Mongkol Surasajja Secures Commanding Victory as New Senate Speaks Commence
PUBLISHED: 23 Jul 2024 at 15:27
In a decisive electoral victory on Tuesday, Mongkol Surasajja, the former governor of Buri Ram, was elected as the speaker of the new Senate, defeating two challengers by a substantial margin. Surasajja received 159 votes, while his opponents, media academic Nantana Nantavaropas and veteran politician Premsak Piayura, garnered 19 and 13 votes, respectively. Additionally, four senators abstained from voting, and five ballots were declared invalid.
At 71 years old, Surasajja’s extensive public service traces back to his activism during the pivotal political upheaval of October 1973. He maintains strong affiliations with the Bhumjaithai Party, which has a significant presence in Buri Ram and stands as the second-largest entity in the ruling coalition.
Despite regulations against direct party affiliations for the newly elected senators, those with connections to Bhumjaithai performed exceptionally well in the recent elections. Reports indicate that the “blue” bloc is the dominant faction among the three groups in the newly assembled Upper House, which officially commenced its sessions on Tuesday.
The secretary-general of the Senate will formally submit the voting results to Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, who will then present them to His Majesty the King for royal endorsement.
