Leader of the Opposition (Thailand)

The Leader of the Opposition (Thai: ผู้นำฝ่ายค้านในสภาผู้แทนราษฎร; rtgs: Phu Nam Fai Khan Nai Sapha Phu Thaen Ratsadon) is the politician in the politics of Thailand who leads the main minority party in the House of Representatives. Following the Westminster style parliamentary system, Thailand has had an official Leader of the Opposition since 1975. Under the 2007 Constitution the Leader of the Opposition was given an official role within the Thai political system. The constitution stipulates that the Leader of the Opposition must be selected after the Prime Minister and the Cabinet has taken office.

To be nominated as candidate one must be the leader of the largest political party with no member holding any ministerial positions and if his or her party holds more or one-fifth (96 seats) of the seats in the House (480 seats). If no candidate meets this qualification then a leader of a minority party with the largest number of votes from parties with no members holding ministerial positions will be selected. The appointment will then be formalized by the King.

The Leader of the Opposition also has other roles apart from leading the Shadow Cabinet, he is also an ex-officio member of several selection committees for: Constitutional Court Judges, Election Commissioners, Ombudsmen and commissioners of the National Counter Corruption Commission and members of the State Audit Commission.