(VOVworld) – Thai Senate on Friday elected Surachai Liangboonlertchai new Senate speaker to replace Nikom Wairatpanich who was dismissed for his support for former Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra.

Mr. Surachai Liangboonlertchai is elected Thailand's new Senate speaker

Surachai won 96 votes and beat Senator Jongrak Chuthanon who got 51 votes. Mr. Surachai was appointed Thailand’s new Senate speaker in the context that the Senate is likely to receive reports from Thai National Anti-Corruption Commission in a few weeks on charges on former Prime Minister Yingluck. Then, the Senate will vote on whether to take charges against the ousted Prime Minister or not. According to Thai Constitution, if Ms. Yingluck is charged, she is likely to be banned from political activities for 5 years.