Bangkok: The Senate recently concluded its annual performance review, highlighting the passage of 10 laws and the establishment of 13 independent organizations. The detailed report was presented by Senator Pisit Apiwatthanapong, spokesperson for the Senate's Ad Hoc Committee on Senate Affairs.
According to Thai News Agency, Senator Pisit provided a comprehensive summary of the Senate's activities for 2026. The Senate conducted 30 regular meetings, 15 of which lasted 12 hours, addressing a total of 233 issues. On the legislative front, the Senate succeeded in passing 20 bills, with 10 receiving joint approval from the House of Representatives. Additionally, four bills were amended, one bill was rejected and is currently under review by joint committees, while two bills were dropped following the dissolution of parliament and the absence of a request for further consideration from the new cabinet.
Senator Pisit also reviewed the Senate's oversight of government administration. He reported that 94 written questions were submitted, with ministers being asked to answer 51 of these during meetings. However, only 22 ministers responded, leaving 8 questions unanswered and 21 questions dropped. Furthermore, out of 43 questions requiring answers in the Royal Gazette, only 6 were answered, 36 remain unanswered, and 1 was dropped. The Senate also posed 44 oral questions, of which 16 were answered while 28 were dropped.
In terms of Senate committees' activities, Senator Pisit noted that 52 study reports were considered, with 51 reviewed and 1 withdrawn. The Senate also deliberated on 17 motions and reviewed 26 annual reports from various agencies. Regarding appointments under constitutional or other legal provisions, 6 positions were considered, resulting in the approval of 5 positions for 13 individuals. One position remains under committee scrutiny for conduct and ethical behavior, while 2 positions are under consideration, with 7 individuals already selected.
Lastly, Senator Pisit highlighted other significant activities, including 13 committee appointments to fill vacant positions in both standing and ad hoc committees. This included forming an ad hoc committee to study the draft annual budget bill and decisions on disclosing meeting minutes and reports from eight committees. The Senate reviewed the performance report of one standing committee and extended the consideration period for four draft bills to ensure thorough legislative action. Additionally, the Cabinet's report on 10 committee observations or recommendations was considered.