New Speaker of the Senate of Thailand Pornpetch Wichitcholchai (Photo: AFP/VNA)Bangkok (VNA) – Former President ofThailand’s National Legislative Assembly (NLA) Pornpetch Wichitcholchai onMay 24 was elected as the new Speaker of the Senate with a five-year tenure.
The same day, Singsuek Singphrai, a formermember of the NLA, and Supphachai Somcharoen, a former member of the ElectionCommission, were voted as Deputy Speakers of the Senate.
Their appointments will become official oncethey are endorsed by Thai King Maha Vajiralongkorn.
Pornpetch said after the selection that theNLA under his leadership had passed more than 500 laws and all were legitimate.He also stressed the need for the Senate to collaborate with the elected Houseof Representatives.
Thailand’s National Assembly includes theHouse of Representatives and the Senate. The House of Representatives comprises500 seats with a four-year tenure.
On May 14, the Royal Gazette released the list of 250 senators approvedby the royal family.
The King and Queen ofThailand on May 24 presided over the opening ceremony of the new parliament afterthe March 24 election. It was the first parliament meeting of Thailand in fiveyears.
In his opening remarks, King Maha Vajiralongkorncalled on all parliamentarians to perform the best of their duty withresponsibility for the benefits of the public and the country in order to moveThailand forward.
The first meeting of the House ofRepresentatives will be held on May 25 to choose the speaker and vice speakers.
All the senators will vote along with thosefrom the House of Representatives to select a new Prime Minister. The new PMmust garner a minimum of 376 out of 750 votes in the parliament meeting.–VNA
VNA
