What percentage of the Thai senate is comprised of military and police officers?

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Approximately 40 percent of Thailand's senate comprises military and police officers.

The newly appointed 250-member Thai senate includes around 100 serving and retiring military and police officers, constituting approximately 40 percent of the upper house. This significant bloc of personnel was appointed by junta number two Prawit Wongsuwan, with endorsements from King Maha Vajiralongkorn, and their appointments were published in The Royal Gazette. Key figures such as Army Chief Apirat Kongsompong and National Police Chief Jakthip Chaijinda are among those named as senators.
Military and Police Representation in the Senate

The inclusion of military and police officers in the senate is a direct consequence of the controversial 2017 constitution, which was drafted under the military junta's influence. This constitutional framework has facilitated the appointment of individuals with military and police backgrounds into the upper house. Prawit Wongsuwan, in his capacity as junta leader, selected over 100 individuals from these ranks for the senate positions.
Broader Composition of the Senate

Beyond military and police personnel, the senate also features a substantial number of individuals with ties to the previous legislative and executive bodies. More than 50 members of the National Legislative Assembly (NLA), which served as a rubber-stamp parliament, were appointed. Additionally, 15 current ministers have been elevated to senate membership, further consolidating the influence of the incumbent administration within the upper house.
Family Ties and Allied Appointments

The appointments also reflect a pattern of nepotism and patronage, with several family members of high-ranking junta officials and allies securing seats. Notably, Prayut Chan-O-Cha's younger brother, Preecha Chan-O-Cha, was appointed shortly after retiring from the NLA. Siblings of Prawit Wongsuwan and deputy prime minister Wissanu Krea-ngam, along with the elder brother of deputy prime minister Somkid Jatusripitak, are also among the appointees. The brother of army-aligned fortuneteller Warin Buawiratlert, who had predicted Prayut's continued power, has also been named a senator.

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What percentage of the Thai senate is comprised of military and police officers?

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