WITH THE first stage of the triple-tired senatorial election underway nationwide today (June 9) an unexpected development occurred in Buriram with de facto Bhumjaithai boss Newin Chidchob’s sister Usanee Chidchob failing to get chosen by fellow contestants, Naewna newspaper said.
Under the rules adopted by the Election Commission, each of 46,000-plus contestants vying to grab a total of 200 Senate seats can pick two choices from among fellow candidates including themselves at each level.
All contenders are divided into 20 professional categories with which they may currently make or have previously made a living.
After today’s district-level election provincial level is scheduled for June 16 and finally the national level for June 26.
In Buriram, there was a lively atmosphere when the senatorial election kicked off early this morning with there being 1,724 candidates from 23 districts running in all 20 occupational groups, including a former deputy permanent secretary, former assistants and advisers to ministers, other former politicians and civil servants, businessmen and farmers.
However Usanee who had applied to run in 17th occupational group did not get enough votes to pass the first stage of the triple-tiered race and immediately left accompanied by her husband Pol.Col. Chawalit Atthasa.
Buriram attracted the second largest number of contestants nationwide totalling 1,836 but with 112 disqualified there remained 1,724.
Bhumjaithai is part of the Pheu Thai-led coalition with party leader Anutin Charvirakul being Deputy Prime Minister-cum-Interior Minister.
Meanwhile in Bangkok where Laksi district’s first round of senatorial election took place at Police Club on Vibhavadi Rangsit road former senator Mr. Boonlert Phairin, 83, running in the 19th occupational group tripped over a metal barrier separating observers and candidates and hit his face against it.
He suffered an eye and head injury and was rushed to the hospital after being given first aid.
CAPTIONS:
Top and Front Page: Newin Chidchob’s sister Usanee Chidchob leaving the polling station in Buriram after failing to get enough votes to be selected.
Insert: Former senator Mr. Boonlert Phairin getting first aid after an injury at Police Club polling station. All photos: Naewna
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