Pakornwut expressed concern that Speaker Sophon is holding back the nomination of Natthapong as opposition leader and questioned during the parliamentary session when the appointment would be submitted. The Speaker explained that the process is being followed and there is no delay.
At 11:30 a.m. on 29 April 2026 at the parliament, during a House of Representatives meeting to consider a motion on establishing a special committee to study solutions to the low prices of agricultural products and to provide relief to farmers affected by the conflict in the Middle East, Pakornwut Udompipatnaskul, party-list MP from the Prachachon Party, interrupted the proceedings to inquire when Speaker Sophon Sarum would submit the nomination of Natthapong Rueangpanyawut, party-list MP and leader of the Prachachon Party, as opposition leader. He noted that the cabinet has assumed office, and under Article 106 of the Constitution, the opposition leader must be appointed. However, last week the Speaker stated he had not yet received documentation identifying the party leader and was waiting to verify qualifications. In fact, no documents are required; only the qualification of being the leader of the party with the most MPs that holds no ministerial positions is needed. He questioned what qualifications the Speaker or deputies were verifying and when the nomination would be signed and forwarded. Speaker Sophon responded that if all procedures are followed, the signature will certainly be given.
Pakornwut asked if there was any obstacle causing the delay. Speaker Sophon replied that it was in accordance with regulations and that there was no intentional delay, just a waste of time. He then abruptly moved on to the next agenda item.