Thailand heads for 1st Senate election since coup as economy slows

BANGKOK -- Thailand will hold its first upper house election since a 2014 military coup next month, marking a milestone in the transition back to full civilian rule even as the economy sputters.

Thailand has held two general elections since the coup, though the military continues to wield significant influence over politics. With the economy also slowing, the June vote could prove an indicator for both the country's political and economic outlook.