Lawmaker Rates Parliament Speaker's 3-Month Tenure a Failure

At 9:50 a.m. on July 13, 2025, Democrat MP for Bangkok Thae Phiphop Limjitrakul assessed the performance of Parliament Speaker Sophon Sararum after three months in the role. Thae Phiphop said that while the speaker may work hard, Parliament should function as the nation's legislative factory, with budgets tied to improved lawmaking, not merely ceremonial activities like flag honors. He questioned whether procedures had genuinely accelerated or parliamentary efficiency improved.

Thae Phiphop called for a more transparent Parliament designed for the public, not just dressed up in fine words about institutional ethics. He noted that many areas of Parliament remain closed to the public, preventing citizens from accessing their representatives. "If I grade this objectively, it's a failing mark," he said. "We've passed very few laws, used committee processes minimally, and some committees lack live broadcasts. Where is the transparency? Where is public participation?"

He stated the opposition is ready to work competitively and that the party seeks structural solutions through legislative reform, not piecemeal fixes. On the speaker's neutrality, Thae Phiphop acknowledged that true neutrality is difficult, as everyone has some bias, but praised former Speaker Chuan Leekpai for setting clear principles and opening space for differing views.

Thae Phiphop criticized the censoring of parliamentary speech as "the lowest point in principle." He urged the speaker to open the floor to all speakers, as scrutiny actually elevates the government by strengthening it through accountability. "Don't view the opposition as rivals," he concluded. "Everyone has a duty. Give everyone the chance to perform it."