 22 complaints submitted to the EC about alleged irregularities, which will be formally investigated, confirmed EC chairman Itthiporn Boonpracong. Iceberg or not, these probes, armed with substantial support, should reach their conclusions within 20 days. Notably, more grievances can still be lodged within three days from Sunday. Aspiring election candidates wishing to review Sunday’s voting process through security camera footage must put in a formal request with the EC.
A sprinkling of complaints alleging election shenanigans reached police on Sunday about the vote in Nakhon Si Thammarat. Meanwhile, sound and fury signaled no fraud was detected in Bangkok, disclosed Pol Lt Gen Kornchai Klayklueng, assistant national police chief. In bustling Bangkok alone, around 17,000 police officers were stationed at various voting venues to ensure a security blanket and smooth handling of the district-level vote, he added.
As the clock ticks, the results of Sunday’s vote will be revealed on Monday (June 10) at the polling venues and will hit the EC’s website and Smart Vote application, mentioned EC secretary-general Sawang Boonmee. Responding to whispers and murmurs that some candidates may have lost due to manipulation by syndicate-style candidate groups, Mr Sawang dismissed it as mere speculation. He noted that such hearsay wouldn’t lead to any disciplinary action unless proven contrary to the Senate election law.
In Chiang Mai, Mr Somchai, the former prime minister, celebrated a victory in Sunday’s district-level vote in the picturesque Mae Rim district, as reported by an informed source. Over in Nakhon Ratchasima, a staggering 444 candidates across 20 professional groups locked horns in the district-level vote. Numerous election candidates connected to the ruling Pheu Thai Party, along with other local luminaries, celebrated their wins, insider sources relayed.
Among the victorious was Samphat Atthawong, former Pheu Thai MP for Nakhon Ratchasima, and brother to Seksakol “Rambo Isan” Atthawong, now with the United Thai Nation Party. Alongside them stood Somphot Prasatthai, a notable former Pheu Thai election candidate and prominent member of the red-shirt United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD), a close ally of Pheu Thai, as reported by source whispers. Other triumphant figures included Natthinikon Chantharanothai, wife of former Nakhon Ratchasima governor Wichian Chantharanothai; Witthun Chatpatimaphong, former president of the Nakhon Ratchasima provincial administration organization; and Kanok Tosurat, a member of the 2007 constitution drafting assembly, all confirmations from the same grapevine.
Meanwhile, in Buri Ram—a noted political fortress of the Bhumjaithai Party—Usanee Chidchob, elder sister of Newin Chidchob, the party’s de facto leader, found herself on the losing side of Sunday’s vote. Buri Ram saw a whopping 1,836 candidates across 20 professional groups vying for the district-level vote, making it the fourth-highest candidate count in the country. Notably, 112 aspirants had been disqualified prior to Sunday’s show of democracy.
The intellectual hub, Phra Nakhon district of Bangkok, witnessed an ensemble of distinguished figures vying for votes. Lae Dilokwitharat, an emeritus professor with Chulalongkorn University; Assoc Prof Nantana Nantavaropas, dean of the Political Communication College at Krirk University; Anusorn Tipayanon, a celebrated writer and translator; and Assoc Prof Pichit Likitkijsomboon, a former Economics lecturer with Thammasat University, were all in the spotlight amid Sunday’s electoral hustle, shared a different source.
Another election, another round of the same old faces winning. When will we ever see fresh blood in our politics?
True, but didn’t you see all the new candidates in Buri Ram? There’s potential for change.
Potential doesn’t mean it’ll actually happen. They’ll probably get squashed by the same old political machines.
Exactly, newcomers often lack the resources to compete effectively. It’s a systemic issue.
I don’t think ‘fresh blood’ automatically means better governance. Experience counts for something.
Sure, but experience without results is just as bad. We need both.
The election process seems quite rigorous and well-monitored. Kudos to the EC for keeping it clean.
I agree, it’s impressive to see such a structured process.
Rigorous? 22 complaints in one day doesn’t sound clean to me.
Complaints are common in every election. What’s important is that they are being addressed swiftly.
True, but how many of these complaints actually result in changes or action?
I’m more interested in what these elected officials will do about the agricultural issues we’re facing.
Exactly! The rural economy needs serious attention. Elections are one thing, but action needs to follow.
Isn’t that why some of these candidates are getting elected? To address local issues?
It’s disappointing that Usanee Chidchob didn’t win in Buri Ram. She could have brought a new perspective.
Usanee losing doesn’t surprise me. Bhumjaithai Party has lost some ground here.
She will be back, mark my words! She has a strong base and experience to bounce back.
Hope so. We need more women in politics!
How many times will they investigate these complaints before we get real transparency in elections?
Exactly! Transparency is key to trust in the election process.
But isn’t monitoring and investigation part of being transparent? It shows they’re taking complaints seriously.
It’s fascinating to see all these professional and academic figures entering the political arena in Phra Nakhon. Might actually see some real policy changes.
Exactly, intellectuals bring strategic thinking and long-term planning to the table.
Couldn’t agree more. Their impact could be substantial if given the chance.
All this celebration, but let’s see how many of these winners keep their promises.
Fair point, but we need to start somewhere. Let’s give them a chance.
Promises are a political necessity. Voters should hold them accountable rather than just wait and see.
Does anyone know how watching the voting process works? Can anyone request the footage?
You have to submit a formal request to the Election Commission to review the footage.
Thanks! Sounds like a good step towards transparency.
It’s good to see that Bangkok elections were free of fraud. A positive sign for our democracy.
The fact that they had 17,000 police officers is very reassuring. Shows our security forces are taking election integrity seriously.
The number of disqualified candidates is crazy! What were they disqualified for?
Usually for not meeting the eligibility criteria, or failing to provide necessary documentation. A common problem in large elections.
I can’t believe there was only 22 complaints! That’s nothing compared to other elections around the world.
My thoughts exactly. Maybe this is a step towards cleaner elections.
Interesting mix of winners in Nakhon Ratchasima. Shows a variety of professional backgrounds coming together.
Diversity in backgrounds often brings better policies. Let’s hope they collaborate well.
Still skeptical about ‘speculations’ not leading to disciplinary actions. Sounds like a loophole to me.
Speculation is hard to prove. Without hard evidence, it’s difficult to take legal action.
True, but shouldn’t there be better mechanisms to investigate these speculations?
Can’t wait to see the final results on the EC’s website. The suspense is killing me!
Somchai Wongsawat’s victory is no surprise. He’s a seasoned politician.