BANGKOK, THAILAND – Thailand’s 27th legislative term officially began with the first session of the newly elected lower house, which swore in members and chose its parliamentary leadership, elevating Sophon Zaram as the new Speaker of the House of Representatives.
Opening session follows strict constitutional procedure
The inaugural sitting on 15 March was convened as an extraordinary session and marked the formal restart after the recent general election. Before any votes were cast, all new MPs took their oath of office under Section 115 of the Thai constitution, formally assuming their mandates.
The oldest serving member present, Pairoj Lohsuntorn, a veteran party-list MP from Pheu Thai, presided over the opening as acting chair. This seniority-based role is common in many parliaments and was intended to ensure a neutral transition until the elected house leadership took over.
Clear majority for Bhumjaithai candidate
Two names were on the ballot for Speaker: Sophon Zaram from the Bhumjaithai Party and Pharit Watcharasinthu from the People’s Party. In the end, Sophon secured a clear majority, becoming the 35th Speaker of the House of Representatives.
Under the constitution, the Speaker also serves as President of the National Assembly, chairing joint sessions of both chambers. From this central position between the lower and upper houses, he will play a decisive role in steering debates, procedures and draft legislation through parliament.
Deputy speakers reflect coalition power balance
In the next step, the house selected its two deputy speakers. Mallika Jiraphanwanich from Bhumjaithai was chosen as First Deputy Speaker, while Lertsak Phatthanachaikul from Pheu Thai became Second Deputy Speaker.
These appointments signalled a balance of power within the new parliamentary setup, with coalition partners sharing key posts. Such positions are more than ceremonial, helping determine which issues receive priority and how forcefully the opposition can use parliamentary instruments.
From Buriram classroom to top parliamentary post
Sophon comes from Buriram province and originally worked as a schoolteacher before entering politics. He is regarded as an experienced parliamentarian, having won seven elections.
He previously held senior government roles, including as transport minister and as deputy prime minister. His long track record in both the legislature and the executive is expected to shape his approach in the Speaker’s chair.
Modernization agenda without political rupture
In his acceptance statement, Sophon pointed to 25 years of experience in legislative work and announced plans to combine established parliamentary practice with more modern working methods. He emphasized reforms aimed at updating outdated laws.
“Decisions of the house should provide the executive with practical support.”
said Sophon Zaram, Speaker of the House of Representatives.
The outcome of the leadership vote underlined the influence of the Bhumjaithai Party, led by incumbent Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul. In a coalition context, control over parliamentary posts is expected to weigh heavily on how government priorities are translated into concrete legislative action.
Lower house now ready to process government agenda
With its leadership fully elected, the lower house became operational and able to take up the core elements of the government’s legislative agenda in the coming months. The pace at which key bills move forward, and the extent of friction, will depend in part on how consistently the new Speaker can push through his promised modernizations.
How far these procedural reforms go against the routines of everyday politics will likely determine whether the 27th legislature is seen as a period of consolidation or of visible change.