Senators are already hitting the campaign trail, each championing their choice candidates for the prestigious roles of Senate Speaker and Deputy. So far, three distinct factions have emerged, rallying behind their preferred candidates. Although a showdown seems inevitable, discussions around compromise candidates are also on the table.
One faction dubs itself the “New Breed,” a dynamic group with fresh ideas. Another, the “Blue Group,” is believed to have ties with the Bhumjaithai Party, which resonates with the color blue. The third faction comprises independent senators who remain unaffiliated and aim to cast their votes without external influence.
The New Breed, with approximately 30 senators, solidified their choices on Sunday. Outspoken Nantana Nantavaropas is their nominee for Senate Speaker, bolstered by two other prominent members for the deputy positions. Sen Lae Dilokvidhyarat, an economics expert from Chulalongkorn University, is slated for First Deputy Senate Speaker. Sen Angkhana Neelapaijit, a former National Human Rights Commission member, has been earmarked for the Second Deputy slot, according to Ms. Nantana after their Sunday meeting.
The Senate is set to convene its first meeting tomorrow to select the Senate Speaker and the two deputies. Ms. Nantana’s vision for the role of Senate Speaker is clear: to instill a better image in this newly elected Senate compared to its predecessor, creating an Upper House the people can truly rely on.
The New Breed is positioning itself as a pro-liberalism group determined to spearhead the rewriting of the 2017 constitution, said a well-informed source. Sen Tewarit Maneechai, a member of this group, admitted that while they hold around 30 senators’ loyalty, some may also support another faction, the “Independence.”
Political analysts speculate that the pro-Bhumjaithai Party Blue Group, believed to have more than 140 senators, stands a strong chance of seeing their candidates grab the Senate Speaker and deputy roles. Gen Kriangkrai Srirak and Mongkol Surasajja are frontrunners for this group, with Sen Mongkol’s record in public administration making him a strong contender for Senate Speaker.
The Independence faction, on the other hand, is pushing for Sen Boonsong Noisophon as Second Deputy Senate Speaker, said group member Sen Sorachart Suwannaprom. With a resume boasting experience as a judge, court executive, election commissioner, and advisor to former second deputy Senate speaker Supachai Somcharoen, Mr. Boonsong is touted as highly suitable for the role.
Mr. Sorachart also mentioned that Independence aims to negotiate with the Blue Group to gain their backing for Mr. Boonsong’s nomination. “The senators in the Blue Group appear to be keeping their cards close to their chest regarding their nominations for the upcoming elections,” he said. He added that the Blue Group is expected to reveal a clearer picture of their nominees shortly before the votes on Tuesday.
Go Nantana! It’s about time we had some fresh blood in the Senate. The old guard has gotten us nowhere!
But are you sure fresh blood means competence? It’s a risky gamble on new faces.
Fresh ideas might just be what we need. Stagnation is the real risk here.
Exactly! We need people who are not only competent but also willing to shake things up for real change.
But isn’t she part of the establishment already? Isn’t that counterproductive?
It’s not just about fresh faces. It’s about policy direction. The New Breed’s pro-liberalism stance is ambitious but it could alienate the more conservative senators.
True, but aren’t we past the point where conservatism is holding us back? The constitution needs rewriting!
Alienation might be necessary for genuine progress. Compromise often leads to mediocre outcomes.
Compromise is the essence of democracy. Without it, we risk further polarization and gridlock.
The Blue Group seems like the old guard trying to cling to power with their massive numbers. They’ll probably bulldoze their choices through.
Yep, and that’s how you maintain the status quo. With 140 senators, they have too much pull.
Don’t forget that experience does count. Maybe they’ve seen something worth preserving.
Experience matters, yes, but entrenched interests and lack of progress are the issues.
Independent senators might hold the balance of power. They can broker deals to ensure we don’t end up with the worst candidates.
Or they might end up selling out to the highest bidder! Independence doesn’t guarantee integrity.
I’d like to believe some still have the country’s best interests at heart.
Gen Kriangkrai and Mongkol are the best choices for leadership with their experience in public administration.
They have the resumes, but do they have the vision for progress? That’s the real question.
Vision without pragmatic experience is just utopia. At least they know how the system works.
Sen Boonsong Noisophon is a compelling candidate for the Second Deputy Senate Speaker with his extensive judicial experience. Could be a game-changer!
Judicial experience is useful, but can he handle the political dynamics of the Senate?
Why does it feel like a high school popularity contest? Shouldn’t we be discussing policies?
Let’s hope whoever wins can actually deliver on their promises. The people are tired of empty words.
The battle lines are drawn. Let’s see who can back their talk with real action.
If the Blue Group wins, we might just see another term of stagnation. Fresh ideas are imperative!
Stagnation or stability? Sometimes change for the sake of change is overrated.
This election is crucial. It will determine if we go forward or stay stuck. Choose wisely!
Well said. Our future depends on the decisions made in the next few days.
Reminds me of elections 20 years ago. Same dramas, different faces. Will anything really change?
Every generation thinks that. Change is slow, but it happens.
Nantana’s ideas are too radical. Rewriting the constitution isn’t where we should be focusing right now.
The dynamics in the Senate will definitely be interesting to watch unfold. Let’s hope for some positive outcomes.
Why do we always find ourselves with factions rather than focusing on unity for progress? Frustrating!