Bangkok, March 15th, 2026 — Thailand’s newly elected House of Representatives held its first meeting today, officially launching the 27th parliamentary term with the selection of its leadership following the recent general elections.
The extraordinary session was temporarily presided over by Pairoj Lohsuntorn, a veteran party-list MP from the Pheu Thai Party and the most senior member present. Before any business began, all incoming lawmakers took their oaths of office in line with Section 115 of the Thai Constitution, formally commencing their duties.
Nominations for House Speaker featured two candidates: Sophon Zaram of the Bhumjaithai Party and Pharit Watcharasinthu of the People’s Party. Following the vote, Sophon Zaram was elected as the 35th Speaker of the House of Representatives with a clear majority. He also assumes the role of President of the National Assembly under the constitution.
The House then selected its two Deputy Speakers: Mallika Jiraphanwanich of the Bhumjaithai Party as First Deputy Speaker and Lertsak Phatthanachaikul of the Pheu Thai Party as Second Deputy Speaker.
Sophon Zaram, originally a schoolteacher from Buriram province, is a seasoned parliamentarian with seven election victories and prior experience in high-level government roles, including ministerial positions in transport and as deputy prime minister. In his acceptance statement, he pointed to his 25 years of legislative experience, promising to combine established parliamentary practices with modern approaches to strengthen the House’s effectiveness. He expressed confidence that the laws passed during his term would provide practical support to the executive branch and advocated for reforms to update outdated legislation.
The outcome of today’s elections shows the influence of the Bhumjaithai Party, headed by Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, in the new parliamentary lineup and ongoing coalition arrangements.
The newly constituted House is now set to address key elements of the government’s legislative agenda in the months ahead.
