Pathway Model to Senate Members Position under the Thai Democratic System: An Analysis of the Senate Election in B.E. 2567 under the Constitution of B.E. 2560

Abstract

This article aims to: 1) study the processes and problems related to the appointment of Senators in the year B.E. 2567 under the Constitution of B.E. 2560, 2) identify approaches for resolving issues concerning the appointment of Senators in the year B.E. 2567 under the Constitution of B.E. 2560, and 3) propose an appropriate model for the appointment of Senators in the year B.E. 2567 under the Constitution of B.E. 2560. The study employs a qualitative research methodology, utilizing document analysis, in-depth interviews with 16 key informants, and focus group discussions. Data were validated until reaching data saturation and analyzed using content analysis and thematic analysis.

The study found that: 1) the context of the selection of Senators is complex and relatively distant from the public, resulting in limited political participation. At the same time, structural problems persist, leading to domination, ambiguity in representation, and constraints on transparency, 2) approaches to addressing these issues focus on enhancing access to information and political processes, strengthening the linkage between the Senate and the public as well as social groups, and developing mechanisms for transparency and accountability, and 3) regarding models for the selection of Senators, various proposals were identified, including direct elections, mixed systems combining elections and appointments, improvements to the occupational group system for greater clarity, and adjustments to the roles and powers of the Senate to align with its mode of selection. However, the findings indicated that the suitability of any model does not depend on a single option, but rather on systemic conditions that facilitate accessibility, connectivity, and transparency in the process.

These elements can be synthesized into key dimensions for designing the Senate as an institution and were further developed into the ACT model, consisting of Accessibility, Connectivity, and Transparency. This model contributes to institutional legitimacy, social acceptance, public confidence in the process, and stronger connections between the Senate and the people.

In practice, this involves developing channels that enable the public to easily access information and Senate processes (Accessibility), fostering networks of participation between civil society and relevant organizations (Connectivity), and ensuring transparent and accountable disclosure of information (Transparency) to enhance public trust and the legitimacy of the Senate in the eyes of society.