Appointer King of Thailand | Formation 28 June 1932 | |
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Style Mr. President or Mr. Speaker Inaugural holder Chao Phraya Thammasakmontri | ||
The President of the National Assembly (Thai: ประธานรัฐสภาไทย) is the presiding officer (speaker) of the National Assembly of Thailand. Since 1997, the office has been an ex officio position occupied by the Speaker of the House of Representatives of Thailand (Thai: ประธานสภาผู้แทนราษฎร). The President is therefore an MP, usually from the majority party in the House of Representatives. The Speaker or the President is elected at the beginning of a House session immediately after an election, there are no term limits for the office. The current incumbent is Somsak Kiatsuranont of the Pheu Thai Party who took office on 3 August 2011, succeeding Chai Chidchob
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The office of the President of the National Assembly was first established in 1932, with the establishment of the first legislature of Thailand. The office of the President of the People's Assembly of Siam was first occupied by Chao Phraya Thammasakmontri (Sanan Thephasadin na Ayutthaya).
As President
The President of the National Assembly, apart from being the presiding officer of the National Assembly whenever there is a joint-sitting, is also the chief representative and leader of the legislative branch in Thailand. In the 2007 constitution the President of the National Assembly is given many powers. The President is assisted by the Vice President of the National Assembly, another ex officio position occupied by the President of the Senate.
As Speaker
The Speaker of the House of Representatives is the chief presiding officer of the House of Representatives. The Speaker is also entrusted with some legislative powers, as it is his main role to ensure all the legislative process is followed. The Speaker is assisted by two Deputy Speakers. The Speaker must act impartially on all matters and therefore cannot be a member of an executive committee of a political party, this also apply to his deputies.
List of presidents
Note: According to the 2007 Constitution of Thailand the office of President of the National Assembly of Thailand is held as an ex officio position by the Speaker of the House of Representatives. However throughout Thailand's long constitutional history this has not always been the case, at certain times the office of 'President' of the legislature was sometimes held by the presiding officer of the upper house or that of a unicameral chamber.