reader Posted July 1 Posted July 1 From The Nation Bhumjaithai secured a strong showing in the elections, transforming into a dominant ‘blue faction’ in the Senate The results of the senatorial elections not only changed the political landscape but also transformed the image of the Bhumjaithai Party. It can be said that the party has undergone a complete transformation, or a "from day to night" change. Previously, Bhumjaithai, despite being a party with 71 seats and showing consistent growth in the number of MPs, was often underestimated. It had once set a lofty goal of becoming a 100-seat party, with aspirations as high as 120 seats, but managed to secure only 71. Bhumjaithai is viewed as having a "one-stop service" internal management system, which is not the "dream party" for advocates of democracy. The party has the image of being backed by powerful families. Regarded as a conservative party, It is perceived as aligning with conservative values. There is a significant risk of the party being dissolved due to a Constitutional Court ruling on January 17, 2024, which found that party secretary general Saksayam Chidchob retained shares in Burijarern Construction Limited Partnership, leading to his removal from the position of minister of transport in the government of General Prayut Chan-o-cha. The repercussions of Saksayam’s case reverberated through the party, as Burijarern Construction had previously donated funds to the Bhumjaithai. This company is still in effect controlled by Saksayam and has faced accusations of bid-rigging in the Ministry of Transport. Continues at https://www.nationthailand.com/blogs/news/politics/40039241 Quote
reader Posted July 2 Author Posted July 2 From The Nation Three factors driving political uncertainty Amidst the current political uncertainty, some individuals or groups may be starting to see more opportunities to push for game-changing moves rather than continuing to play defensively. Political uncertainty tied to at least three cases is not to be underestimated, as it could lead to a shift in the balance of power. The first case involves senators filing a petition against Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, who appointed Pichit Chuenban as the minister of the Prime Minister's Office despite the fact that he knew or should have known that Pichit lacked qualifications or had disqualifying characteristics under the Constitution. The second case involves former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra facing charges under Section 112 of the Criminal Code (lese-majeste law). The third case, disbanding the Future Forward Party, arose from proposals to amend or repeal Section 112. All these cases affect the political landscape and could lead to significant changes. If Srettha is dismissed from his position by the Constitutional Court, a new prime minister would need to be selected in the vote by the House of Representatives. According to the Constitution, only the House of Representatives can select the prime minister from a list submitted by each party before the election. The names must come from political parties with no less than 5% of the seats (25 seats) and supported by at least one-tenth of the members (50 votes). This means that there are six parties with the right to nominate a prime minister, totalling seven candidates. The opportunity for a new prime minister to succeed Srettha is limited. Only Paethongtarn Shinawatra and Chaikasem Nitisiri of the Pheu Thai Party, Anutin Charnvirakul of the Bhumjaithai Party, General Prawit Wongsuwan of the Palang Pracharath Party, and Pirapan Salirathavibhaga of the United Thai Nation Party are viable. As for Pita Limjaroenrat, chairman of the Move Forward Party’s advisory committee and its prime-ministerial candidate, he can only become prime minister if there is a shift in the formation of the government. Therefore, it is unlikely he will get enough support. Moreover, if the Move Forward Party is dissolved by the Constitutional Court, Pita’s chances would disappear completely, as he would be disqualified from politics for 10 years. Regarding General Prayut Chan-o-cha of the United Thai Nation Party, he has now been appointed as a privy councillor and is unlikely to be a candidate again. Continues at https://www.nationthailand.com/blogs/news/politics/40039258 khaolakguy and vinapu 1 1 Quote
reader Posted July 4 Author Posted July 4 From The Nation The election commissioner says the process of checking complaints is not complete but does not specify exactly what these complaints are The Election Commission (EC) will not endorse the 200 senatorial election winners for a while yet, because it has to review complaints of electoral fraud first, the chief commissioner said. The EC had initially planned to announce the names of the winners on Wednesday, but EC chairman Ittiporn Boonprakong said this has been postponed indefinitely. He only said the process is not complete yet, declining to specify exactly what complaints or issues are holding up the process. The final round of the election was held last Wednesday. After the ballot counting was completed, several groups of failed candidates submitted complaints to the EC, alleging of voting collusion. They also called on the EC to recount the ballots. “The EC has to check the complaints first,” Ittiporn added. He also sidestepped a question when asked if the official results could be announced next week or not. Quote
vinapu Posted July 4 Posted July 4 Stalin once said ' it's not important who votes but who counts ballots" , seems that when comes to Thailand senatorial elections he was right Ruthrieston and reader 2 Quote
reader Posted July 10 Author Posted July 10 I’m shocked…..shocked! From Pattaya Mail The Election Commission (EC) has yet to finalize the results of the June 26 Senate elections, citing unresolved issues that must be addressed. EC Chairman Ittiporn Boonpracong has assured that the delay is due to procedural necessities and not intentional stalling. He also noted that his upcoming leave might further delay the announcement. The delay has sparked reactions from various stakeholders. The election winners are pressing the EC for a swift certification to facilitate the transition from the current Senate. Meanwhile, some candidates have voiced concerns about electoral irregularities, with threats of legal action if the EC rushes to announce results without adequately addressing these issues. vinapu 1 Quote
Keithambrose Posted July 10 Posted July 10 6 hours ago, reader said: I’m shocked…..shocked! From Pattaya Mail The Election Commission (EC) has yet to finalize the results of the June 26 Senate elections, citing unresolved issues that must be addressed. EC Chairman Ittiporn Boonpracong has assured that the delay is due to procedural necessities and not intentional stalling. He also noted that his upcoming leave might further delay the announcement. The delay has sparked reactions from various stakeholders. The election winners are pressing the EC for a swift certification to facilitate the transition from the current Senate. Meanwhile, some candidates have voiced concerns about electoral irregularities, with threats of legal action if the EC rushes to announce results without adequately addressing these issues. Who would have thought it! Quote
reader Posted July 11 Author Posted July 11 From Thai PBS World The Election Commission (EC) finally certified the list of 200 new senators and 100 reservists today, following the last round of voting on June 26. The senators-elect are required to receive their certificates from the EC on July 11 and 12, so that they can report to the Secretariat of the Senate. The EC disqualified Kordiyoh Songngam, a female former village chief, in the media background group, who won in Ang Thong province because she was found to be working as an advisor to the president of the Ang Thong Provincial Administrative Organisation. A reservist in the same background group, Korapot Runghiranwat, was moved up to replace her. The announcement was made after the EC met between 9am and 2.30pm today. EC Secretary General Sawaeng Boonmee told reporters that the announcement was made after they had determined that the election process was implemented legitimately, according to the law and with fairness. There are about 800 complaints filed with the EC, Sawaeng said, adding that investigations into those complaints will continue and, in some cases, they will ask for assistance from the police. Quote
