BANGKOK (Bernama): Thailand’s ruling Bhumjaithai Party Member of Parliament Sophon Saram was elected Speaker of the House of Representatives on Sunday, clearing a key step toward the formation of a new government following last February’s general election.
The House elected the 66-year-old Sophon with 289 votes over a candidate from the opposition People’s Party, Parit Wacharasindhu, who secured 123 votes. A total of 497 MPs were present in the chamber for the vote, while 80 abstained and five ballots were invalid.
Meanwhile, Bhumjaithai’s Mallika Jirapunvanit and Pheu Thai’s Lertsak Pattanachaikul were elected first and second deputy speakers of the House, respectively.
In a statement from the Thai Parliament, Sophon pledged to modernise Thailand’s legislative framework and maintain decorum during parliamentary debates, saying outdated and unenforceable laws should be reviewed and repealed swiftly.
He also outlined parliament’s key responsibilities, including serving as a channel for the public to raise complaints and grievances with the government, overseeing the government’s performance, and enacting legislation.
The new Speaker’s next crucial task will be to convene parliament to vote for the prime minister, the final step in forming the government, with caretaker Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul widely tipped to retain his position.
Local media reported that lawmakers are expected to hold the prime ministerial vote on March 19. The vote is expected after the new Cabinet lineup is finalised and submitted to King Maha Vajiralongkorn for royal endorsement.
-- BERNAMA
