BANGKOK: Thailand on Monday announced details of its senate election next month, the first poll for the upper house since a military coup a decade ago.
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin's cabinet approved plans for the complex, multi-round election – which does not include a full public vote – last month.
The Election Commission of Thailand confirmed there will be three rounds of voting, on June 9, 16 and 26, with only those applying to become senators eligible to cast ballots.
The new senate will no longer vote to approve the prime minister after an election.
The senate, whose 250 current members were appointed by the junta that seized power in 2014, played a crucial role in determining the outcome of last year's general election.
The progressive Move Forward Party won the most seats in the lower house, but its leader Pita Limjaroenrat was blocked from becoming prime minister because he did not muster enough support in the senate.
Srettha, whose Pheu Thai party finished second in the election, formed a coalition government with army-linked parties.
The senators – reduced in number to 200 – will be chosen from 20 different fields of work and life including justice, education, public health, industry, arts and sport, the elderly and ethnic minorities. — AFP
Critics have said the process is both undemocratic and needlessly complicated.
Registration for candidates will be open between May 20 and May 24.
The results of the election are expected on July 2.