Leader of the Opposition (Thailand)

The Leader of the Opposition in the House of Representatives (Thai: ผู้นำฝ่ายค้านในสภาผู้แทนราษฎร; RTGS: Phu Nam Fai Khan Nai Sapha Phuthaen Ratsadon), more commonly described as the Leader of the Opposition, is the politician in the politics of Thailand who leads the main minority party in the House of Representatives. The Leader of the Opposition is the leader of the largest political party in the House of Representatives that is not in government and including of speaker or deputy speaker of the House of Representatives.^[2]

StyleLeader of the Opposition

StatusLeader of the Opposition

MemberofHouse of Representatives

SeatSappaya-Sapasathan

Quick facts Style, Status ...

Leader of the Opposition in the House of Representatives
ผู้นำฝ่ายค้านในสภาผู้แทนราษฎร
Seal of the Parliament of Thailand
Incumbent Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut since 25 September 2024
National Assembly
Style	Leader of the Opposition
Status	Leader of the Opposition
Member of	House of Representatives
Seat	Sappaya-Sapasathan
Nominator	Speaker of the House of Representatives
Appointer	Monarch by royal command
Term length	While leader of the largest political party in the House of Representatives that is not in government, including speaker or deputy speaker of the House of Representatives and according to the term of the House of Representatives
Constituting instrument	Constitution of Thailand
Inaugural holder	Seni Pramoj
Formation	22 March 1975; 51 years ago (1975-03-22)
Salary	฿73,240 monthly[1]

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Following the Westminster-style parliamentary system,^[3] Thailand has had an official Leader of the Opposition since 1975. Under the 2017 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 the member of the party do not hold the position of speaker or deputy speaker of the House of Representatives. The appointment will then be formalized by the King.

The Leader of the Opposition also an ex-officio member of several selection committees for: Constitutional Court Judges, Election Commissioners, Ombudsmen and commissioners of the National Anti-Corruption Commission and members of the State Audit Commission.