Nattaphong Pledges to Recruit Independent Organizations Free from Influence, Accelerates Constitutional Amendment Following Public Referendum
Newly appointed opposition leader Nattaphong Rueangpanyawut committed to ensuring independent agencies are recruited without political interference and vowed to accelerate constitutional amendments according to public referendum results. He also pledged to pressure the government on overdue legislation and announced plans to use parliament's May 15 session to push for swift constitutional reform.
At 9:15 AM on May 14, 2025, Nattaphong Rueangpanyawut, list MP and Pheu Thai Party leader, made a statement after receiving his official appointment as opposition leader in parliament. He thanked all parliamentary members, administrators, staff, and media present at the ceremony.
As opposition leader, Nattaphong pledged to the public and media that he would fulfill his duties with a strong sense of parliamentary representation and serve as the people's advocate. He committed to providing recommendations and checks on the executive branch honestly, prioritizing the public interest.
He promised that independent agency recruitment committees would operate free from any external influence or interference. Nattaphong stated he would urgently establish a coordination committee for coalition opposition parties to complete parliament's composition.
He urged parliament and parliamentary members to accelerate the new constitution drafting process according to the public's intent, as expressed in the February 8, 2025 referendum.
When asked when the constitutional amendment draft would be submitted to parliament, Nattaphong said the government's fastest action would be demonstrating good faith. However, regarding laws overdue by 60 days, parliament itself—through Pheu Thai or other parties—would initiate the process and push for rapid submission.
He confirmed that at parliament's May 15 session, Pheu Thai would raise the constitutional amendment issue and question the government on other beneficial laws that remain unsubmitted despite being left from the previous parliament.
Regarding potential revisions to the new constitution draft, particularly the drafting committee formula and unclear sections, Nattaphong indicated discussions were ongoing but deferred further details.