Legislator Challenges Parliament Speaker Over 122-Day Record
Bangkok legislator Phandil Nuamchim disputed Parliament Speaker Sophon Saram's claim of a record 122-day work achievement, noting that 10 of the 14 bills cited were government resubmissions rather than new legislation.
On July 16, 2025, Bangkok legislator Phandil Nuamchim of the People's Party challenged Parliament Speaker Sophon Saram's announcement of 122 days of work and passage of 14 bills—the highest in a decade—arguing that most were not newly originated legislation but government bills resubmitted for confirmation from the previous parliament. Of the 14 bills cited, 10 were government resubmissions and others originated from Senate referrals to joint committees, meaning they cannot be claimed as the speaker's personal achievements but rather reflect parliamentary votes.
Phandil further criticized other aspects of Sophon's tenure, including an expired Parliament building insurance contract requiring investigation, questions about why staff aerobic exercise sessions were conducted during work hours without staff consultation, and a 1-million-baht annual budget for the speaker's official vehicle that warrants scrutiny. He called for the speaker to cease self-promotion and ceremonial activities and return focus to core legislative functions.
Phandil also challenged Sophon's claim that critics harbor bias, asking whether the speaker examined his own pattern of selective attention—such as focusing drug-trafficking enforcement only in Buriram province or delaying opposition referrals to anti-corruption agencies. He pointed out that as Parliament speaker, Sophon has a duty to act as an impartial conduit for opposition petitions to relevant authorities, not to withhold them.
