Applications for appointment to the new senate opened on Monday, but election officials reported a very quiet day.
Election commission officials were on duty at district offices across the country, including Bangkok, but no well-known names showed up or expressed any interest. Officials believed potential candidates were taking a wait-and-see approach.
Candidates have until 4.30pm on Friday to submit the necessary documents and pay the 2,500 baht registration fee.
They can apply as an independent candidate or as a representative of one of the EC-approved organisations representing 10 groups stated in the constitution.
Candidates in each district will then select candidates from within their ranks by Dec 16, and they will move on to selection by the same means at the provincial level by Dec 22.
Senate hopefuls representing their provinces will enter a national contest by Dec 27, the final stage. The final call at this level rests with the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO), which will set up a screening panel to select 194 senators to join the six seats reserved for thearmed forces commanders.
The NCPO will also select another 50 senators.
The constitution provides for the appointment of 250 senators by his means.
