Thailand to open new parliament on Saturday

Thailand will convene its newly elected parliament on March 14 following last month's general election, according to a Royal Gazette announcement published on Wednesday.

The decree, endorsed by King Maha Vajiralongkorn and countersigned by Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, calls the National Assembly to open an ordinary session beginning on March 14, which falls on Saturday.

Thailand held a general election on Feb 8, in which the Bhumjaithai Party, led by Anutin, secured 191 of the 500 seats in the House of Representatives. The People's Party won 120 seats, while the Pheu Thai Party took 74 seats.

Under Section 121 of the constitution, parliament must be convened within 15 days of the official announcement of the election results, marking the beginning of the first annual ordinary session.

The newly formed House of Representatives is expected to hold its first meeting on March 15 to elect a speaker and deputy speaker. The House is also likely to vote on a candidate for prime minister on March 19.

yangwanli@chinadaily.com.cn