Bangkok: Nattapong Ruangpanyawut has officially been appointed as the Leader of the Opposition in the House of Representatives through a royal decree.
According to Thai News Agency, the Secretariat of the House of Representatives arranged a ceremony to mark the receipt of the Royal Decree. This decree appointed Mr. Nattapong Ruangpanyawut, a Member of Parliament via the List System and the leader of the People's Party, as the 12th Leader of the Opposition in the House of Representatives.
The Secretary-General of the House of Representatives was present to invite the reading of the Royal Decree. The decree, issued by His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn Phra Vajiraklao Chao Khun, followed the assumption of power by Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and his Cabinet, after they presented their policy statement to Parliament on April 9-10, 2026. Mr. Nattapong, leading the People's Party, which holds the largest number of seats in the House of Representatives without ministerial positions or roles as Speaker or Deputy Speaker of the House, was appointed by His Majesty.
The appointment was made under the authority of Section 106 of the Constitution of the Kingdom of Thailand, effective immediately. The announcement was made on May 8, 2026, the 11th year of the current reign, with the decree being countersigned by Sophon Saram, Speaker of the House of Representatives. Following this, Mr. Nattapong paid respects to the portrait of His Majesty the King, concluding the ceremony.