Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut, leader of the opposition People’s Party, will be nominated for prime minister in a parliamentary vote expected on March 19. (Bangkok Post file photo)The opposition People’s Party will nominate its leader, Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut, for prime minister in a parliamentary vote next week, but has declined to reveal its choice for House speaker for now. The decision to nominate candidates for the two positions was intended to reaffirm the People’s Party’s status as the largest opposition party, deputy spokeswoman Pukkamon Nunarnan told reporters on Friday. Under parliamentary rules, a contested House speaker vote is held by secret ballot, with all nominees required to present their visions. The government coalition led by the Bhumjaithai Party currently commands 290 seats in the House, while the opposition holds 209 seats, 120 of which belong to the People’s Party.

Source: Bangkok Post March 13, 2026 14:10 UTC