Wichai defends Sophon over parliamentary committee circular dispute
Police Maj. Gen. Vichai Sankhapraipee defends House Speaker Sophon Sarum against Rangsiman Rome's allegations, blaming the Parliament Secretary-General for the circular.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
- Police Maj. Gen. Vichai defended Sophon Sarum over the committee circular controversy.
- He clarified that the Parliament Secretary-General is responsible for issuing the circular.
- He criticized Rangsiman Rome's move to summon the Speaker as unconstructive political maneuvering.
- He threatened potential legal action against those accusing the Speaker of being a subordinate's puppet.
On November 4, 2026, at 3:30 PM at the Parliament House, Police Maj. Gen. Vichai Sankhapraipee, serving as an advisor to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, addressed the media regarding an ongoing political dispute. The controversy arose after Mr. Rangsiman Rome, a party-list MP from the People's Party and chairman of the House Committee on Legal Affairs, Justice, and Human Rights, announced intentions to summon House Speaker Sophon Sarum to clarify a circular letter sent to all 35 committee chairpersons.
Police Maj. Gen. Vichai firmly rejected any involvement by the House Speaker in the matter, asserting that the Secretary-General of the House of Representatives was the actual originator of the document. The circular in question outlines guidelines stating that any formal invitation for government agencies or individuals to provide testimony must first receive official resolution and approval from the respective committee.
"This is overplaying politics because during the committee meeting, it was already discussed that the root cause should be addressed to the Secretary-General of the House of Representatives."
Police Maj. Gen. Vichai Sankhapraipee
The advisor to the House Speaker further criticized the opposition MP's public statements, describing them as excessive political games lacking constructive value. He emphasized that following a joint meeting among all 35 committee chairpersons, a clear resolution was reached instructing the Secretary-General to thoroughly review legal guidelines and regulations, thereby entirely separating the House Speaker from the administrative procedure.
Clash of administrative jurisdiction and legislative oversight in the Thai parliament frequently sparks tensions between the House leadership and standing committees. Circular letters regulating investigative procedures are often viewed by opposition lawmakers as restrictive measures, while the parliamentary leadership defends them as necessary procedural discipline. This friction highlights the delicate balance of authority within the legislative branch.
Addressing harsh criticisms directed at the House Speaker, Police Maj. Gen. Vichai expressed strong discontent, stating metaphorically that if the accusers were his own children, he would discipline them for alleging that the Speaker acts blindly under someone else's command. He also hinted that legal measures might be pursued to handle those who continue to level unfounded accusations against the leadership.
Source: Khaosod Politics
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