House Speaker Advisor Lashes Out at Committee Chair Over Letters

Deputy Speaker Pong Sophon denies involvement in the controversy over circular letters sent to committee chairs, blaming the House Secretary-General as the source. He warns that if he were a younger relative he would "slap their mouth" for calling the speaker a lackey, and suggests legal action may follow.

At 3:30 p.m. on November 4, 2026, at Parliament, Pol.Lt.Gen. Wichai Sangprai, advisor to the House Speaker, addressed the case where Rangsiman Rome, party-list MP for the People's Party and chair of the Committee on Law, Justice and Human Rights, plans to summon Speaker Sophon Sarum to explain the dispatch of circular letters to all 35 committee chairs.

Wichai said this is political grandstanding because the committees had already met and agreed the real issue lies with the House Secretary-General, who issued the circular letters. He emphasized that the procedure for summoning agencies or individuals requires a committee resolution, noting the Secretary-General is the originator. After a meeting of all 35 committee chairs, a resolution was passed to have the Secretary-General study legal approaches and regulations, deeming it unrelated to the Speaker. Thus, the public statements are excessive political play and unconstructive. He questioned whether summoning the Speaker constitutes an honor, and if the Speaker cannot attend due to official duties, would that be seen as non-cooperation.

Asked if Sophon confirms he will not attend, Wichai said he does not know but speaks on principle; attendance is the Speaker's decision. Since the matter originates from the Secretary-General, what would Sophon be explaining?

Asked if this should have been discussed privately first, Wichai said the Speaker has repeatedly stated democracy's heart is negotiation; if negotiation fails, vote; if voted, follow the law. Therefore, one must examine the cause before accusing the Speaker. As advisor, he is unhappy with such public statements.

Asked if concerned the opposition might petition oversight bodies for dereliction of duty, Wichai retorted to the press: "Dereliction, is it? If an investigation finds no dereliction, will you take responsibility? If it were me, if I acted correctly I would fight back on everything."

Asked about yesterday's (Nov 3) rhetoric that the Speaker appears to be a lackey, Wichai said he does not know who said it, questioning the speaker's maturity. "You are an honorable MP with senior qualifications; speaking this way, what will youth think? The word 'lackey' is deeply insulting and disrespectful. In ancient times, such disrespect to elders was punishable. When the Speaker acts on legal matters, you accuse the elder of bullying the young, but in reality the youth is more aggressive. In the old days, a child or grandchild would get a slap on the mouth."

Asked if Sophon has consulted about countersuing, Wichai said as Speaker he must use the law; the nation's peace must end with law. He believes Sophon will proceed legally. Whether he will countersue is unknown, but if consulted, he would advise suing.

Asked if the opposition's moves beyond discrediting are paving the way for a no-confidence debate, Wichai only said: "Don't know, don't know their hearts."