Pheu Thai has selected Mr. Lertsak to serve as the second deputy speaker of the House of Representatives. Meanwhile, Mr. Julphan withheld details on ministerial appointments, pending discussions with Bhumjaithai to finalize the list.
At 1:00 p.m. on 12 March 2026 at the Pheu Thai Party headquarters, Mr. Julphan Amornwiwat, party-list MP and party leader, said the executive committee meeting on 12 March assigned the committee to select individuals for political positions after gathering member input over some time. However, the names cannot yet be disclosed. The list will then be discussed with the Bhumjaithai Party to finalize details. When asked how many names would be submitted to Bhumjaithai, Mr. Julphan said discussions about positions have not yet started; they await completion of talks with Bhumjaithai before specifying names and posts. Regarding whether the 12 March meeting with Bhumjaithai would cover the deputy speaker and ministerial positions, Mr. Julphan said talks would focus on cooperation and require joint agreement. The priority is to elect the House speaker, then the prime minister, followed by the cabinet, sequentially. Since the prime minister has not been chosen, discussing ministers now would be premature. The 12 March talks will likely not cover this topic.
Mr. Julphan added that Bhumjaithai's plan to vet ministerial qualifications is a standard legal process. The secretary-general of the cabinet is responsible for sending checks to 18 agencies, including courts, police, and the National Anti-Corruption Commission. Anyone assuming political office must undergo this process; evasion is impossible. Candidates must have a clean record. Cabinet formation has happened many times before, and no special procedures are expected this time. Regarding committee chairmanships, the parliament considers party proportions. Pheu Thai expects to secure 5-6 chair positions. On the reported candidacy of Mr. Sophon Sarum, Bhumjaithai MP from Buriram, for House speaker, Pheu Thai has no objections but has not verified the facts or discussed with key parties. By courtesy, the main party usually holds the position. If opposition parties nominate candidates for any position, voting will be conducted accordingly; this follows normal parliamentary procedures without complexity.
The reporter also noted that the party executive committee resolved to nominate Mr. Lertsak Patanachai-kul, deputy party leader from Loei Province, as candidate for second deputy speaker of the House of Representatives.
Educational Background
– Master's degree, Mercer University, US (Master of Business Administration, Finance)
Work Experience
– Member of Parliament, Loei Province
– Spokesperson for the Parliamentary Sports Committee
– Special Parliamentary Committee member studying prevention and solutions for rape and sexual abuse issues
– Special Parliamentary Committee member studying the impact of joining the CPTPP trade agreement
– Former Mayor of Wang Saphung Municipality