Bangkok: It's official: Sophon Saram will be the Speaker of the House. Sophon Saram, a member of the Bhumjaithai Party and an MP from Buriram, has been elected as the Speaker of the House of Representatives after securing 289 votes out of a total of 497.
According to Thai News Agency, the election took place during the 27th House of Representatives, Year 1, Session 1 (First Ordinary Session of the year), where a secret ballot was conducted to choose the Speaker of the House. The candidates included Mr. Sophon Saram from Buriram Province representing the Bhumjaithai Party and Mr. Parit Wacharasindhu, a list MP from the People's Party. Mr. Pairoj Lohsuntorn, the list MP from the Pheu Thai Party and the most senior member, served as the interim Speaker during the election process.
The official vote count revealed that Mr. Sophon Saram received a total of 289 votes, ensuring his position as Speaker. His opponent, Parit Wacharasindhu, garnered 123 votes. Additionally, there were 80 abstentions and 5 invalid ballots recorded.
Following the announcement of the election results, the House immediately moved on to address the next agenda item, which involved electing the First and Second Deputy Speakers of the House.