In the bustling city of Bangkok, Senate candidates made their way to the Centara Life Government Complex Hotel & Convention Centre on June 16 for a pivotal provincial-level election (Photo: Varuth Hirunyatheb). The scene was abuzz with anticipation and intrigue as major political parties, including the vocal opposition Move Forward Party (MFP), prepared for a heated contest. Outgoing Senate Speaker Pornpetch Wichitcholchai shared his predictions, fueling the excitement even further.
Pornpetch confidently asserted that a substantial number of representatives and allies from significant political factions, especially the MFP, were poised to secure seats in the final round of the Senate election. He emphasized that the results, set to be announced on July 2 following the national-level vote scheduled for next Wednesday, could see an influx of diverse new senators.
“We truly face an uncertain outcome,” Pornpetch remarked, the sparkle of political chess evident in his eyes. “However, it’s my educated guess that prominent parties, particularly the MFP, will clinch several seats. Additionally, we’re likely to witness a noteworthy presence of independent candidates achieving success in this race.”
He further elaborated that such an outcome would enhance the diversity within the new Senate, an aspect that could pave the way for more multifaceted discussions and decisions. Despite the common practice of lobbying for votes in the final rounds, he issued a stern warning against any attempts at vote buying, a malpractice that remains firmly under the purview of the Election Commission (EC).
“Let’s observe how free and fair this Senate election unfolds. Naturally, we’ve already noticed some signs of irregularities,” he said, his tone tinged with both concern and cautious optimism. “Addressing these discrepancies is undoubtedly the EC’s responsibility.”
Pornpetch also touched on the complexity of the candidates’ backgrounds, suggesting that voters should look beyond mere political affiliations. “Sure, some candidates might have ties to specific parties, but we shouldn’t confine our judgment to these associations alone. It’s far more prudent to evaluate these new senators based on their actual performance.”
A significant change with this new Senate, Pornpetch highlighted, would be its lack of authority in selecting a new prime minister in parliament—a stark contrast to the outgoing Senate. This outgoing group, dubbed “provisional,” held a unique status under the special provision of the 2017 constitution, allowing it to partake in the prime ministerial selection process.
Reflecting on the journey of the outgoing Senate, which served from May 11, 2019, to May 10 this year, we see a body born out of pivotal historical events. Named the country’s 12th Senate, it was the first formed following the 2014 coup that unseated the caretaker government appointed after the removal of former Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra by a Constitutional Court ruling.
In a bittersweet farewell, caretaker senators assembled one last time in front of the parliament complex with a picturesque backdrop of the Chao Phraya River. They immortalized their tenure with a final group photograph, a symbolic closing chapter that mirrored their influential, albeit contentious, role in Thailand’s contemporary political tapestry.
This election will definitely shake things up in Bangkok! It’s good to see the MFP making strides – they might just bring the fresh air our Senate desperately needs.
It’s naive to think MFP will change anything. They’re just another political faction looking for power.
Krit, you’re too cynical. We need to give new parties a chance to prove themselves.
Krit, that’s pretty harsh. Every party starts somewhere – let’s see what they can do before writing them off.
Exactly, Vanessa. And their presence might mean more checks and balances.
Finally, a Senate election not dictated by the military! The last Senate’s involvement in picking the PM was a farce.
Chang J, people forget that stability comes from strong governance. The military might not be perfect, but they kept things in check.
Strong governance should come from elected officials, not the military. Democracy needs to flourish.
Lamphun, stability at the cost of freedom isn’t worth it. Annie has a point – we need real democracy.
If the EC can ensure a fair election, we might actually see some positive changes.
Fair elections in Thailand? That’s a joke! The EC has always had biases.
Jitlada, we have to hope for progress. Constant skepticism won’t help.
Pat, hoping without action won’t achieve anything. We need to push for transparency and accountability.
I don’t trust any politician, regardless of party. They’re all the same once they get power.
Very telling how the outgoing Senate needed military backing to be influential. Real power comes from the people’s vote.
True that, Lina! Elections should be about representing the people’s will.
It’s not that simple. Sometimes the people’s will can be misguided. Stability is important too.
The diversity in the new Senate will be interesting to watch. Hopefully it brings better governance.
Independent candidates? Let’s see how many are truly independent and not just disguised cronies.
You’re right, Guru99. Too many times we see ‘independents’ who are secretly aligned with major parties.
Don’t trust any of them. Watch out for vote buying! It’s still rampant.
This Senate’s lack of authority to choose the PM is a huge step forward. Makes their role more about legislation and less about power games.
True, but it also means someone else will fill that power vacuum. Politics are never straightforward.
Finally, the old senators are gone. Maybe now policies will reflect more modern views.
It’s not about age, Jo. It’s about ideology. Young or old, if they’re corrupt, it won’t matter.
Diverse backgrounds of the candidates sound promising. Let’s hope they utilize their experiences to drive meaningful discussions.
If the past is any indicator, we are in for more of the same rhetoric. Let’s see if Pornpetch’s optimism is justified.
Coolcat45, don’t be so pessimistic. Sometimes optimism is the spark for change.
But Somchai, blind optimism leads to disappointment. We should be cautiously hopeful.
I wonder how much power lobbying will influence this new Senate. It could undermine any positive changes.
Tommy, lobbying is inevitable in politics. The real issue is ensuring it doesn’t cross into corruption.
Bee, while I agree, the line between lobbying and corruption often blurs.
Election irregularities shouldn’t be tolerated. EC must crack down hard to restore trust in the system.
Watching the outgoing senators pose for a final photo is bittersweet. Despite their flaws, they played a key historical role.