Senate of Thailand - Qualifications

Qualifications

The qualifications for the membership of the Senate can be found in section 115, Part 3, Chapter 6 of the 2007 Constitution. A candidate intent on being a member of the Senate must be a natural born citizen of Thailand as well as being 40 years or older on the year of election or selection. The candidate must have graduated with at least a bachelor’s degree or an equivalent. If the candidate is to be elected, he or she must be born, must have a home and be registered to vote in the province which the candidate intends to represent. The candidate must not be an ascendant, spouse or a child of a member of the House of Representatives or any person holding a political position. Must not have been a member of a political party for at least five years.

All other disqualifications are similar to that of the House, the individual must not be: addicted to drugs, been bankrupt, convicted felon, member of a local administration, a civil servant, a member of the judiciary or any other government agency. Being disenfranchised (being a member of the clergy, felon, or mentally infirm). If the candidate was a member of a local administration or a Minister he must have left his post for a period of at least five years before being eligible.