Former Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat, brother-in-law of Thaksin Shinawatra, who was the Pheu Thai party’s hope as the next Senate speaker, was voted out in the decisive round of the senator elections late last night.
Final voting, to reduce the remaining 800 candidates down to 200, who will become senators, plus 100 reservists began at about 8pm. It took about five hours before the voting counting was complete at about 3.30am.
Several candidates were seen leaving the Impact Forum conference hall, where the voting took place, because the whole process was several hours behind schedule, but many supporters kept vigil outside, holding flowers for the 200 winners.
Among well-known candidates who will become senators are former human rights commissioner Angkhana Nilapaichit, former MP Premsak Piayura, former Fourth Army Region commander Gen Kriangkrai Srirak, former Samut Sakhon Governor Veerasak Chitsaengsri, labour expert Lae Dilokwittayarak and Chinnachote Saengsang of the Employee Council.
Media representatives heading to the Senate include Chaiyong Maneerungsakul, Suthon Klakarnkhai, Suphan Sornchai, Dorleeya Song-ngam, Suphachai Kittiphutikul, Chamlong Anuntasuk, Nanthana Nanthawaropas and Tewarit Maneechai.
The Election Commission is to publish the official results today.
