The Office of the Election Commission of Thailand (ECT) has commenced nationwide candidacy registration for Senate elections, with the process set to last for five days. ECT Secretary-General Sawang Boonmee conveyed his confidence in the smooth execution of the registration process following his inspections at the Khan Na Yao and Bang Kapi district offices in Bangkok.
During his visits, Sawang commended the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration for its excellent preparatory work. The Khan Na Yao district office, noted for its large, well-organized space, is facilitating candidates’ submitting applications, verifying documents, paying fees, and obtaining receipts. He added that officials have been directed to process applications efficiently, as candidates have already confirmed their qualifications.
Should any issues concerning qualifications arise, Sawang said these would be referred to the Supreme Court for resolution. He reassured that the ECT has adequately prepared, with a sufficient budget allocated for the senatorial election and measures in place to handle potential collusion or bribery among candidates. Despite the possibility of needing time to investigate such allegations, the ECT secretary-general assured that the announcement of the 200 newly elected senators would occur as planned.
The election process involves three levels of voting—district, provincial, and national—set to take place on June 9, June 16, and June 26, respectively, aiming to select the new 200-member Senate. (NNT)