Senator Mongkol Surasajja, a former governor of Buri Ram, is heavily tipped to be chosen as the Senate Speaker when the Upper House gathers this Tuesday. This pivotal selection, along with choosing the two deputy Senate Speakers, will occur right after the swearing-in ceremony.
The responsibility of presiding over the inaugural meeting has been entrusted to the most senior senator. An insider close to the matter revealed that Senator Mongkol enjoys the support of about 150 senators. These senators align with the “Blue” group, which is associated with the coalition ally Bhumjaithai Party, known for its distinctive blue color.
Senator Mongkol’s political journey is closely intertwined with the influential “Ban Yai” political dynasty based in Buri Ram, a province that serves as the political heartbeat of the Bhumjaithai Party. The “Blue” group, recently convening to strategize for today’s meeting, appears poised in their unanimous decision to endorse Mongkol for the prestigious Senate Speaker post. Additionally, they’ve shown support for Senator Gen Kriangkrai Srirak, former 4th Army chief and adviser to Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, for the role of the first deputy.
Further inside intel indicates that the “Blue” group has their eyes on Senator Boonsong Noisopon, a former judge and ex-member of the Election Commission (EC), for the second deputy position. Their well-coordinated plan underscores their influence within the Senate.
Contrastingly, another group of senators who identify as the “New Breed” are preparing to nominate their own candidates. Their lineup includes Nantana Nantavaropas for Senate Speaker, economic guru Lae Dilokvidhyarat for the first deputy, and known human rights advocate Angkhana Neelapaijit for the second deputy.
Yutthaporn Issarachai, a political science lecturer at Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University, raised a thought-provoking point on Monday regarding the true independence of these senators. “Whether they call themselves ‘Blue’, ‘Independent’, or ‘New Breed’, when they band together, negotiations follow. It’s reminiscent of political parties operating under disguised alliances,” he remarked.
Notably, in the face of formidable opposition, Ms. Nantana maintained an optimistic perspective, as reflected on her Facebook post yesterday. Even against the backdrop of overwhelming support for her contender, she wrote of her resilience and unwavering spirit.
According to the 2019 Senate meeting rules, a candidate’s nomination requires the endorsement of at least 10 senators. Each nominee must present their vision prior to the voting process. If the Senate faces multiple candidates, a secret ballot determines the victor. In a two-candidate scenario, the candidate with the majority votes triumphs. Yet, if more than two candidates are in the fray, whoever garners the highest number of votes, provided it surpasses half of the votes cast, is declared the winner. Should any candidate run unopposed, their selection is automatic.
As the political drama unfolds, all eyes are set on Senator Mongkol and his “Ban Yai” connections, eagerly anticipating the final outcomes of these crucial Senate selections.
This is exactly what’s wrong with politics today – it’s all about backroom deals and alliances, not about serving the people.
Totally agree, Joe. The ‘Blue’ group is just arranging power for themselves.
It’s not just the ‘Blue’ group. Even the so-called ‘New Breed’ are playing the same game, just with different players.
Exactly, Paul. At the end of the day, it’s always the same old politics with a new coat of paint.
Senator Mongkol has a strong track record as a governor. Maybe we should give him a chance?
Just because someone has a track record doesn’t mean they’re the right person for a higher office. Look at their alliances!
History shows Governors don’t always make good Senates Speakers; remember Governor Korn?
But Korn’s failed policies were not comparable. Mongkol has been known for his strategic reforms in Buri Ram.
It’s like a game of thrones, but everyone’s losing.
Except for the ones pulling the strings behind the scenes.
I think this is how politics should be. It’s about strategy, not just ideals.
Bhumjaithai Party has always been known for its clever political games. They’re just consolidating power.
But it doesn’t necessarily mean they’re bad. They’re just strategic thinkers.
Strategic thinkers can also be very dangerous to democracy if they’re not held accountable.
Nantana’s positivity is inspiring, even if she’s up against such overwhelming odds.
It’s true. Her resilience is something we should all admire.
Why are we even bothering with the Senate? The real power lies in the lower house!
Because the Senate still plays a crucial role, Caleb. Checks and balances, remember?
I understand that. But the real policymaking power is elsewhere. The Senate’s just window dressing.
The fact that a political dynasty like ‘Ban Yai’ can still hold so much power is depressing.
Dynasties are just part of human nature though, look at history!
It doesn’t make it right. We should evolve past such outdated systems.
It’s unsettling how much power is concentrated within a few hands. Isn’t democracy supposed to be more distributed?
Yutthaporn Issarachai makes an essential point about the illusion of independence. It’s all just different shades of the same problem.
But what can be done to change that system? It’s so deeply ingrained.
The ‘Blue’ group’s alliance with Bhumjaithai Party is just masking their true intentions of total control.
So what’s the alternative? The ‘New Breed’? They’re no saints either.
It’s all a big chess game, and honestly, I’m so bored of it. How about people over politics?
Politics essentially is about people, JazzMan. The problem is when politicians forget that.
Senator Gen Kriangkrai Srirak’s military background just raises red flags for me. We need more civilian oversight.
Isn’t it odd how closely the Senate elections resemble political games elsewhere? It’s just a power play.
That’s politics for you. Unfortunately, it’s universal.
The 2019 Senate meeting rules about voting processes actually seem quite fair. It’s better than backroom deals.
I’m tired of the same political families running everything. We need fresh faces and ideas.