Opposition Accuses House Speaker of Excluding Them from AIPA Delegation
Opposition MPs clashed with House Speaker Wan Muhamad Noor Matha over Thailand's delegation to the AIPA meeting in Manila, alleging they were excluded and that Thailand missed a deadline to submit proposals due to the Speaker's refusal to convene a joint parliamentary sitting. The Speaker defended the small delegation as necessary and denied bias, stating a joint sitting requires agreement between House and Senate whips.
At 10:30 a.m. on November 11, 2026, during a House of Representatives session chaired by Speaker Wan Muhamad Noor Matha, Democrat Party list MP and Deputy Leader Isara Sunthornwat raised the appointment of the Thai parliamentary delegation for the upcoming AIPA meeting in Manila, Philippines. No opposition party representatives were included in the delegation.
The Speaker explained only one person was attending this time, in line with necessary travel restrictions for a small delegation, and that he himself was going due to the importance of the meeting, joined by MPs from Bhumjaithai and Pheu Thai parties. He stressed the need for teamwork given Thailand's ongoing disputes with neighboring countries.
Isara countered that the named opposition MP was not part of the opposition whip coordination team. He noted his own experience as AIPA Secretary-General ten years ago, suggesting his expertise could benefit the delegation. The Speaker acknowledged Isara's capability and said he might be invited next time, adding the delegation list had been submitted long ago.
Prachachon Party Chiang Mai MP Phattharaphong Liraphat then demanded clarification on coordination with opposition parties, stating Prachachon had never been informed. He noted the AIPA meeting requires an ASEAN Parliamentary Executive Committee from the Thai Parliament, but none was formed because the Speaker refused to convene a joint sitting of both houses. This caused Thailand to miss the October 7 deadline to submit proposals on current Thai issues for the AIPA agenda.
"I'm confident the Speaker and Parliament officials knew this well but let the deadline pass with no Thai proposals," Phattharaphong said. "I fear the Speaker's legislative management may cost Thailand opportunities and harm the people due to his lack of neutrality."
The Speaker immediately retorted, "You're accusing me again of not being neutral," and clarified that a joint sitting awaits legislation from the public. He denied stalling, saying no agreement exists between the House and Senate whips on a meeting date. Once they agree, the committee can be formed. He dismissed concerns about the delegation's competence as speculation, urging critics to wait and see if the delegation upholds national dignity.
Phattharaphong replied he never questioned the delegation's competence, but noted the Speaker had not answered his core question about...
