Klatham sets sights on deputy speaker position
The Thai political landscape has seen a change following the election of Chaiya Promma as the new First Deputy House Speaker. The confirmation came after the disqualification of Pichet Chuamuangphan, the ruling Pheu Thai Party's candidate, by the Constitutional Court.
Chaiya, a six-time MP from the Pheu Thai Party, was officially elected to replace Pichet. His nomination was made by Pheu Thai secretary-general Sorawong Thienthong, and the House voted for him with no competing candidates. The formal appointment will be made after the House Speaker requests a royal command from the acting Prime Minister.
Before Chaiya's election, there was some contention as the Klatham Party, a small coalition partner, declared its intention to vie for the post. However, Pheu Thai insisted the position belonged to its quota, leading to tensions within the coalition. Despite this, the final outcome was the uncontested election of Chaiya.
The Klatham Party has not officially nominated anyone for the First Deputy House Speaker post yet, but Sathira Phuakprapan was previously mentioned as a potential candidate. Sathira, a Klatham MP, has stated that the party plans to nominate him for the post.
The replacement for the First Deputy House Speaker needs to be finalized soon due to the upcoming second and third readings of the 2026 budget expenditure bill (Aug 13-15). The post of First Deputy House Speaker is not guaranteed to Pheu Thai, as all parties have the right to put forward candidates for the post.
Meanwhile, the Election Commission is required to hold a by-election within 45 days of Pichet's disqualification to replace him in Chiang Rai's Constituency 7. The vote to find a replacement for Pichet is scheduled to take place on Thursday.
It is worth noting that Pichet lost his MP status and was banned from running for office for 10 years due to a violation of Section 144 of the Constitution.
Chaiya Promma, with his significant parliamentary experience, having been elected six times and serving as deputy leader of Pheu Thai since 2020, is expected to take on his new role effectively. The Klatham Party, active in parliament, participating in debates, proposing laws, and addressing constituents' concerns, will continue to be a force to reckon with in the Thai political sphere.
References:
- The Nation
- Bangkok Post
- Khaosod English
- Thai PBS World
The upcoming second and third readings of the 2026 budget expenditure bill highlight the urgency for the finalization of the First Deputy House Speaker post, as all parties have the right to put forward candidates for this position. Meanwhile, the Klatham Party, known for its presence in parliament and active involvement in policy-and-legislation, politics, and general-news, has announced Sathira Phuakprapan as a potential candidate for the First Deputy House Speaker post.
