Thailand’s newly elected House of Representatives convenes its first session in Bangkok, officially launching the 27th parliamentary term after the general election. (The Pattaya News)
On March 15, Thailand’s House of Representatives formally elected its speaker. This parliamentary session was formally convened by the King Rama X on March 14, before MPs cast secret ballots on the following day. Among 497 MPs, 289 supported Sophon Saram, while 80 abstained and five ballots were invalid.
Sophon Saram, a 66-year-old politician from Bhumjaithai Party (who topped the most recent legislative elections), former official in various government bodies, by 289 votes. His opponent, Parit Wacharasindhu of the People’s Party, only received 123 votes. At the same time, the House also elected two deputy speakers, Mallika Jirapunvanit of Bhumjaithai and Lertsak Pattanachaikul of Pheu Thai.
Sophon began his career as a teacher in Buriram. In 2001, he was elected as a regional Member of Parliament representing Buriram province from the Thai Nation Party. Over the years, he shifted his political affiliation several times, joining parties such as the Thai Rak Thai Party, the People’s Power Party and finally landed in the Bhumjaithai Party. He was twice elected as the Chairman of the Committee on Transportation and Educational Affairs and later served as the Deputy and Minister of Transportation from 2008 until 2011.
This marks an important stronghold of the Bhumjaithai Party coalition, which controls for 291 total seats. Sophon, in his inaugural statement, stated his willingness to combine modernisation efforts to ease public services. The Speaker of the House of Representatives of Thailand also acts as the President of the National Assembly. His tasks vary from maintaining responsibility for overseeing legislative mechanisms to prioritising parliamentary order.
Sophon’s election corresponds to Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul’s Bhumjaithai Party victory in the legislative election on February 8. The victory highlighted the return of the conservative party in the Thai political landscape. With 290 seats and comprising 15 political parties, Anutin’s coalition enjoys the above requirements of 250 simple majority.
Thailand is expected to hold the parliamentary vote to elect the prime minister on March 19. Incumbent Anutin Charnvirakul is widely expected to retain his position, as the parliament has become a stronghold for his support.
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