Palang Pracharath heavy eyes speaker's job

Palang Pracharath heavy eyes speaker's job

Palang Pracharath Party heavyweight Suchart Tancharoen holds two fingers up and says he is ready to become the House speaker after lengthy experience in parliament over many previous terms. (Photo by Weerawong Wongpreedee)
Palang Pracharath Party heavyweight Suchart Tancharoen holds two fingers up and says he is ready to become the House speaker after lengthy experience in parliament over many previous terms. (Photo by Weerawong Wongpreedee)

Amid reports that Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP) heavyweight Suchart Tancharoen could become a potential candidate for House speaker, the veteran politician has come out and said he is ready for the top parliamentary job if lawmakers place their trust in him.

The 61-year-old politician told the Bangkok Post that while some rumours also mention him being offered the job of energy minister, he hasn't spoken to anyone about it.

However, he noted that he would rather work in parliament rather than run the energy ministry.

A two-time deputy House speaker, Mr Suchart said he was aware of reports that his name had been floated for House speaker again.

"I have been an MP eight times, and I'm well-known by all parties which might have contributed to the rumour," he said.

"The future House speaker faces a tough job as the number of MPs representing rival political alliances will be close," Mr Suchart said. "In such circumstances, it is important the House speaker is able to control the environment in parliament."

"If my party places trust in me and MPs vote for me, I am ready to work in this position. There is no doubt about it," Mr Suchart said.

He added that he was not worried about the tough job that lies ahead.

"All MPs must know their duty and be ready to be governed by parliamentary rules," he said. "If everyone studies and respects the rules, there should be no problems."

"I am however a bit concerned about the new MPs, who are likely to account for more than half of the total lawmakers," Mr Suchart said. "They may need some time to get used to the parliament."

He went on to say that when the new legislators come into office, a new set of ethical rules must be drawn up, and these could be harsher.

The PPRP is likely to garner 118 MPs from the March 24 election, second only to Pheu Thai, which is likely to gain 136 MP seats.

The PPRP, which drew the biggest popular vote in the poll, insists it has the legitimacy to form the next government.

Mr Suchart was among key PPRP heavyweights who helped strengthen the party ahead of the poll which supports the return of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha as premier.

The political veteran reportedly took the so-called "Ban Rim Nam" faction of more than 40 former MPs with him to the PPRP.

Mr Suchart has strong connections with many political bigwigs from various parties, including Newin Chidchob, a well-known former politician in Buri Ram and Varathep Rattanakorn, another well-known ex-politician from Kamphaeng Phet.

During the campaign, Mr Suchart was in charge of poll campaigns in various provinces, such as Chachoengsao, Sa Kaeo, Samut Sakhon, Rayong, Mukdahan, Roi Et, Yasothon and Phuket.

He helped the PPRP gain more than 10 MPs and is now believed to be playing a key role in helping form the next government.

According to him, the number of MPs earned by the side that forms the next government will closely match those earned by its rival camp. The gap is likely to be only as small as 10 to 20 MPs.

The new government is likely to be backed by around 260 MPs out of 500.

"As far as I can see, the PPRP should be able to form the government," said Mr Suchart, who is the MP-elect for Chachoengsao.

"The party's leader and secretary-general expressed confidence they would be able to capture enough MPs which indicates they may have already talked with those wishing to work together."

Due to the small gap between the government and opposition, the future administration must make sure they can control MPs on its side, he said.

"If the MPs follow through on their duty, they must refrain from being dodgy, regularly attend parliamentary meetings and show responsibility, so that no problems arise," Mr Suchart said.

Based on his experience, some governments which gained 40-50 MPs more than the opposition could also tumble if they let their guard down.

"We know that problem can happen at any time. If we are careful, help each other and do our duty, we are likely to get through this situation," Mr Suchart said. "If we do well, we can stay for a four-year term."

He also said that parties would step up their efforts to seek alliances after the results of the poll are officially announced by the Election Commission on May 9.

Do you like the content of this article?
COMMENT (33)