Sophan Insists on Neutrality, Denies Supporting Government Over 400-Billion-Baht Loan Decree
House Speaker Sophan Sararum denied accusations of favoring the government over a 400-billion-baht loan decree, insisting he has maintained neutrality by referring the matter to the Constitutional Court and following standard parliamentary
On May 25, 2569, at Buriram Province, Sophan Sararum, Speaker of the House of Representatives, addressed the opposition's call for the parliament speaker to remain neutral and use the parliamentary forum to scrutinize the government's issuance of the 400-billion-baht loan decree. He confirmed that he has already submitted the matter to the Constitutional Court for constitutional review in accordance with his official duties and denied claims of government favoritism.
Regarding the opposition's proposal for an urgent bill to establish a special investigative committee, Sophan clarified that this is not a matter of procedural urgency. He explained that when a bill is submitted to parliament, a committee chaired by a deputy speaker reviews whether it qualifies as an urgent matter. He stated he did not interfere in this process and followed the committee's determination that the opposition proposal is not an urgent bill, but rather a standard procedure.
Sophan noted that as speaker, he has a duty to seek cooperation from both the opposition and government. For work to be truly effective, both sides must negotiate with each other. When they reach a consensus, they inform the speaker of their agreement. However, if agreement is not reached, the speaker must direct the parliamentary committee to determine whether a bill is urgent or not. If determined to be a regular bill, it follows the standard legislative process. If the sides can negotiate successfully, the bill can be postponed. He expressed confidence that members understand these working procedures.
Sophan emphasized that parliamentary operations involve coordination according to each entity's defined roles and legal responsibilities. The speaker, opposition, and government each have specific duties to fulfill. He stated that no speaker would want parliamentary sessions to become chaotic—everyone wants smooth proceedings. For smooth operations, both sides must communicate with each other. If all parties cooperate this way, the work will proceed smoothly without confusing the public.
He added that in politics, if one wants to achieve results, one must pursue substantive outcomes. If the goal is merely optics, then only optics will be achieved. However, understanding that politicians need both appearance and substantive results, both elements must be attained to truly benefit the people.
