Senatorial candidates arrived at the Impact Forum Mueang Thong Thani in Nonthaburi province as early as 5am today, ahead of the election scheduled for today, June 26.
Although official registration wasn’t set to begin until 8am, many candidates decided to brave the early hours to avoid the notorious traffic congestion of the Bangkok metropolitan area. With anticipation running high, the venue was a hive of activity long before dawn.
To ensure smooth proceedings, 135 officers from Provincial Police Region 1 were on duty, tasked with maintaining order and easing the traffic flow around the sprawling forum. A fast response team was stationed nearby, ready to handle any emergencies.
An officer stated that with eight entrances and exits and parking for 13,000 vehicles, significant traffic issues are not expected today.
The scene was a visual spectacle as candidates arrived, some in coordinated outfits such as suits paired with yellow shirts, while others showcased their heritage in traditional attire. According to the Election Commission (EC), out of the original 45,753 hopefuls, 3,000 candidates have made it to this decisive stage. Among them are 2,164 men and 836 women, having successfully navigated district and provincial level voting held on June 9 and 16.
Today’s vote is pivotal as the candidates will select a new 200-member Senate, replacing the 250-member Senate appointed by the military junta following the 2014 coup. The current Senate’s term ended on May 10, marking a significant shift in the political landscape, reported The Nation.
In related news, in a bustling gathering at Bangkok’s Amari Don Mueang Airport Hotel, over 500 hopefuls vying for senatorial seats met on Monday, June 24, for an event known as the Meeting of Independent Senate Candidates. This lively assembly saw candidates from across the nation converge, all eager to make their mark on the upcoming election.
In other news, despite the EC fielding over 300 complaints, including 39 cases related to potential fraud, the Senate election results will proceed as scheduled. EC Secretary-General Sawang Boonmee revealed that a total of 333 complaints have been lodged, with 90 involving accusations of corruption.
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