Thai conservatives dominate new Senate, add pressure on PM

BANGKOK -- Thailand's conservatives are set to dominate the country's new 200-member Senate, adding pressure on the ruling pro-democracy Pheu Thai Party led by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin as its popularity wanes.

In the recent Senate election, which took place over three rounds last month, 123 seats, over 60% of the total, were taken by lawmakers tied to the Bhumjaithai Party, a conservative group that is the third-largest party in the lower house, according to initial results released by the Election Commission by Tuesday.