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Three-Way Race Develops For Top Position In Upper Chamber: Thai Analysis


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ANALYSIS

Three-way race develops for top position in upper chamber

KANITHA THAEPJORN

The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Three contenders for the post of Senate Speaker have emerged after Gen Teeradej Meepian, president of the upper chamber, was removed following a court ruling that he was guilty of wrongly approving a hike in his own salary while serving as a state ombudsman.

One leading candidate is Pichaet Sunthornpipit, a two-time appointed senator and chairman and adviser to many senate committees, and the country's first parliamentary Ombudsman.

Another top candidate from the appointed senators is Nikhom Wairatpanich, who has the support of a group of appointed senators from the Northeast who coalesced around him. Nikhom served as first Deputy Senate Speaker for two terms and is chairman of the senate affairs committee. He also enjoys support from some elected senators as well.

A top contender from the elected senators is Kecha Saksomboon, from Ratchaburi, who is chairman of the Transport Committee and a former outstanding kamnan, or sub-district chief.

Elected senators seem to be divided as Nikhom has refused to give up his post as Deputy Senate Speaker prior to being nominated for the top job. That decision has been opposed by some senators and helped Kecha become a candidate.

Given such division, Pichaet could emerge victorious as he is seen as a less divisive figure than other candidates.

However, it may be too soon to rule other possibilities out, as the Senate is made up of people from very diverse backgrounds, ranging from former high-ranking officials and administrators, to business executives, NGO leaders, lawyers and more. And the issue of faith and political interest will surely play a role.

Lobbyists, therefore, are likely to have an onerous task to muster support for candidates. Out of 148 votes, 76 are elected senators while only 72 are appointed.

Given the likelihood of two rounds of voting, Nikhom and Kecha may face-off in the first ballot.

Although Kecha has some accomplishments to his credit and is a favourite of influential politicians from the Northeast he will also need votes from the North. A low estimate is that he has the support of 40 senators. But his lack of seniority and experience make some think Kecha is not suited for the top job yet.

Nikhom, meanwhile, has experience and the respect of many. He may be seen as suited to act as a powerbroker among various groups. He should also have at least 40 votes. Nikhom's major downfall is he tends to support the current government and this may reduce his chance of being supported by senators in the opposition camp even from the first round of voting.

The three candidates all have their strengths.

Pichaet, 71, served at the PM Office and was deputy permanent secretary of the PM's Office Ministry prior to resigning in 2000. He was also the first parliamentary ombudsman.

Nikhom, slightly younger at 65, is a former director of two districts at the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) and then a deputy head clerk of the BMA.

Kecha, 59, was a former outstanding kamnan or head of sub-district (tambon) in 1998.

In the final analysis, political impartiality may be a crucial asset at a time when politics are deeply divided. The result looks set to emerge today.

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-- The Nation 2012-08-14

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