Thailand: Commentary - Senate fails to meet ideal of being independent and non-partisan.

(From Thai Press Reports)

Section: Commentary - The Bangkok Post - The framers of the 1997 Constitution envisioned the Senate to be the less partisan, more enlightened house within Thailand's bicameral legislative system, one that would play a key role as a check and balance against authoritarianism by the government.

Its 200 representatives would be directly elected by the people, a sharp contrast to the past when senators were government appointments offered to reward political supporters and to curry support among the elite in the armed forces, state bureaucracy and business community. The reformist Constitution also strengthened the responsibilities of …