LEGAL PROBLEMS CONCERNING THE SELECTION OF SENATORS UNDER THE CONSTITUTION OF THE KINGDOM OF THAILAND BUDDHIST ERA 2560 (2017)

Abstract

This research aims to: 1) examine the legal issues regarding the acquisition of members of the Senate under the Constitution of the Kingdom of Thailand, Buddhist Era 2560 (2017); 2) study public participation in national governance in accordance with democratic principles; and 3) provide recommendations for amendments to the laws related to the acquisition of the Senate in Thailand. This research was qualitative, collecting data from various Thai constitutions, articles, journals, and legal documents from both Thai and foreign sources, and then analyzing and comparing them.

          The research findings reveal that: 1) the process of acquiring members of the Senate on Thailand Buddhist Era 2560 (2017) Constitution of the Kingdom was not democratic; 2) the public has no participation in the election of Senate members, leading to a Senate that does not understand the people’s living conditions. Compared to the systems in the United States, the Republic of France, and Japan, all Senate members were elected directly by the people; 3) the recommendation proposed here was that the appropriate method for acquiring Senate members in Thailand should be through direct elections by the public, with two representatives from each province, totaling 152 members for the entire country. Candidates should have at least a bachelor’s degree, as the Senate was responsible for reviewing laws proposed by the House of Representatives and for appointing and removing key figures in various organizations, making it necessary for senators to possess the knowledge and ability to perform these duties effectively.