Mongkol Surasajja triumphant in parliament, waving with a beaming smile after securing a landslide victory to become the new Senate Speaker on July 23. The former governor of Buri Ram clinched an impressive 159 out of 200 votes. (Photo: Chanat Katanyu)
On a ceremonious Saturday, newly minted Senate Speaker Mongkol Surasajja, alongside his two deputies, took their oaths, but the speaker kept mum on the hot-button issue of constitutional amendments buzzing in parliament. Mr. Mongkol, decked out in his sharpest attire, accompanied by deputies Gen Kriangkrai Srirak and Boonsong Noisophon, received a royal command that officially installed them into their prestigious roles during a grand ceremony held in the hallowed halls of parliament.
The ceremony, dripping with pageantry, saw the attendance of senators and high-ranking officials, all present to witness the delivering of the royal command by Natjaree Anantasilp, the cabinet secretary-general. Ms. Natjaree solemnly read out the proclamation, introducing Mr. Mongkol, the former dynamic governor of Buri Ram, as the new Senate Speaker, Gen Kriangkrai, erstwhile advisor to Bhumjaithai Party leader Anutin Charnvirakul, as the first deputy speaker, and Mr. Boonsong, an ex-election commissioner with a keen eye for detail, as the second deputy speaker. This swearing-in ceremony was the final flourish in a meticulously orchestrated appointment process, and now, the speaker and his deputies are officially in the saddle.
In a remarkable march to leadership, Mr. Mongkol was elected last week by his fellow senators, bagging a stellar 159 out of the 200 votes. Not far behind, Gen Kriangkrai garnered a solid 150 votes, while Mr. Boonsong triumphed with 167 votes. These speakership elections, the highlight of a three-tier, intra- and inter-professional voting extravaganza, were conducted at varying levels – district, provincial, and national – held on distinct days, adding layers to the electoral drama.
The “blue” bloc, often synonymous with the Bhumjaithai, is reputed to be the heavyweight champion among the factions in the newly minted Upper House. Whispers in the corridors suggest that some senators are cozying up with the “red camp,” widely understood to be the ruling Pheu Thai Party, while a few others play ball with the “orange group” with its close-knit ties to the main opposition Move Forward Party (MFP).
The results of this thrilling contest were forwarded to Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, who then had the illustrious honor of presenting them to His Majesty the King for a royal nod.
Emerging from the grandeur of Saturday’s ceremony, Mr. Mongkol, exuding calm and composure, addressed the inevitable speculations surrounding the political affiliations and camaraderies of senators. “To speculate on senators’ leaning or alliances is beyond my power to influence,” he stated with a philosopher’s equanimity. Drawing from his lifelong career in civil service, he added, “To claim I’ve never crossed paths or formed bonds with anyone would be far from the truth.”
However, he emphasized, “When performing legislative duties, one must adhere to the highest standards of ethics, law, and tradition.” Unyielding, yet diplomatic, the new Senate Speaker underlined that he and his deputies have solemnly vowed to tirelessly protect and uphold the nation, religion, and the monarchy. Yet, with a tactful side-step, Mr. Mongkol abstained from diving into the murky waters of the constitutional amendment issue, a matter fervently debated among some lawmakers.
This is a huge moment for Thai politics! Mongkol Surasajja’s rise shows true dedication.
I’m not so sure. He avoided the constitutional amendments topic, which is crucial.
Avoidance could be a strategy to gain more support without controversy.
Could be, but silence also speaks volumes. We need leaders to take clear stances.
Sometimes staying silent on divisive issues can be a wise move.
Let’s not forget his ties to Bhumjaithai. This election just deepens political power games.
A necessary evil in politics. At least he has the experience to back it up.
Experience or not, it’s still old-school politics. We need fresh faces.
The grandeur of the ceremony was something! Shows how much importance is given to such roles.
It’s all a show. The real issues are sidestepped for pomp and pageantry.
Sadly true. They avoid the meaty issues while we get dazzled by ceremonies.
I’m hopeful about Mr. Mongkol. His silence may mean he’s deciding on a careful approach.
159 out of 200 votes shows strong support, but who’s pulling the strings behind the scenes?
Always the question. Politics is rarely transparent.
Exactly. We should demand more clarity and accountability.
Why is no one talking about the other candidates? They were equally competent.
Because Mongkol’s connections and clear victory overshadow them, sadly.
It’s a popularity contest. Competence comes second to networking.
True. Networking is king in modern politics.
The royal command part always makes these ceremonies feel so grand and archaic.
Rich in tradition, but does it reflect modern democratic values?
Not at all. It’s more about maintaining prestige than governance efficiency.
Does anyone think Gen Kriangkrai and Mr. Boonsong will act independently of Mongkol?
Doubtful. They seem aligned with the same political currents.
That’s disappointing. We need diversity in thought, not just in party lines.
Absolutely. We’re stuck in a political echo chamber.
Who do people think Mr. Mongkol will ally with, if anyone?
My bet is on the Bhumjaithai faction. It’s his roots.
Most likely. But I’m curious about any surprise alliances.
We must scrutinize his adherence to ethics, laws, and traditions.
Indeed. Politicians often proclaim adherence but seldom practice it.
That’s why public vigilance is crucial.
Absolutely. Democracy thrives on an informed and active populace.