Opposition MP Criticizes House Speaker Over AIPA Delegation Selection
People's Party MP Passarin Ramwong has accused House Speaker Sophon Sarum of excluding opposition members from the upcoming AIPA assembly delegation.
On November 4, 2026, Passarin Ramwong, a Bangkok MP from the People's Party, publicly criticized House Speaker Sophon Sarum regarding the selection process for the Thai parliamentary delegation to the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA). The assembly is scheduled to take place in the Philippines from November 16 to 22, 2026. Passarin alleged that the Speaker is monopolizing the delegation slots and intentionally blocking opposition members from participating in the regional forum. According to the report from Khaosod Online, Passarin argued that the AIPA is not a private space for the Speaker to exercise arbitrary authority. She highlighted that in the previous year, People's Party representatives, including Rangsiman Rome, played a crucial role in defending national interests during debates with Cambodian representatives regarding border conflicts. She suggested that a diverse delegation is essential for effectively representing Thailand's interests on the international stage. For residents and travelers, this dispute highlights ongoing tensions within the Thai legislative branch regarding diplomatic representation. While the political friction is significant, it does not directly impact daily life or travel logistics. It remains to be confirmed how the final delegation list will be finalized and whether the Speaker will address these allegations of exclusion before the assembly begins.
