BANGKOK, THAILAND – King Maha Vajiralongkorn formally opened Thailand’s new parliament on 14 March, marking the official start of the process to form the next government.
State ceremony at the parliament complex
The state ceremony to open parliament took place on 14 March at the parliamentary complex on Samsen Road in Bangkok’s Dusit district. The event underscored the institutional transition following the completion of elections for members of the House of Representatives.
King Maha Vajiralongkorn and Queen Suthida arrived at 5:17 p.m. in a royal motorcade before the ceremony began in the state hall on the 11th floor. The timing and protocol highlighted the formal nature of the inauguration of the new legislative term.
Who welcomed the king
In the reception line stood Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul in his dual role as head of government and interior minister, alongside Senate Speaker Mongkol Surasajja, who acted as presiding officer of parliament. Their presence signaled continuity in executive and legislative leadership during the transition.
Senior figures from the administration and parliament also attended, including Siroj Paetpan, secretary-general of the House of Representatives, as well as other leading officials from both chambers. The line-up reflected the full spectrum of the country’s top political officeholders.
Royal address with a clear message
After entering to the Royal Anthem, King Maha Vajiralongkorn declared the parliament open and noted that the election of members of the House had been completed. His announcement formally activated the new legislative term and cleared the way for government formation.
In his address, the monarch urged lawmakers to adhere to ethical standards and public interest in their work.
“Legislation must be guided by righteousness and the well-being of the people, and deliberations must take place strictly within the framework of the constitution.”
said Maha Vajiralongkorn, King of Thailand.
Political and international figures in attendance
Inside the hall, members of the House of Representatives and the Senate sat alongside members of the Privy Council and the government. Judicial leaders also attended, including the presidents of the Supreme Court, the Constitutional Court and the Administrative Court.
Representatives of foreign missions in Bangkok were present as well, adding international weight to the opening of the new parliament. Their attendance underlined external interest in Thailand’s political direction at a time of global tension.
First major test on 15 March
The House of Representatives was scheduled to convene for its first meeting on 15 March to elect the Speaker and two deputies. These votes were set to be the chamber’s first key decisions of the new term.
These positions were described as more than procedural matters, as the Speaker chairs debates and controls the agenda. The office thereby plays a decisive role in setting the pace of forthcoming legislative decisions.
Anutin poised to return as prime minister
Following the election of the parliamentary leadership, a vote on the prime minister was expected. Based on the current majority, Anutin Charnvirakul was seen as having strong prospects for reappointment.
He was reported to be backed by a coalition led by the Bhumjaithai Party, which currently comprises 291 members of parliament. With this numerical advantage, a decision on the premiership appeared possible before the end of March.
Cabinet in April, policy statement in May
After the prime ministerial vote, the formation of a new cabinet was anticipated. According to current plans, this process was to be completed in April, followed by a swearing-in ceremony before the king.
In the next step, the new government would be required to present a policy statement to parliament. This declaration, expected in May, was to set out priorities and the legislative agenda for the coming period.
Global tensions overshadow new start
The political reset came during a period of heightened international uncertainty. Official assessments said this environment was shaped in part by the war in the Middle East, which broke out on 28 February.
As a result, the new leadership faced pressure not only on domestic reforms but also on foreign and economic policy. It would need to factor in the consequences of an increasingly tense global situation while advancing its national program.