Big job looms for EC chair

The fresh appointment of former judge Narong Klunwarin as the new Election Commission (EC) chairman comes at a crucial time, with the country set to hold major election events, including national polls tentatively scheduled for June.

- 

Other key contests include the Bangkok governor election in July and tambon administration organisation (TAO) elections nationwide. The national polls are under particular scrutiny as they will be held alongside a referendum on rewriting the charter.

On a 4-3 vote, Mr Narong, 65, was selected to replace incumbent EC chairman Itthiporn Boonpracong, whose term expired last August. He beat one other contender, Narong Rakroi, former governor of Uthai Thani, a political stronghold of the Bhumjaithai Party.

Mr Narong has an impressive track record. He served as chief justice of the Central Bankruptcy Court (2019-21) and later as a Supreme Court judge (2021-23).

Regardless of his credentials, his new role will be a formidable challenge given the fluidity of Thai politics. More importantly, he will face the pressure of potential political interference while managing high public expectations.