rki.news
March 15, 2026
Sophon Zaram, a member of parliament from the Bhumjaithai Party, was elected Speaker of the House of Representatives of Thailand on Sunday following a parliamentary vote in Bangkok.
Under the constitution of Thailand, the House Speaker also serves as president of the National Assembly of Thailand. Sophon will formally assume office after receiving royal endorsement.
The vote took place during the first parliamentary session following last month’s general election. Sophon contested the position against Parit Wacharasindhu of the People’s Party of Thailand.
In a secret ballot, Sophon secured 289 votes, defeating Parit who received 123 votes, according to acting Speaker Pairoj Lohsunthorn.
Sophon joined the Bhumjaithai Party in 2008 and previously served as Thailand’s transport minister from 2008 to 2011. Since September 2025, he has also held the role of caretaker deputy prime minister.
In his vision statement, Sophon emphasized the need for parliament to combine experience with modern technologies, including artificial intelligence, to improve governance and better address public concerns. He stressed that parliamentary mechanisms should highlight citizens’ challenges while maintaining balanced oversight between the legislative and executive branches.
Following the election of the House speaker, the House of Representatives is expected to convene in the coming days to vote for a new prime minister. A candidate must secure the support of more than half of the chamber’s members to be elected.