A combined sitting of the parliament on Wednesday turned down a charter modification bill which would have got ended senators’ participation in the election from the prime minister.
The expenses was presented by Somchai Srisutthiyakorn from the opposition Seri Ruam Thai Party.
It required a majority of active chosen members of the parliament, at least 364, with least one-third associated with senators, or 84.
The bill received ballots in favour through 333 representatives and 23 senators, whilst 102 representatives and 151 senators identified against it. Eight representatives and 45 senators abstained.
The 2017 constitution empowered senators to co-elect the top minister along with House representatives during the first five years after the installation of the first parliament under the constitution.
Pita Limjaroenrat, leader of the resistance Move Forward Party, stated senators’ involvement in the election of the prime minister was not democratic and his party would campaign for a referendum asking people if the country should have a new constitution.
He also inquired senators to election for the prime ministerial candidate who reflected the outcome of the common election.
Opponents to the senators’ involvement along the way said 250 senators were hand-picked by the dissolved National Authorities for Peace and Order headed simply by Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha, who is now the best minister.