4-7-2023 (BANGKOK) Move Forward Party MP Padipat Suntiphada has been elected as the first deputy speaker of the House of Representatives, while Pheu Thai MP Pichet Chuamuangphan assumes the role of second speaker. The election took place on Tuesday, marking a significant step in the formation of the House leadership.
Wan Muhamad Noor Matha Matha, 79, the leader of the Prachachat Party, emerged as the sole nominee for the position of House speaker and was elected without the need for a formal vote earlier in the day.
Another contender, Witthaya Kaewparadai, a list-MP representing the United Thai Nation Party (UTN), competed for the role of first deputy speaker. In a secret ballot, Padipat Suntiphada (MFP, Phitsanulok) secured 312 votes, while Witthaya received 105 votes.
The voting session saw a total of 496 members present in the chamber. House Speaker Virote Pao-in, who presided over the proceedings, announced that there were 77 abstentions and two invalid ballots, resulting in the final tally.
Padipat Suntiphada, a 42-year-old veterinarian by profession, assumed the position of first deputy House speaker following his victory.
The UTN and other parties anticipated to form the opposition bloc had a combined total of 187 votes. However, Witthaya fell short, receiving only 105 votes.
The subsequent round of voting determined the second deputy speaker. Pol Col Thawee Sodsong (Prachachat Party), a list MP, nominated Pichet Chuamuangphan (Pheu Thai, Chiang Rai) for the position.
Pichet, 60, stood as the sole nominee and proceeded to outline his vision for the role in accordance with parliamentary regulations.
The Chiang Rai MP emphasized his commitment to making five provincial branches of the parliament more accessible to the local population. He also pledged to extend the allotted time for each MP during grievance debates from 2 minutes to 3 minutes, enabling more comprehensive addressal of voters’ concerns.
Furthermore, Pichet expressed his intention to encourage MPs to enhance their potential for national development, restore the dignity of the House, and strike a balance between the powers of the executive and judicial branches.
The House adjourned at 1:51 pm, marking the conclusion of the election proceedings.
Move Forward Party leader Pita Limjaroenrat commented later that the 312 votes garnered by Padipat Suntiphada demonstrated the unity among the eight coalition parties, with no MPs breaking ranks.
Pita Limjaroenrat, the MFP’s candidate for prime minister, stated that the successful election of the House speaker and the two deputy speakers augured well for his own prospects of assuming the role of prime minister. The coalition parties are eager to expedite the formation of the next government and promptly address the issues faced by the people.
Pita Limjaroenrat also revealed that discussions had taken place between the MFP, the two deputy speakers, and House Speaker Noor Matha regarding the advancement of progressive liquor reform, marriage equality bills, and other legislation, including potential amnesty measures. These discussions were aligned with the guidance provided by His Majesty the King during the opening ceremony of the new parliament on Monday.
