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Published on January 31, 2008

The 2007 Constitution forbids husbands or wives of MPs from standing in the Senate election. However, lists of candidates for the March 2 ballot reveal the Upper House could remain an enclave for relatives of politicians.

Here are people with political connections expected to contest the Senate poll.

In the North:

Pikulkaew Krairiksh is the sister of Juti Krairiksh, Democrat MP for Phitsanulok; Somporn Jooman is the younger sister of Wanphen Prompat, People Power MP for Phetchabun; and Ongart Uae-apinyakul is the brother of People Power Party MP for Phrae Worawat Uae-apinyakul. Former senator Anan Wanchaithanawong will contest Mae Hong Son.

In the Central region:

Suampha Kotchakrai, a close friend of Matchima Thipataya secretary general Anongwan Thepsuthin, is running in Sukhothai; Narumon Siriwat, wife of former MP Chaipak Siriwat and a close aide of Suwat Liptapanlop, will stand in Uttaradit; Sirinart Harnsawat, sister-in-law of Choocheep Harnsawat, is contesting Pathum Thani.

Suchin Wachiranukoon, a lawyer and close aide of Democrat Party deputy Alongkorn Polabutr, is running in Phetchaburi. Kimhor Leesengheng, sister of Yongyos Arunvessasate, a former People Power candidate, is contesting Rayong.

In the Northeast:

Pornthip Chanratanapreeda, former senator and younger sister of veteran politician Aram Lohweera, and Apirak Chaiwiratana, son of former Thai Rak Thai MP Prasit, will run in Chaiyaphum.

Taweesak Kidbanjong, a former Buri Ram governor and ex-senator, will run in Buri Ram. Anan Ariyachaipanitch, former senator and secretary to deputy Public Health minister Wallop Thainua, is contesting Surin.

Nitha Theimsuwan, former senator and sister of former Thai Rak Thai MP Kittipong Theimsuwan, will stand in Ubon Ratchathani.

In the South:

Treephol Johjit, a former Democrat MP and senator, plus Siriwat Kraisin, a former senator, will contest Nakhon Si Thammarat.

Waedueramae Wada-oh, brother of Puea Pandin MP Waemahadee, and Muhamarosdee Bortor, younger brother of former MP Phakruddin, will contest Narathiwat.

Tuan Da-ohmareeyor, a relative of Wan Mohammad Noor Matha, will stand in Yala, while Sompong Prasopdee, brother of Pracha, an outspoken People Power MP, will contest Samut Prakan.

Besides these, some candidates are winners from the last Senate election - in 2006 - whose status was nullified by the junta that staged the coup in September.

The registration for the Senate ballot was from January 21-25. The election is on March 2.

Sucheera Pinijparakarn

The Nation