Pheu Thai Party rubbishes rumours it wants its own speaker in the House
Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai on Friday made it clear that the Pheu Thai Party had no plan to claim the position of Speaker of the House of Representatives.
He was responding to recent rumours.
He emphasised that a decision regarding the speaker rests with the lower House and Parliament, not with any political party or government entity.
Acknowledging the speculation over the position of speaker, Phumtham praised incumbent Wan Muhamad Noor Matha's performance, highlighting his “honourable and neutral conduct” in carrying out his duties. He said the Pheu Thai Party had never held this position and hence there was no question of reclaiming it.
While discussions within the party have focused on ensuring the smooth functioning of Parliament, Phumtham said that deliberations regarding the position of speaker were beyond the purview of MPs.
He stressed that diligently fulfilling responsibilities within the House did not imply aspiring for the speaker or deputy speaker’s positions.
Responding to rumours that Minister of Public Health Dr Cholnan Srikaew and Defence Minister Suthin Klangsaeng may take over as the speaker and deputy speaker of the House, Phumtham replied promptly: "The meaning of working at the House, as mentioned by the prime minister, is to ensure that MPs attend meetings, perform legislative duties and propose laws, nothing more."
Phumtham called for an end to such speculation and rumours, saying there was need for stability and constructive engagement within the House.
Wan Muhamad Noor Matha currently serves as the speaker of the House of Representatives, having been accepted by House members unopposed. He previously led the Prachachart Party before resigning to become the speaker, while his party has nine representatives in the House.
