THAILAND'S NEW PARLIAMENT TO CONVENE ON MARCH 14

By Kenny Teng Khoon Hock

BANGKOK, March 11 (Bernama) -- Thailand's new parliament will hold its opening ceremony on Saturday (March 14) following last month's general election, according to an announcement in the Royal Gazette on Wednesday.

The Royal Gazette published a royal command issued by King Maha Vajiralongkorn ordering parliament to convene from that date onwards.

"This day (March 14) is considered the start of the first ordinary annual parliamentary session. Under the authority of Sections 121, 122, and 175 of the Constitution of the Kingdom of Thailand, His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn has graciously issued the Royal Decree summoning parliament to convene from 14 March 2026," it stated.

Last Wednesday, the Election Commission officially endorsed 499 of the 500 parliamentary seats from the February general election, paving the way for the new House of Representatives to convene.

Thai local media reported that the EC has yet to endorse the Suphan Buri 2 seat due to alleged irregularities.

The certified results show that the Bhumjaithai Party secured 192 seats, followed by the People's Party with 120 seats, Pheu Thai with 74 seats, and Kla Tham with 58 seats.

Under Thai law, a new parliament must convene within 15 days of the certification of at least 475 seats, equivalent to 95 per cent of the total.

The House will first elect a Speaker and Deputy Speakers, after which members will vote to elect a Prime Minister, who will then proceed to form the new government.

-- BERNAMA