Leader of the Opposition (Thailand)

Leader of the Opposition in the House of Representatives
ผู้นำฝ่ายค้านในสภาผู้แทนราษฎร
Seal of the Parliament of Thailand
since 25 September 2024
National Assembly
StyleLeader of the Opposition
StatusLeader of the Opposition
Member ofHouse of Representatives
SeatSappaya-Sapasathan
NominatorSpeaker of the House of Representatives
AppointerThe Monarch
Term lengthWhile leader of the largest political party in the House of Representatives that is not in government
Constituting instrumentConstitution of Thailand
Inaugural holderSeni Pramoj
Formation22 March 1975; 49 years ago (1975-03-22)
Salary฿73,240 monthly[1]

The Leader of the Opposition in the House of Representatives (Thai: ผู้นำฝ่ายค้านในสภาผู้แทนราษฎร; RTGSPhu Nam Fai Khan Nai Sapha Phu Thaen 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.[2]

Following the Westminster style parliamentary system,[3] 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 Anti-Corruption Commission and members of the State Audit Commission.

  1. ^ https://www.senate.go.th/assets/portals/1/files/Decree%20emoluments_2555.pdf พระราชกฤษฎีกา เงินประจำตำแหน่งและประโยชน์ตอบแทนอย่างอื่นของประธานและรองประธานสภาผู้แทนราษฎร ประธานและรองประธานวุฒิสภา ผู้นำฝ่ายค้านในสภาผู้แทนราษฎร สมาชิกสภาผู้แทนราษฎร สมาชิกวุฒิสภา และกรรมาธิการ พ.ศ. ๒๕๕๕
  2. ^ ทำเนียบฝ่ายค้านในสภาผู้แทนราษฎร
  3. ^ ผู้นำฝ่ายค้านในสภาผู้แทนราษฎร