Phasarin Ramwong criticized Sophon Sarum for monopolizing Thailand's representative quota in the ASEAN parliamentary forum, excluding any opposition members from participating. The delegation list includes only allies and government officials, even though all have gone through the electoral process.
On 4 November 2026, Phasarin Ramwong, a Bangkok MP from the Prachachon Party, commented on the selection and appointment of Thailand’s parliamentary delegation for the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA) meeting scheduled from 16 to 22 November 2026 in the Philippines. She said Sophon Sarum, Speaker of the Parliament, not only attempts to diminish the power of the House Standing Committee Chair but also exhibits behavior that obstructs and blocks cooperation on the regional parliamentary stage.
Phasarin noted that at last year’s AIPA meeting, Rangsiman Rome and representatives from the Prachachon Party fully performed their duties as Thailand’s parliamentary delegates, especially by clarifying and responding to disputes with Cambodian representatives regarding conflicts and struggles along the border. This demonstrated that having diverse delegates traveling together can effectively safeguard the country’s highest interests, in line with established customs and principles. Thailand’s parliamentary delegation to international meetings must include members from the opposition, government, and the Senate to collaboratively drive work at the international level. Regardless of party affiliation, all members represent the Thai people through democratic elections.
However, for this year’s AIPA preparation, why has the Speaker failed to appoint any opposition parliamentarians to represent the country, including only names of government allies and supporters?
This year’s ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly is held under the theme “Parliament Securing a Peaceful, Prosperous, and People-Centered ASEAN,” addressing highly important and beneficial topics for the region’s people. These include combating call center and scam gangs, resolving cross-border pollution and toxic smoke, responding to threats from chemical and toxic contaminants in major rivers, as well as tackling child violence and human trafficking—urgent issues directly affecting the quality of life of Thai citizens and ASEAN peoples.
Phasarin pointed out that delays and the Speaker’s lack of inclusiveness raise questions about whether regional forums are being used for political games. This has caused important draft resolutions Thailand should have presented and promoted to miss the meeting agenda deadline. Whether this resulted from intentional obstruction or neglect, the clear outcome today is that Thailand loses its rights and the problems affecting its people are not addressed on the international stage.
Phasarin concluded that ASEAN regional forums are not private spaces for arbitrary power use or quota allocation solely to one’s allies. The House of Representatives does not consist only of ruling parties, and such monopolizing actions neglect the nation’s interests and deny opportunities to the people.