Thailand elects new House speaker

Thailand's House of Representatives elected a new speaker on Sunday, the first official step in forming a new government, with the vote for the prime minister set to be launched in a few days.

Sophon Saram, a parliamentarian from the Bhumjaithai Party, was elected speaker of the House with 289 votes. His extensive political career includes serving as transport minister, deputy prime minister, and chairman of several parliamentary committees.

As speaker, Sophon said his vision is to make the House proactive in overhauling outdated laws, effectively overseeing the executive and restoring public faith in the legislature.

His rival, Parit Wacharasindhu, a party-list member of Parliament from the People's Party, received 123 votes. Both candidates presented their visions before an anonymous ballot vote.

Mallika Jiraphanwanich of the Bhumjaithai Party was elected first deputy speaker unopposed, while Lertsak Phattanachaiyakul of the Pheu Thai Party became second deputy speaker.

In this year's general election, the Bhumjaithai Party won 191 seats in the 27th House of Representatives. Party leader Anutin Charnvirakul confirmed on Thursday that the ruling coalition had effectively been finalized at around 291 seats.

Anutin said the alliance had sufficient seats to manage both legislative work and national administration.

The secret ballot election for the House speaker is considered a crucial test of the new governing coalition's unity and stability. The new speaker's primary role will be to control parliamentary proceedings and convene the final vote for the prime minister, which is estimated for Thursday.

A smooth and successful election is expected to signal political stability, which would reduce investment risk and boost business confidence, experts said.

Complex challenges

The next government will need to address a complex set of challenges, including geopolitical tensions, trade conflicts and the rapid pace of technological advancement, said Somkiat Tangkitvanich, president of the Thailand Development Research Institute.

"Domestically, Thailand faces additional structural constraints, including slow economic growth, a rapidly aging population and persistent corruption," Somkiat said at a recent public forum.

He warned that rising tensions in the Middle East could pose immediate risks to the global economy. Higher energy prices could raise production costs, dampen trade and affect tourism, he said.

Governments must balance short-term responses with long-term fiscal sustainability, he said, noting that fuel subsidies to keep energy prices low could place additional pressure on public finances.

In addition, Thailand's leadership changes have disrupted tourism policy, said Chai Arunanondchai, president of the Tourism Council of Thailand.

Over the past year, the country has had four tourism and sports ministers, he said, adding that a stable government is crucial to putting the tourism industry back on a growing track.

yangwanli@chinadaily.com.cn