The House of Representatives has delayed the appointment of a new first deputy speaker to replace former MP Padipat Suntiphada. This decision was made because the Bhumjaithai Party has not yet submitted the name of its candidate to the government whip, causing a postponement in the selection process. Chief government whip Wisut Chainaroon stated that without a candidate from the Bhumjaithai Party, the matter cannot be placed on the House business agenda.
It was initially planned to finalize the selection this week, but due to the lack of a nominated candidate, the process has been delayed. Bhumjaithai, as the coalition’s second biggest party, is expected to nominate its deputy leader and MP for Ang Thong, Paradorn Prissanananthakul, for the position. However, until the candidate’s name is officially submitted, the selection process cannot move forward.
There were speculations that the postponement was due to disagreements between the Pheu Thai Party and Bhumjaithai over the matter. However, Mr. Wisut denied these rumors and stated that the opposition parties can also nominate a candidate, even though they are likely to lose. Pheu Thai secretary-general Sorawong Thienthong confirmed that the current second deputy speaker, Pichet Chuamuangphan, will remain in his position, and the first deputy’s job belongs to the Bhumjaithai Party.
House Speaker Wan Muhamad Noor Matha, a former Prachachat Party leader, was chosen to resolve the deadlock between Pheu Thai and the now-dissolved Move Forward Party during the formation of the government last year. Bhumjaithai leader Anutin Charnvirakul emphasized that the vacant post is a matter for the House of Representatives to decide, not the government.
Overall, the delay in appointing a new first deputy speaker is due to the lack of a nominated candidate from the Bhumjaithai Party. The selection process will proceed once the candidate’s name is officially submitted, allowing the House to move forward with its agenda.