Nattapong accepted the royal command appointing him as opposition leader, pledging to carry out his duties with a sense of responsibility as a people's representative. He emphasized the need to select independent organizations free from domination and interference and to swiftly advance constitutional reform.
On 14 May 2026, at the Parliament building, the House of Representatives held a ceremony to receive the royal command appointing Mr. Nattapong Ruangpanyawut, a party-list MP and leader of the People’s Party, as the 12th opposition leader in the House of Representatives.
At the appointed time, the Secretary-General of the House of Representatives presented the royal command and read aloud that His Majesty King Vajiralongkorn Phra Vajiraklaochaoyuhua has graciously issued the royal command.
It stated that since Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and the Cabinet have taken office and presented their policies to Parliament on 9-10 April 2026, and since Mr. Nattapong Ruangpanyawut, leader of the People’s Party—the largest parliamentary party not holding ministerial or presiding officer positions—
By virtue of Article 106 of the Constitution of the Kingdom of Thailand, His Majesty has graciously appointed Mr. Nattapong Ruangpanyawut as the opposition leader in the House of Representatives, effective immediately. This announcement was made on 8 May 2026, the 11th year of the current reign. The royal command was acknowledged by Sopon Sarum, Speaker of the House of Representatives.
Following the reading, Mr. Nattapong paid respects to the royal portrait of His Majesty the King, concluding the ceremony.
Later, after receiving the royal appointment as opposition leader, Mr. Nattapong expressed gratitude to fellow members, administrators, parliamentary staff, and the media attending the ceremony. As opposition leader in the House of Representatives, he pledged to serve with a sense of responsibility as a people's representative, offering sincere oversight and checks and balances on the executive branch with the people's highest interests as the foundation. He also committed to appointing independent agency selection committees free from domination or interference by any group. He said he would promptly appoint the opposition whip committee to ensure Parliament’s composition is complete and functional.
Finally, he expressed hope that fellow parliament members, as representatives of the Thai people, and Parliament itself, as the country's supreme authority, would expedite the process of drafting a new constitution in accordance withthe willof the people, as expressed in the referendum on 8 February 2026.
When asked when he would propose constitutional amendment drafts to Parliament, Mr. Nattapong said the government’s earliest possible action would be to show sincerity. However, regarding the law that has exceeded the 60-day deadline, it is for MPs, the House of Representatives, the People’s Party, or other parties to initiate this process.He affirmed that theywould expedite the process as quickly as possible, adding that once the opposition whip committee is appointed, formal discussions will accelerate the process to submit proposals to Parliament promptly.
When asked if the People’s Party would use the opportunity on15 May to debate constitutional amendments, Mr. Nattapong replied there would be such a debate. On 15 May, several bills that the government has yet to return will be discussed. It will be an opportunity to question why many beneficial bills were rejected and not reconsidered after being stalled in the previous parliamentary session.When asked if the People’s Party would need to revise the constitutional draft, especially regarding the formula for drafting committee members and the unclear amendments in chapters one and two, Mr. Nattapong said discussions are ongoing but preferred to address details at a later opportunity.