On July 10, the Election Commission (EC) certified the election results of 200 new senators and 100 reservists, following the final voting round on June 26. This endorsement, initially expected on July 3, had been delayed due to numerous complaints and allegations regarding the election process.
The newly elected senators are scheduled to receive their official certificates from the EC on July 11 and 12 at the Secretariat of the Senate. EC Secretary General Sawaeng Boonmee confirmed that the election process was conducted in accordance with the law and maintained fairness.
One notable disqualification was Kordiyoh Songngam, a former village chief from Ang Thong province, who was removed due to her advisory role with the president of the Ang Thong Provincial Administrative Organisation. She will be replaced by Korapot Runghiranwat, who was a reservist in the same background group.
Despite initial delays and mounting complaints, the EC upheld the integrity of the election. EC Secretary General Sawaeng Boonmee stated, “After thorough checks and reviews, we concluded that the elections were conducted cleanly and fairly. We found no substantial evidence to support the allegations.” The EC met from 9am to 2.30pm on July 10 to resolve the matters.
The election, which saw 2,989 candidates compete, concluded on June 26. The new Senate will consist of members from 20 professions and will succeed the 250 military junta-appointed senators whose term ended on May 10. Unlike their predecessors, these new senators will not have the power to elect the prime minister but will be involved in legislative processes and the amendment of laws and the constitution. Additionally, they will appoint members of independent organizations and oversee the performance of the executive government.
Outgoing Senate Speaker Pornpetch Wichitcholchai confirmed that the current Senate would continue its duties until the new senators are officially sworn in. This includes reviewing the budget proposal for the upcoming fiscal year and amendments to the Administration’s Measures for Prevention and Suppression of Corruption Act.
The Secretariat of the Senate will hold a ceremony to welcome the new senators and reservists at the parliament complex in Bangkok’s Dusit district. The names of the new senators will be published in the Royal Gazette, and they will take their oath of office during the first Senate meeting, where an election for the Senate speaker and their deputy will also be held.
The newly elected senators will serve a five-year term, focusing on passing legislation, approving amendments to laws, and endorsing appointments to key judicial and governmental positions.
