Thai Ruling Party Tightens Grip on Power With House Speaker Post

Thailand’s ruling party has wasted little time in translating its surprise election win into institutional control, tightening its grip on parliament and edging closer to forming a new government.

Newly elected lawmakers on Sunday selected Sophon Zaram, a senior figure in Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul’s Bhumjaithai Party, as speaker of the 500-member House of Representatives. Sophon received 289 votes, compared with the 123 for the opposition People’s Party candidate.