The north-eastern province of Buri Ram, the political base of the Chidchob family, his unofficially won the largest share of the 200 senate seats, with 14 candidates winning the final vote on Wednesday.
Official results are expected on July 3rd the soonest.
The number of prospective senators by province are:
- Bangkok, 9
- Ayutthaya, 7
- Surin, 7
- Surat Thani, 4
- Songkhla, 6
- Satun, 6
- Ang Thong, 6
- Amnat Charoen, 5
- Si Sa Ket, 5
- Uthai Thani, 5
- Loei, 5
- Nakhon Si Thammarat, 5
- Phetchaburi, 4
- Samut Sakhon, 4
- Krabi, 4
- Samut Songkhram, 4
- Sing Buri, 3
- Phichit, 3
- Nakhon Phanom, 3
- Yala,
- Suphan Buri, 3
- Phang-nga, 3
- Prachin Buri, 3
- Trat, 3
- Nonthaburi, 3
- Ratchaburi, 3
- Chaiyaphum, 3
- Kanchanaburi, 3
- Chachoengsao, 3
- Nakhon Nayok, 3
- Chainat, Nakhon Sawan, Pattani, Sukhothai, Rayong, Khon Kaen, Lamphun, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Bueng Kan, Ranong, Chon Buri, Phuket, Chiang Rai, Nong Bua Lamphu, Samut Prakan, Mukdahan, Pathum Thani, Chanthaburi, Chiang Mai, Phatthalung, Nan, Ubon Ratchathani, Yasothon, Nakhon Ratchasima and Nakhon Pathom have 2 each.
- Phrae, Saraburi, Trang, Chumphon, Phitsanuloke, Lampang, Nong Khai and Phayao have, 1 each.
Informed police sources say that behind-the-scenes lobbying has started for potential candidates for the next Senate speaker. Two have emerged so far, namely Gen Kriangkrai Srirak, former assistant army chief, representing Surat Thani, and Mongkol Surasatja, former governor Buri Ram, representing Buri Ram.
Gen Kriangkrai was chief advisor to Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, leader of the Bhumjaithai party, which is closely connected to Newin Chidchob, the party’s de facto leader.
Former prime minister Somchai Wongsawat, who was tipped to be the Pheu Thai party’s candidate for the speakership, was voted out in the final round on Wednesday.
