It is no secret that over the past three years, the Senate has been lambasted for favouring the government. The criticism is not entirely unfair. Out of 250 senators, 244 were selected by the National Council of Peace and Order, and they have a track record of resisting legal proposals to curb their ability to elect prime ministers.
If parliament completes its term on March 23, the nation's next election will take place on May 7, as set by the Election Commission. If not, it will come even sooner.
The Senate is likely to be divided when it comes to choosing a prime ministerial candidate in the next poll, which could dampen Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha's chances of returning as premier after the election, according to experts.
Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwon, who also leads the ruling Palang Pracharath Party, on Saturday dismissed talk of any conflict with Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha over the latter moving to the United Thai Nation (UTN) Party.