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Published on March 12, 2008

The 17 senators were invited to introduce themselves while Prasopsuk talked about his qualifications.

Uttaradit Senator Narumon Siriwat said she felt the women senators were being coerced to decide whom to support right after the meeting. However, she said they had the right to seek more information and needed more time.

While proposing herself for a deputy speaker's post, she denied a report that she was supported by another Senate speaker-candidate, General Lertrat Ratanavanich.

Chiang Rai Senator Jirawan Wattanasirithorn said she was also interested in the deputy speaker's post and some senators, who had won the 2006 election, had discussed with her for a long time. However, she said she had not lobbied for the post.

Bangkok Senator Rosana Tositrakul yesterday said she would rather scrutinise the work of the government than take up such a position.

Appointed-Senator Prasarn Maruekapitak, who organised the meeting, said he believed Prasopsuk is neutral and has no hidden agenda.

The meeting was aimed at enabling the senators to get to know each other, he said.

The Nation