The newly elected Senate is set to hold its inaugural session on Tuesday, July 23, to elect a Senate speaker and two deputies. Senate Secretary-General Napaporn Jaisajja confirmed that the session will be presided over by the most senior member, Pol Lt Gen Yutthana Thaiphakdee, with 200 senators taking a vow to serve with integrity. The elected speaker and deputies’ names will be submitted for endorsement by His Majesty the King. The Senate’s first official meeting is anticipated to commence seven days after this royal endorsement.
If Pol Lt Gen Yutthana is unable to fulfill these initial duties, senators Lae Dilokvidhyarat and Boonsong Noisopon will substitute for him. Senators are encouraged to meet informally before the formal voting to familiarize themselves with each other’s views and platforms.
Senator Nantana Nantavaropas from the mass communications sector has expressed her group’s interest in pursuing these leadership positions, advocating for inclusive representation, including the potential for a woman to serve as speaker or deputy speaker. The group is also pushing for legislative reforms concerning Senate elections.
Senator Yukol Chanawatpanya, representing the elderly, disabled, and ethnic groups, highlighted the importance of electing a Senate speaker who is knowledgeable and impartial. He emphasized that senators should work for the greater good, utilizing their expertise without being partisan or factional.
In attendance at the session will be key figures such as Senate Secretary-General Napaporn Jaisajja and the most senior member, Pol Lt Gen Yutthana Thaiphakdee. Senators Lae Dilokvidhyarat and Boonsong Noisopon are prepared to step in if needed, and other influential senators, including Nantana Nantavaropas and Yukol Chanawatpanya, are actively participating in the discussions and preparations for this significant event.
