New opposition leader takes the helm after party collapse

People’s Party leader Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut has officially taken on the role of opposition leader, following a royal command issued by His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn Phra Vajiraklaochaoyuhua.

This appointment, made on September 25, marks the beginning of a crucial chapter for Natthaphong and the People’s Party, as they step into the role of holding the government to account.

The royal command, which was countersigned by Parliament President Wan Muhamad Noor Matha, was published in the Royal Gazette on Tuesday, October 1, solidifying Natthaphong’s appointment as the opposition leader.

The statement referred to Article 106 of the Constitution, which empowers the king to appoint the leader of the largest opposition party once the prime minister delivers the government’s policy statement. PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra presented the government’s policies on September 12 and 13, paving the way for this appointment.

The People’s Party, which Natthaphong leads, was formed in the wake of the Move Forward Party’s dissolution on August 7. The Constitutional Court ruled that the now-defunct MFP had violated constitutional provisions by allegedly attempting to undermine the monarchy. Following the court’s decision, all MFP MPs joined the newly formed People’s Party, with Natthaphong taking the helm.

During the formal ceremony in Parliament, Natthaphong paid respects to the king’s portrait while receiving the royal command. Deputy House Speaker Paradorn Prissananthakul, representing the coalition leader Bhumjaithai Party, congratulated him with a bouquet. Though not all People’s Party MPs were present, many were on hand to offer their well-wishes to their new leader, reported The Nation.

In related news, the House of Representatives decisively rejected a bill aiming to liberalise Thailand’s alcohol industry, proposed by the opposition People’s Party. The bill, introduced by Taopiphop Limjittrakorn, was voted down with 237 votes against and 137 in favour.

In other news, the People’s Party called on the government to prioritise the rewrite of the 2017 constitution as an urgent policy. The PP expressed doubts about the promised changes, citing the minimal mention and low priority given to the charter rewrite in the government’s recent policy statement.