Survey finds that there is very little public understanding of the selection process for the fresh Upper House.
PUBLISHED: 24 May 2024 at 19: 23
A study has revealed that about one-quarter of Thai citizens are unaware of the upcoming Senate election and that more than 70 % of Thai citizens misunderstand how the new room will be elected.
The study was carried out by King Prajadhipok’s Institute between May 7 and 18, among 1, 620 people aged 18 and above. According to the survey, 23.5 % of respondents said they were unaware that the Senate vote was drawing near.
When asked about the election method, only 28.3 % knew the new senators would be elected among themselves, while 34.7 % had no idea how they would be elected.
Only 21.5 % of respondents were aware that the new senators would be chosen from professional organizations, compared to 15.5 % who believed they would be directly elected by qualified voters.
The findings may come as a surprise to Election , Commission (EC ) chief Sawang Boonmee, who has expressed the view that public was well informed about the Senate election process.
The innovative Senate will have 200 people drawn from 20 different professional organizations. Elections will take place in three stages at the neighborhood, municipal, and regional levels, with only listed candidates being able to cast ballots.
The EC is expected to release the full amount immediately after the application time for candidates ended on Friday. As of May 23, the number of entrants stood at 34, 169 — far short of the 100, 000 the ballot figure had hoped would mark up.
On Friday, the EC reiterated its advice to individuals to research the laws to avoid breaking the law.
Those who permit another candidates, political party executives, MPs, or social office holders to support their campaigns face a one-year jail term, a fine of up to 20,000 baht, and a five-year ban from holding elections.
The Administrative Court accepted the candidate’s complaint that some of the laws were confusing and excessively stringent on Friday.
The court upheld three EC rules governing how applicants for the Senate election does introduce themselves, ruling in favor of potential candidates.
In their complaint, the probable candidates said the laws breached their freedom of expression.
In its order, the court revoked Regulations 7, 8 and 11 ( 2 ).
Candidates may present themselves using no more than two plates of A4 sheet to sum up their begins under Regulation 7. Rule No. 8 enables them to present themselves via an electrical means. Self- launch via Television, radio and print advertising is prohibited.
Rule No. In order to support their self-introduction campaigns, 11 ( 2 ) prohibits candidates and their registered assistants who work in the media and entertainment sectors.
Individuals from other specialist organizations can use their professional profession to help with their campaigns for the Senate, it was noted.