Leader of the Opposition (Thailand)

The Leader of the Opposition in the House of Representatives (Thai: ผู้นำฝ่ายค้านในสภาผู้แทนราษฎร; RTGS: Phu Nam Fai Khan Nai Sapha Phu Thaen Ratsadon), more commonly described as the Leader of the Opposition, is the politician in the politics of Thailand who leads the main minority party in the House of Representatives. The Leader of the Opposition is the leader of the largest political party in the House of Representatives that is not in government and the member of the party do not hold the position of speaker or deputy speaker of the House of Representatives.

Following the Westminster-style parliamentary system, Thailand has had an official Leader of the Opposition since 1975. Under the 2017 Constitution the Leader of the Opposition was given an official role within the Thai political system. The constitution stipulates that the Leader of the Opposition must be selected after the Prime Minister and the Cabinet has taken office.

To be nominated as candidate one must be the leader of the largest political party with no member holding any ministerial positions and the member of the party do not hold the position of speaker or deputy speaker of the House of Representatives. The appointment will then be formalized by the King.

The Leader of the Opposition also an ex-officio member of several selection committees for: Constitutional Court Judges, Election Commissioners, Ombudsmen and commissioners of the National Anti-Corruption Commission and members of the State Audit Commission.