Bangkok: "Sophon" has announced that the Bhumjaithai Party has resolved to nominate him as the Speaker of the House of Representatives, alongside "Mallika" as the First Deputy Speaker. He emphasized the importance of suitability and pledged to demonstrate his capabilities through his work, amid criticisms that a native of Buriram is monopolizing both the Upper and Lower Houses of Parliament.
According to Thai News Agency, Deputy Prime Minister Sophon Saram, who is also a Member of Parliament for Buriram Province and a member of the Bhumjaithai Party, disclosed that during a party meeting, he was officially nominated for the position of Speaker of the House of Representatives. Simultaneously, Deputy Minister of Transport Mallika Chiraphanvanich, a Member of Parliament for Lopburi Province, was nominated as the First Deputy Speaker. Following the opening ceremony of Parliament on March 14th, the House of Representatives is set to convene on March 15th to elect the Speaker and Deputy Speakers. The eventual election outcome will be determined by the decision of the House.
Mr. Sophon explained that the decision to nominate himself and Ms. Mallika was based on their suitability for the roles. The party's executive committee expressed confidence in their abilities to fulfill the responsibilities. He affirmed his readiness to serve and committed to working diligently, emphasizing his seriousness towards his duties.
Regarding the nomination for the second Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives from the Pheu Thai Party, Mr. Sophon mentioned that he was unaware of the nominee. He noted that it aligns with the Pheu Thai Party's proposal.
Addressing concerns that both the Senate President and the House of Representatives Speaker hail from Buriram, Mr. Sophon clarified that the two roles are independent. He distanced himself from any connection to the Senate President, emphasizing that if the Bhumjaithai Party did not secure a majority, he would not have been nominated. He argued that merely being from Buriram doesn't automatically qualify someone for the position. The ultimate decision of suitability rests with society, he noted, while expressing that if the party finds him appropriate, he is ready to prove his worth through his work.
On the issue of potential collusion between the upper and lower houses of parliament, Mr. Sophon remarked that any such concerns should be addressed based on conduct. He asserted that collusion is not bound by geographical factors but rather by actions. Performance, he stressed, would be the true test of integrity.
When questioned about his concerns regarding opposition parties such as the Democrat Party, the Kla Tham Party, and the Prachachon Party, Mr. Sophon expressed no anxiety. He stated that each party is fulfilling its role, with the opposition, government, and legislative branches executing their respective duties. Notably, he highlighted the Speaker of the House's responsibility to manage proceedings effectively.