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Published on March 15, 2008

At yesterday's Senate meeting to select the speaker and two deputies, there were allegations that some candidates benefited from politicians' attempts to bribe both elected and appointed senators into supporting certain candidates.

Seventy-eight of 144 senators in attendance voted for Prasopsuk, a former Appeals Court chief justice. His closest rival, elected Buri Ram Senator Taweesak Kidbanchong, received 45 votes.

The other two candidates - Lertrat Ratanavanich and Manote Kraiwong - received 15 and six votes, respectively.

Each of the candidates addressed the gathering for about five minutes about their visions and plans if elected speaker.

Prior to the vote, the Senate was caught up in a debate over alleged bribery for votes by certain candidates believed to be supported by influential politicians.

No evidence was revealed, but appointed Senator Somchai Sawaengkarn told the Senate he had received a call from a politician asking him to meet one-on-one to make a deal.

Pravit Rojanaphruk, Sathien Viriyapanpongsa

The Nation