The candidates are Jarungwit Phumma, EC deputy secretary- general; Winchai Uyangkoon, former governor of Pathumthani province; Somsak Suriyamongkol, Suthep Phromwasm, Suwat Theparak, and Aumpon Wongsiri.

The candidates will be interviewed by the EC next month, with the successful candidate likely to be known by February, according to EC acting secretary general Phumpitak Kongkaew.

The EC members sacked Puchong Nutrawong, the previous secretary-general, citing his poor performance amid allegations that he divulged the agency’s secrets.