Bangkok, March 15 -- Sophon Saram of the Bhumjaithai Party on March 15 was elected Speaker of the House of Representatives, a position that also serves as President of Thailand's National Assembly, after defeating Parit Wacharasindhu of the People's Party in a secret ballot during the first sitting of the country's newly elected lower house.

In a secret ballot vote, Sophon received 289 votes to become the new speaker, compared to 123 votes for Parit, acting Speaker Pairoj Lohsunthorn announced. There were 80 abstentions and five spoiled ballots.

Following the royal ceremony to open Parliament on March 14, the House of Representatives on March 15 convened for the 27th House, first year, the first extraordinary session of the year.

The k...