The New Senate Will Consist Of 150 Members

[sriracha john]

NEW SENATE

CDC decides on 74 selected, 76 elected members

Each province to elect one senator, panel to choose the remainder

The Constitution Drafting Committee has agreed to a 150-seat Senate with senators being both elected and selected and sitting for a term of six years.

The House of Representatives will consist of 320 constituency MPs and 80 others representing eight regions around the country.

The CDC members voted 21-6 for the constituency MPs to be elected under a one-man, one-vote system.

Each of the 76 provinces will provinces will elect a senator, while the remaining 74 senators will be selected to represent groups from the professional, government, academic and private sectors.

Half of the selected senators, 37 in total, will have to draw lots every three years in a screening process that will allow new selections. The elected senators will sit for the entire six-year term.

The CDC agreed that senatorial candidates should not have held a political position for two years before taking office and would not be allowed to do so for two years after their term expires. However, unsuccessful senatorial candidates will be allowed to run in other elections.

The Senate's authority and duties will be the same as stated in the 1997 Constitution.

Senatorial candidates were not allowed to run in an election under the 1997 Constitution.

The seven-member senator selection committee will include the president of the Constitution Court, the Parliamentary Ombudsman and the chairmen of the Election Commission chairman, National Counter-Corruption Commission and State Audit Commission, while the Supreme Court and the Supreme Administrative Court will each select a representative from outside agencies.

The CDC agreed that judges should not be directly involved in the selection process.

Among the issues discussed yesterday was whether to keep the Senate or not, with how many members, whether they should be elected or selected, and their qualifications.

CDC member Charan Pakdithanakul said decent and neutral candidates would be unlikely to get into the Senate through an election, so he proposed that people elect 10 candidates and let these candidates vote among themselves on who became a senator.

CDC member Tongthong Chandrangsu said the problems with this system were that one candidate might receive the most people's votes, but might not be chosen by the other nine candidates, and that it might simply change the problem of vote-buying between candidates and voters to one of vote-buying among candidates.

The CDC also discussed how to prevent families and friends of politicians from getting into the Senate. Tongthong said that although people from the same family could have different political standpoints, it would be very difficult to screen for this, or to know how deep a relationship a senatorial candidate might have with politicians.

- The Nation

[LaoPo]

This looks very confusing to me...

Is this the road or highway to Thai democracy?

LaoPo

[sriracha john]

CDC settles on system of representation

The Constitution Drafting Committee (CDC) yesterday settled on the method of selecting members of the House of Representatives and Senate, following weeks of fine-tuning. For the Lower House, the CDC voted 21 to six in favour of having a total of 400 MPs, 320 of them to be elected to single-seat constituencies and the other 80 seats to be filled by a proportional representation system. For the Senate, the CDC resolved there will be 150 senators, 76 of them elected directly, one from each province. The remaining 74 senators will be selected from the professions.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/News/08Jun2007_news03.php

[ColPyat]

This looks very confusing to me...

Is this the road or highway to Thai democracy?

LaoPo

It's the little path which is used to carry bananas out of the jungle.

[ThaiGoon]

This is a great solution to balance the demand of democratically elected senators and the need to have a politcally free senate that can fairly and freely check/balance the powers of the political parties. Really great solution.

[AGareth2]

Sounds like a good check on political fraud?

[Prakanong]

This is a great solution to balance the demand of democratically elected senators and the need to have a politcally free senate that can fairly and freely check/balance the powers of the political parties. Really great solution.

Is this Pete Burns singing his one hit wonder?

[slimdog]

The basics

Constituent MP's

1997 Constitution = 400

2007 Original Draft = 320

2007 Second Draft = 320

Therefore the size of each constituency will increase from 160,000 constituents per MP to 200,000 constituents per MP. As with the 1997 Constitution, each voter will vote for just one MP unlike the original draft which set each constituency far larger and therefore people would have to choose between 2 - 3 MP's depending on the number of constiuents, which was the same as the 1991 Constitution. (Generally regarded as the most prone to vote buying)

Party List MP's (Proportional Representation)

1997 Constitution = 100 (All Regions)

2007 Original Draft = 80 (4 Regions)

2007 Second Draft = 80 (8 Regions)

The major differences between the original and second draft is the number of regions that have to have candidates for. In the 1997 Constitution the Party List could theoretically all come from Bangkok, whereas under the second draft the Political parties have to find 10 people coming from each of the 8 proposed regions, and the total number of Party list MP's (All Parties included) will be 10 per region. You will have to wait until they re-write the organic law on the election of members to the House of Representatives and Senate to find out how they will allocate seats..

Senate

1997 Constitution = 200 (Elected)

2007 Original Draft = 160 (Selected)

2007 Second Draft = 150 (half elected/half Selected)

In all 3 the period of the Senate is 6 Years, although the Original draft called for all Senators to draw lots after 3 years and half the number would then be replaced by a new 80 Selected Senators who would hold office for the remaining 3 Years. Now they are planning this only for 37 of the selected Senators.

[ThaiGoon]

Great stuff.

[Jai Dee]

CDC finalizes qualifications of MPs and senators

The meeting of the Constitution Drafting Committee (CDC) finalizes the qualifications and the number of members of the parliament (MPs) and senators.

The CDC meeting agrees that the number of senators is 150. 76 senators will be elected by voters across the country while the rest 74 will be selected from each profession. The senators will stay in the position for a period of six years except the selected ones; half of them will be randomly dismissed after they have remained in the position for three years. The meeting also agrees that the parliament must consist of 400 MPs.

Those who wish to be senator candidates must be a university graduate and they are allowed to campaign or express their vision only about subjects relating to the roles of senators and prohibited from being involved in political parties and state concessions. They are also banned from assuming neither local nor national political posts two years before and two years after their appointment as senators.

Constitution drafters are banned from running for senators.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 08 June 2007

[Mid]

Senate

1997 Constitution = 200 (Elected)

2007 Original Draft = 160 (Selected)

2007 Second Draft = 150 (half elected/half Selected)

easy to see the game here .............

and it's hard work prying the grasp of power from the clutching hands .

the appointed PM idea was shelved as a gesture , whilst the Senate was kept under control .

Now with the increased public pressure they relinquishing 49% to the tenants of democracy ,

want to bet that there is no way they will relinquish their control over the remaining 51 % ????

[sriracha john]

I tend to view the sole issue of reducing in the sheer number of MP's and Senators as a good thing as it seemed exorbitantly high compared to the population number.

Edited June 8, 2007 by sriracha john

[Prakanong]

I tend to view the sole issue of reducing in the sheer number of MP's and Senators as a good thing as it seemed exorbitantly high compared to the population number.

Similar population to the UK but with less MP's etc

[sriracha john]

Relatives of MPs seek Senate roles

Politicians continue to try to get their relatives into the Senate in spite of attempts to prevent the Upper House becoming politicised and having close links to parties in the Lower House.

The 2007 Constitution forbids husbands or wives of MPs from standing in the Senate election. However, lists of candidates for the March 2 ballot reveal the Upper House could remain an enclave for relatives of politicians.

Here are people with political connections expected to contest the Senate poll.

In the North:

Pikulkaew Krairiksh is the sister of Juti Krairiksh, Democrat MP for Phitsanulok; Somporn Jooman is the younger sister of Wanphen Prompat, People Power MP for Phetchabun; and Ongart Uae-apinyakul is the brother of People Power Party MP for Phrae Worawat Uae-apinyakul. Former senator Anan Wanchaithanawong will contest Mae Hong Son.

In the Central region:

Suampha Kotchakrai, a close friend of Matchima Thipataya secretary general Anongwan Thepsuthin, is running in Sukhothai; Narumon Siriwat, wife of former MP Chaipak Siriwat and a close aide of Suwat Liptapanlop [banned TRT executive], will stand in Uttaradit; Sirinart Harnsawat, sister-in-law of Choocheep Harnsawat, is contesting Pathum Thani.

Suchin Wachiranukoon, a lawyer and close aide of Democrat Party deputy Alongkorn Polabutr, is running in Phetchaburi. Kimhor Leesengheng, sister of Yongyos Arunvessasate, a former People Power candidate, is contesting Rayong.

In the Northeast:

Pornthip Chanratanapreeda, former senator and younger sister of veteran politician Aram Lohweera, and Apirak Chaiwiratana, son of former Thai Rak Thai MP Prasit, will run in Chaiyaphum.

Taweesak Kidbanjong, a former Buri Ram governor and ex-senator, will run in Buri Ram. Anan Ariyachaipanitch, former senator and secretary to deputy Public Health minister Wallop Thainua, is contesting Surin.

Nitha Theimsuwan, former senator and sister of former Thai Rak Thai MP Kittipong Theimsuwan, will stand in Ubon Ratchathani.

In the South:

Treephol Johjit, a former Democrat MP and senator, plus Siriwat Kraisin, a former senator, will contest Nakhon Si Thammarat.

Waedueramae Wada-oh, brother of Puea Pandin MP Waemahadee, and Muhamarosdee Bortor, younger brother of former MP Phakruddin, will contest Narathiwat.

Tuan Da-ohmareeyor, a relative of Wan Mohammad Noor Matha [banned TRT executive], will stand in Yala, while Sompong Prasopdee, brother of Pracha, an outspoken People Power MP, will contest Samut Prakan.

Besides these, some candidates are winners from the last Senate election - in 2006 - whose status was nullified by the junta that staged the coup in September.

The registration for the Senate ballot was from January 21-25. The election is on March 2.

- The Nation

[jumnien]

Many environmental groups have applauded Sonthi's mandate that the Thai Senate have 74 appointed members. This should serve as a great example to the Thai people in the global struggle against global warming as all 74 Senators can be brought in on the same military bus. Carpooling at the highest levels!

[jbowman1993]

Many environmental groups have applauded Sonthi's mandate that the Thai Senate have 74 appointed members. This should serve as a great example to the Thai people in the global struggle against global warming as all 74 Senators can be brought in on the same military bus. Carpooling at the highest levels!

Ok, this was just dam_n funny! Bravo.

[sriracha john]

Senatorial Appointment to Be Concluded in Less Than 2 Weeks

The Senate selection committee is now in the process of reviewing the qualification of individuals nominated for Senate seats. The committee believes the selection process could be finished in less than two weeks.

At the third meeting of the selection committee, chaired by Supreme Court President Virat Limvichai, the committee says it’s now in the process of reviewing the qualifications of Senatorial candidates who have been nominated by various non-profit organizations.

The selection committee has set up five sub-committees made up of individuals from different fields such as government bureaucrats, academics, representatives of professional groups and the private sector. The sub-committees will help review both the qualification of the nominated candidates and the eligibility of the organizations that nominated them.

The selection committee will also discuss the actual procedures in selecting the nominated candidates. The law stipulates that the voting process must be a non-secret ballot. The winning candidates must receive more than half of the votes from the seven-member selection committee.

The committee will meet again on February 13th and 18th. It believes the appointment of the 74 nominated Senators will be complete by February 19th.

- Thailand Outlook

[sriracha john]

Delay Found in Appointment of Senators

The committee responsible for the appointment of senators admits to a delay in its consideration process as it needs time to investigate the qualifications of the nominated candidates, but it expects the process will be concluded tomorrow.

The secretary and spokesperson for the committee responsible for the appointment of senators, Suthipol Thaweechaikarn, reveals that the panel is verifying the qualifications of the academics nominated for the posts, but it is still unable to make a resolution. This is because some of the nominees are members of the National Legislative Assembly or NLA and the panel must first find out whether they have officially resigned from their posts to vie for the Upper House Seats.

Suthipol clarifies that if the nominees are still NLA members, they will be not permitted to vie for Senator seats, as article 115 of the Constitution bans state officials from running for Parliamentary posts.

He also adds that his panel needs to examine whether any of those nominated are members of a political party or if they resigned from political parties at least five years ago, following the requirement stipulated in the Constitution.

However, the spokesperson expects the examination into the qualifications of all Senatorial nominees will be complete by February 15th.

As for a suggestion to disclose reasons for selecting the appointed Senators, Suthipol says that all appointments are based on legal principles and careful consideration. He insists that all segments of society are allowed to make suggestions about the appointment of the 74 senators.

- Thailand Outlook

[Briggsy]

Who will select the senators?

Who will guard the guards?

[Plus]

There are panels with representatives from all major sectors of society, in theory no one single group would be able to dominate it as they represent very diverse interests. There's, of course, a common denominator - money, but the setup is beautiful - there's no one in charge and you wouldn't know who to bribe, and even if you manage to push your candidate through - it's only one of 74, what can he achieve on a Senate floor?

It's a lot easier to manipulate election process - they know how to win elections, selected senators need to be bought AFTER they passed the process, and who knows how it will turn out.

Perhaps we will finally get a Senate representing something other than the ruling party.

[BigSnake]

May not be in place for long.

[sriracha john]

If the new government is to be believed, and granted that's a mighty big "if", they've said they won't monkey (good verb in this case) with any constitutional amendments for nearly a year... which, to process through all the necessary channels after they begin means there won't be any changes to this Senate occurring soon.

[sriracha john]

List of selected senators set for endorsement

The selection of 74 Senate appointees has been completed pending endorsement by the Election Commission. Sutthipol Thaweechaikarn, Secretary-General of the EC office who also acts as secretary to the senator selection committee, said the list of appointees would be submitted to the EC at 1pm today.

The selection committee, chaired by Supreme Court President Wiraj Limwichai, will meet this morning to make final checks and rearrange the names of the appointees in alphabetical order and distribute them by regions.

It will then send the list to the EC for endorsement. Sutthipol said the EC could not make any change. The list will be announced in the Royal Gazette soon after the EC endorses it.

The election of 76 other senators, each from 76 provinces including Bangkok, will be held on March 2. The 74 appointed senators were selected by government agencies, academic institutions, professional groups and the private sector.

Sutthipol said there were over 1,000 nominees for the committee to choose from. The committee yesterday selected 15 appointees on the quota of the private sector. Sutthipol said the committee was confident the 74 senatorial appointees were qualified and possessed acceptable standings. He said the committee also took into account that there should be a fair distribution among the sexes.

Sutthipol said the female-to-male ratio of the 1,000 nominees was 1:6. The selection committee had tried to select female candidates based on this ratio.

- The Nation

[Jai Dee]

74 Senators selected by committee

Secretary-General of the Election Commission (EC) Sutthipon Taweechaikarn revealed after assuming the position of secretary for a committee established to select members of the Upper House, or senators, chaired by Virach Limwichai (วิรัตน์ ลิ้มวิชัย) that the committee has selected 74 senators from a total of 400 prospects.

Mr. Sutthipon stated that the committee closely examined all the information of each submitted name including party allegiances, criminal records as well as past involvement in the National Legislative Assembly. The group had voted 4 times on the issue before being able to agree on its selections.

15 of the 74 selected senators will represent the private sector with Mr. Suthipol affirming that the selections are diverse and represent a wide array of citizens. He stated that the list contains a 6 to 1 ratio of men to women, which is considered small and also has representation for the disabled.

Mr. Virach is expected to chair another meeting today to cross check the list before submitting it to the EC to be approved into the royal gazette.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 18 Febuary 2008

[Jai Dee]

National Police ready for Senatorial Elections

The Center for Election Peace Keeping of the Office of the National Police has affirmed its readiness to deal with the Senatorial elections which will take place on the second of next month. Deputy Police Commander Pol.Gen.Wichean Potephosree (วิเชียร พจน์โพธิ์ศรี), who is serving as director of the center, has instructed all regions to prepare for the event.

Police have been ordered to pay special attention to security during the election by setting up both guard teams and patrolling teams. Authorities will also organize rapid response teams to protect and facilitate the election by working with the Election Commission (EC).

Police General Wichean also warned all officers to beware of breaking electoral laws and to remain neutral throughout the process.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 19 February 2008

[Jai Dee]

EC endorses 74 senatorial appointees

The Election Commission Tuesday endorsed 74 senatorial appointees, who have been selected by the selection committee.

They include eight former members of the National Legislative Assembly.

Source: The Nation - 19 February 2008

[Jai Dee]

FULL LIST OF APPOINTED SENATORS

EC announces list of 74 appointed senators

The Election Commission announced Tuesday names of the senators, who have been selected by a selection committee. The list is as following:

1. Lt Col Kamol Prachupamoh

2. Associate Prof Kobkul Phancharoenworakul

3. Pol Maj-Gen Krirk Kalayanamitr

4. Gen Kasemsak Plueksawat

5. Khamnoon Sitthisamarn

6 Jaruek Anupong

7. Jamnong Suamprakham

8 Jetn Siratharanon

9. Chalit Kaewjinda

10. Choterat Chavanit

11. Thirawat Kulavanijaya

12. ACM Noprirk Manthajit

13. Adm Narong Yutthawong

14. Prof Truengjai Buranasompob

15. Tuang Anthachai

16. Thavorn Linutpong

17. Assoc Prof Songsak Srianuchart

18. Assoc Prof Thassana Boonthong

19. Thippaval Samutrak

20. Thanu Kulachon

21. Thawat Borwornworanitchayakul

22. Thirasak Sathirotmawong

23. Nilawan Phetcharaburanin

24. Boonchai Chokwattana

25. Prasong Nurak

26. Prof Prasopsuk Boondej

27. Prasarn Maruekkhapitak

28. MR Priyananthana Rangsit

29. Assoc Prof Pornchai Sunthornphan

30. Pornphan Boonyaratphan

31. Pichai Uttamapinan

32. Pichet Sunthornpipit

33. Prof Doctor Pinij Kullayavanijaya

34. Phaibul Nititawan

35. Phairoj Thadthapong

36. Lt Phumesak Hongyok

37. Monthian Boontan

38. Pol Lt Gen Yutthana Thaipakdee

39. Yuwadee Nimsomboon

40. Rossukhon Puridej

41. Russdi Binhayisamae

42. Kriengkrai Luekitwattana

43. Rainan Arunrangsri

44. Gen Lertrat Rattanawanich

45. Worawut Rojanapanich

46. Warin Tiemcharas

47. Wanchai Saengsuk-iam

48. Wicharn Sirichaiekkawat

49. Wittawat Bunyasathit

50. Wira Mawijak

51. Dr Wirat Panichpong

52. Waedueramae Mamingji

53. Songkram Chuenpibarn

54. Pol Col Sontaya Saengpao

55. Somchai Sawangkarn

56. Somboon Ngamlak

57. Samak Chaowapanan

58. Professor Sukanya Sudbanthat

59. Lt Gen Suchinda Suthipong

60. Pol Maj Gen Suthep Suksanguan

61. Pol Gen Sunthorn Saikwan

62. Supot Pohthongkham

63. Surachai Liengbunlertchai

64. Admiral Surasak Sriarun

65. Anothai Ritthipanyawong

66. Anan Worathitipong

67. Anurak Niyomwej

68. Anusak Kongmalai

69. Anusart Suwanmongkhon

70. Atchara Dejrittipitak

71. ACM Akhom Karanchanahiran

72. Pol Gen Amnuay Phetsiri

73. Ittiphon Ruengworaboon

74. Urai Kunanantakun

Source: The Nation - 19 February 2008

[sriracha john]

Age and professions of the 74 Senators:

Bangkok Post

[sriracha john]

Advanced voting for senators begins

Election Commission called on eligible voters who are not available next Sunday to cast advanced votes today and tomorrow from 8am to 5pm. Those who cannot go to vote on the the election day can cast their votes at polling stations of districts of their residences. Those who already requested to vote outside their districts can also cast their votes at stations outside their hometowns. In the insurgency-plagued Yala province, polling stations are rather quiet as most of voters are government officials, police officers and soldiers. Deputy Yala governor Krisada Boonrat said security is stepped up both inside and outside polling units. Villagers are not allowed to park their vehicles near the stations.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_news/b...s.php?id=126094

[chownah]

After looking at the list of the senators I have a question.

The list is broken into sectors of society and the first one is the academic sector. Each senator's profession is listed. Does anyone know why for the academic sector there would be listed a former secretary of the senate, a president of the Toxicology Association of Thailand, a former sec. general of the Medical Council of Thailand, a former police region commander, a business man, a former Medical Council of Thailand board member, and a lawyer?

These are professions which don't seem to really represent the academic sector.

Chownah