Politics
House Speaker Sopon Sarum Advocates for 'Doing Politics' Over 'Playing Politics'
House Speaker Sopon Sarum has publicly rejected the term 'playing politics,' urging a shift toward 'doing politics' while promoting literacy initiatives and a new health incentive for parliamentary staff.
On September 23, 2026, House Speaker Sopon Sarum addressed the media at the Thai Parliament regarding the 'Phan Waen Fa' project, an initiative designed to encourage creative writing that supports democratic values. During his remarks, Sopon emphasized a shift in the parliamentary image, focusing on both physical and mental readiness for public service.
Notably, the Speaker expressed a personal dislike for the common Thai phrase 'playing politics' (len kan mueang), suggesting that the term should be replaced with 'doing politics' (tham kan mueang) to reflect a more serious and professional commitment to governance. He linked this philosophy to his ongoing efforts to promote reading habits among the public, citing his own interest in literature as a personal inspiration.
In addition to his political commentary, Sopon announced a new health-focused initiative for parliamentary staff. He revealed that the Secretariat of the House of Representatives is developing a program to reward employees who achieve significant weight loss, promising a 'surprise' for those who show the most progress by the upcoming New Year. While the specific details of the rewards remain to be confirmed, the announcement highlights a push for a more active and health-conscious parliamentary workforce. For residents and visitors, these comments reflect the current leadership's focus on internal institutional reform and public engagement.