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Published on January 18, 2008

The aspirants are diverse, or even quirky, and with the Constitution requiring them to be nominated by recognised legal entities, little known groups and associations have flooded the list. These range from the Chumphon-based Durian Growers Association and a temple-based foundation to an association of apartment-business owners.

Admiral Bannawit Kengrian, once a member of the ruling military junta but since late last year estranged, was put forward not by any military organisation or association but by the Thai Lawn Tennis Association.

In a move that transcends class struggles - or perhaps hints at continued class domination - some labour unions even proposed their own employers instead of their own members.

Forty-eight-year-old businessman Charnyuth was not to be outdone by any other candidates, as his name appears 11 times, perhaps in the hope that the screening committee will find him sufficiently qualified. The 11 organisations backing him include the Lucky Text Workers Union and the Bangkok Post Management Staff Union.

A similar attempt to "stack the deck" from civil society is seen by the nomination from five organisations of veteran development worker Rawadee Prasertcharoenkul.

Some members of the National Legislative Assembly have apparently got hooked on public service or power or privilege - or all of the above - and are determined to stay in Parliament despite the advanced age of some like lawmaker Kirati Boonjuae.

The seven-member screening panel will shortlist 148 candidates, before choosing the final 74.

For the 76 senators to be elected on March 3, the Election Commission will open for applications from Monday to Friday.

Pravit Rojanaphruk

The Nation