The ruling party also bestows other benefits on loyal members of the upper house, they said.

Allegations that the government pays senators have been around for a long time, but there has been no proof.

Chirmsak Pinthong, a member of Senate committee on corruption, said he had heard that some senators receive up to Bt100,000 a month.

Some senators are paid for each vote on important issues and others receive positions in independent organisations, Chirmsak said.

“From what I heard, three or four senators are key people for distributing the money. Most of them represent northeastern provinces,” he said. Business interests and future political advantages are also motives for loyalty, he added.

Thai Rak Thai deputy spokes-man Jatuporn Phromphan said such allegations cropped up in all sessions of both houses, but there was never any proof.

The majority of senators were accused of being linked to the Democrat government when Manoonkrit Roopkajorn was the Senate speaker, Jatuporn said.

Working together for almost six years, and having common backgrounds and interests, creates familiarity and groups, he added.

Groups that are usually in the majority in votes on legislation will be criticised by the minority as being politically connected, he said.

Bangkok Senator Wallop Tang-kananurak said some senators received cash from the ruling party.

Sakhon Nakhon Senator Maleerat Kaewka said the amount of cash flowing into Parliament had risen over the past three years.

Nakhon Ratchasima Senator Sawai Prammanee said that despite the rumours, he had never seen proof the government was rewarding senators who toe the line.

Roi Et Senator Surachai Danai-tangtrakul denied that he had said 60 senators were selling their votes. What he actually said was that some senators may be taking money but the number is unknown, he added.

Somroutai Sapsomboon,

Kornchanok Raksaseri

The Nation