Average Age of Speakers of the House Ranges from 50 to 70 Chai Chidchob Oldest Speaker – Roles and Selection Process

The roles and selection process of the Speaker include statistical data showing officeholders typically aged 50 to 70, with Chai Chidchob being the oldest. The positions of Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the House are among the highest in the legislative branch, with detailed duties, conditions for removal, and notable statistics.

Duties of the Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the House

The Speaker of the House of Representatives (who usually also serves as the Speaker of Parliament ex officio) has the following main responsibilities:

Presiding over meetings: managing sessions according to rules and maintaining order within the House.

Setting the agenda: reviewing matters to be brought before the House and ruling on various motions.

Representing the House: acting as the Parliament's representative in external affairs and in dealings with other government agencies.

Prime Minister appointment process: presenting the name of the candidate approved by the House to the monarch for royal assent and receiving the royal command.

Deputy Speaker of the House:

Assists the Speaker in duties as assigned by the Speaker.

Acts on behalf of the Speaker when the Speaker is absent or unable to perform duties.

Conditions for term completion or removal from office

The terms of the Speaker and Deputy Speaker end when:

The House of Representatives' term expires: usually set at four years from the election date.

The House is dissolved: immediately terminating the membership of all MPs, which also ends the Speaker's term.

Resignation: by submitting a resignation letter to the Speaker (or to the Deputy Speaker if the Speaker resigns).

Disqualification: such as loss of MP status, appointment as a minister, or holding another political office.

Death in office.

Statistics on Speakers of the Thai House of Representatives

Number of Speakers: since 1932 (B.E. 2475), Thailand has had a total of 32 Speakers of the House. Age of officeholders:

Mostly: typically aged between 50 and 70, reflecting seniority and extensive political experience.

Youngest at appointment: Uthai Pimjaichon, who first assumed office at age 36.

Oldest at appointment: Chai Chidchob, who assumed office at age 79, as did Wan Muhamad Noor Matha during his second term at age 79.

Note: For the first meeting to elect the Speaker, if no permanent Speaker has been chosen, the eldest member (highest seniority) serves as the "temporary Speaker."

Summary table