The Speaker of the House of Representatives of Thailand (Thai: ประธานสภาผู้แทนราษฎร, RTGS: Prathan Sapha Phuthaen Ratsadon, pronounced [prā.tʰāːn sā.pʰāː pʰûː.tʰɛ̄ːn râːt.sā.dɔ̄ːn]) is the presiding officer of the lower chamber of the National Assembly of Thailand. The Speaker of the House of Representatives is also the ex officio President of the National Assembly of Thailand. The Speaker of the House of Representatives is 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.[2][3]
The office of the Speaker 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 Chaophraya Thammasakmontri (Sanan Thephasadin na Ayutthaya).[4]
The Speaker is entrusted with certain 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.[5]
His duties include: