More than 5,800 people have proceeded to the next senator selection round, although the Election Commission (EC) has warned they must report to their local administrative office in time or be disqualified.
The number has been whittled down from a total of 7,215 people who applied to become senators in a contest in which intra-group voting is taking place at three levels: district, provincial and finally national level.
The majority were independent candidates, while 505 candidates were fielded by 10 social and professional groups. EC secretary-general Jarungvith Phumma said yesterday 5,899 people were selected at district level. Of them, 5,410 were independent candidates and the rest were nominated by professional and social organisations.
Those who made it through the district level round must report to their district office and pick up essential documents for entering the provincial round of selection, which takes place on Saturday.
Mr Jarungvith said several people have so far failed to report within their specific time slot from 8am to 9am.
"If they're late even by one minute, they will no longer be in the running," he said.
After selection on Saturday, those shortlisted will move to the final, national round on Dec 27.
However, people disqualified for reporting late have the right to appeal.
Mr Jarungvith also warned people who vote within their own professional or social groups that they must comply strictly the rules when they write numbers on the ballot. They must only write Arabic numerals and check the correct number of the candidate they want to vote for, otherwise the ballot will be invalid.
The EC secretary-general said that in independent candidate groups, there will be no intra-voting at the provincial level in five provinces because there were fewer than four people in each group. The EC rules state that no intra-voting is necessary for a group with four people or less. These people will automatically go on to the next round.
The five provinces are Krabi, Phangnga, Ranong, Chumphon and Samut Sakhon.
In the organisation-nominated groups, there will be no intra-voting in eight provinces: Bangkok, Pathum Thani, Ang Thong, Chachoengsao, Khon Kaen, Udon Thani, Roi Et and Nan.