Bangkok: Mallika Chiraphanwanich and Lertsak Pattanachaikul have been appointed as the First and Second Deputy Speakers of the House of Representatives, respectively. Mallika's appointment focuses on amending obstructive laws to facilitate national development, while Lertsak emphasizes that Parliament should be a representation of the people.
According to Thai News Agency, the appointments were made following a meeting chaired by interim chairman Mr. Pairoj Lohsuntorn. The meeting first addressed the election of the First Speaker, where Mr. Sukarno Mata, an MP from Yala and member of the Prachachart Party, nominated Ms. Mallika Chiraphanwanich, an MP from Lopburi and member of the Bhumjaithai Party, as the First Deputy Speaker. Mallika pledged to uphold neutrality, equity, and fairness in parliamentary proceedings and highlighted the importance of the parliamentary mechanism in resolving national issues. She called for MPs' cooperation to amend laws hindering national development and to foster a constructive atmosphere in Parliament.
Mallika was the sole nominee for the position, leading to her election as the First Deputy Speaker.
Subsequently, Mr. Siripong Angkasakulkiat, an MP for Sisaket from the Bhumjaithai Party, nominated Mr. Lertsak Pattanachaikul, an MP for Loei from the Pheu Thai Party, for the position of Second Deputy Speaker. Lertsak committed to performing his duties with honesty and integrity, adhering to the Constitution of the Kingdom of Thailand and parliamentary procedures.
Lertsak outlined his vision, which includes efficient management of parliamentary meetings, encouraging MPs to utilize parliamentary mechanisms to address issues, and making Parliament accessible to citizens. He aims to transform Parliament into a space for public participation and learning.
Following the nomination, Mr. Pairoj confirmed Lertsak's election as the Second Deputy Speaker. The next meeting's schedule will be communicated to the public in due course.