The Election Commission EC) revealed 23,645 senatorial candidates have passed the district-level selection process, held across the country on Sunday.
Among the notable names are former prime minister Somchai Wongsawat in Chiang Mai, Prateep Ungsongtham and former Klong Toei slum crusader in Bangkok.
Others included Pol Gen Srivara Rangsiharamonkul in Nakhon Pathom, political activist Veera Somkwamkid, Warunchai Chokechana, former Democrat MP Taenkhun Chitisara, former Thai Rak Thai MP Chakraphan Yomchinda, Mongkut Wattana Hospital Director Dr. Rienthong Nanna, former public prosecutor Phanat Tasaneeyanon and actor Phongsakorn Mahapaoraya.
List of the names of those who progress to the next round will be sent to provincial election officials and posted on the OEC’s web page.
The OEC said that the successful candidates will be given new numbers for the provincial-level elections, to be held on June 16.
There are three rounds of election: district, provincial and national levels. The voting is intra- and inter-group, based on the candidates’ professions/backgrounds. There is no public vote.
The new Senate will have 200 members.
