Sophon, acting as Speaker of the House, signed a letter today to convene parliament to vote for a new prime minister on 19 March. He emphasized his wish to see a fully empowered government before Songkran because the country faces pressing crises. He also dismissed Dr. Warong's proposal to cut MPs' food budgets as a joke.
On 16 March 2026 at the Parliament building, a ceremony was held to receive the royal command appointing the Speaker and Deputy Speakers of the House of Representatives. Mrs. Natthajari Anantasilp, Secretary to the Cabinet, presented the royal command appointing the Speaker and the first and second Deputy Speakers of the House of Representatives. The appointees are: 1. Mr. Sophon Sarum as Speaker of the House of Representatives.
2. Ms. Mallika Jirapanwanich as the first Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives.
3. Mr. Lertsak Patanachayakul as the second Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives.
Later at 14:45, Mr. Sophon Sarum, Speaker of the House, spoke after the royal command appointment ceremony, expressing deep gratitude for the royal favor extended to the three appointees. He said they will uphold the King's speech from the parliamentary opening to guide their work. He affirmed his commitment to building trust during the 27th House of Representatives, pledging that he and the two deputies will foster confidence in parliament as a reliable institution for the people. He hopes to change the mindset in parliament to prioritize action over talk without results. Issues that bore the public or lack benefit will be minimized, with trivial matters consuming minimal time. Future discussions of public hardships or motions must be accepted and relevant; non-urgent matters should not be raised. He urged the 27th parliament to drive legislation as tools for the government to overcome the current global crisis. The three will unify their work and maintain solidarity across party lines as a model; without mutual trust among them, unity cannot be achieved.
Mr. Sophon urged MPs to consider the public's feelings and avoid wasting time on issues the public dislikes. He noted that while some speak from ideology, limitations exist and reality must be acknowledged. This parliament will focus on diligent work. He called on the public to offer support or constructive criticism and assured openness to feedback on all matters.
Mr. Sophon told the media that today he would sign the letter convening parliament to consider the prime minister vote on 19 March, barring any obstacles. He expressed his desire to see a fully empowered government before Songkran due to the mounting crises, allowing efficient governance. Regarding pending bills in parliament, he said the new government must confirm them after the cabinet forms. On the issue of Dr. Warong Dechkitvikrom, leader of the Thai Pakdee Party, proposing to cut MPs' food budgets, he called it a joke and said such matters need not be discussed. Decisions should be made based on MPs' consensus. He also mentioned plans to have the first parliament session allow MPs to debate as party representatives on how they want the parliament to function.