Under the proposed bill, 50 senators will represent 20 occupational groups from all over the country, with 200 others to be selected by the NCPO.

But in the first five years after the new law takes effect, the NCPO will select the 50 occupational representatives from a list of 200 shortlisted candidates.

According to the proposed bill, aspiring senators may apply to become occupational representatives – only one area for each person – by submitting a Bt5,000 fee.

The 20 occupational groups include security and foreign affairs, law and justice system, accounting and finance, education and research, public health, science and technology, religion and art, agriculture, consumer protection, mass media and communications, trade and banking, environment and real estate, civil society, and the disabled and underprivileged.

The candidates will vote among themselves to establish the 200 shortlisted candidates. The vote result will need to be approved by the Election Commission.

Any aspiring senator found to be involved in fraud could face imprisonment of up to 10 years and have his or her electoral rights revoked for 10 years, according to the draft law.

The bill, drafted by an EC working committee, suggests that anyone using dishonest means to help someone get selected as a senator or any candidate allowing others to help them become a senator in that way could be jailed for between one and 10 years.

They also risk a fine of between Bt20,000 and Bt200,000, the draft law states. Those found guilty shall also be stripped of their electoral rights for 10 years by a court order, it says.

A copy of the bill was obtained by The Nation.

The draft also states that it would be against the law to promise benefits, host parties or use any kind of influence in an attempt to gain votes.