In a session of the lower house of parliament on Tuesday, Wan Muhamad Noor Matha, the former president of Thailand’s bicameral National Assembly, was elected as the new Speaker of the House of Representatives. With no opposition to his nomination, Wan Noor secured the position, marking a significant moment in the parliamentary proceedings.
The leader of the Move Forward Party, Pita Limjaroenrat, put forth Wan Noor’s name during the parliamentary session, which convened the newly elected 500-member lower house. In addition to the Speaker, the session aimed to elect the first deputy speaker and the second deputy speaker, positions of equal importance.
Addressing the parliament, Wan Noor, who also leads the Prachachat Party, emphasized his commitment to political neutrality. He stated his intention to abide by the instructions imparted by the king during the official opening of the new parliamentary session, which occurred the previous day.
According to the provisions outlined in the Thai constitution, the Speaker of the House assumes the presidency of the National Assembly. Following the royal endorsement of this position by the king, the newly appointed Speaker will convene a joint session of the parliament. This session will comprise the 500 members of the lower house and the 250 senators who make up the upper house, with the primary objective of electing a new prime minister.
Wan Muhamad Noor Matha, a seasoned politician at the age of 79, previously served as Thailand’s House speaker from 1996 to 2000. His illustrious career also includes heading various ministries, such as the interior ministry, transport ministry, and agriculture ministry, during previous governments.
As members of parliament exercised their voting rights in the capital city, Bangkok, the uncontested selection of Wan Muhamad Noor Matha as the new Speaker of the House of Representatives reflects the support and confidence bestowed upon him by his parliamentary colleagues. With his experience and leadership, Wan Noor assumes a crucial role in steering the course of Thai politics during these important times.
