The parliamentary meeting proceeded smoothly, nominating Mallika from the Bhumjaithai Party as the First Deputy Speaker and Lertsak from the Pheu Thai Party as the Second Deputy Speaker, both without opposition.
On 15 March 2026 at the Parliament Building, the 27th House of Representatives convened its first regular session of the first year. Mr. Phairoj Lohsuntorn, a party-list member of parliament from the Pheu Thai Party, served as the temporary chairperson. The key agenda was the election of the Speaker and Deputy Speakers of the House. For the Speaker position, two candidates were nominated: Mr. Sophon Sarum, MP for Buriram from Bhumjaithai Party, and Mr. Parit Watcharasindhu, party-list MP from the People’s Party. A secret ballot was held, resulting in Mr. Sophon being elected as the new Speaker with 289 votes, compared to 123 votes for Mr. Parit, with 80 abstentions and 5 invalid ballots.
At 12:59 PM, the meeting moved to elect the First Deputy Speaker. Mr. Sugarno Mata, MP for Yala from the Prachachart Party, nominated Ms. Mallika Jirapanwanit, MP for Lopburi from the Bhumjaithai Party. Ms. Mallika expressed her honor and gratitude for the trust placed in her, thanking the Bhumjaithai Party for the opportunity and all parties for their confidence. She pledged to perform her duties with fairness, impartiality, and integrity. She emphasized her intention to help amend laws that hinder national development and called on all members to cooperate in smoothly passing legislation and parliamentary motions, ensuring constructive and substantive meetings. She also vowed to strictly apply parliamentary rules to maximize benefits under the constitutional monarchy. With no opposing nominations, Ms. Mallika was elected First Deputy Speaker according to parliamentary regulations.
At 1:08 PM, the assembly proceeded to elect the Second Deputy Speaker. Mr. Siripong Angsakulkiat, MP for Sisaket from Bhumjaithai Party, nominated Mr. Lertsak Patanachaiyagul, MP for Loei and deputy leader of the Pheu Thai Party. Mr. Lertsak thanked members for the nomination and expressed gratitude to Pheu Thai and coalition parties for their trust. He affirmed his commitment to perform his duties with honesty, transparency, and accountability at every stage, strictly adhering to the constitution and parliamentary rules. He outlined three goals: to enhance parliamentary efficiency for maximum public benefit; to support MPs in utilizing existing mechanisms such as public issue discussions and question sessions to address citizens’ concerns; and to make the House a place accessible and participatory for the public, including in law submission and as a center for learning. With no competitors, Mr. Lertsak was elected Second Deputy Speaker in accordance with parliamentary regulations.
Following these proceedings, Mr. Phairoj Lohsuntorn, party-list MP from Pheu Thai acting as temporary chairperson, adjourned the meeting at 1:13 PM.