The King and Queen attended the state ceremony to open the parliamentary session, delivering a royal address urging senators and representatives to uphold justice and prioritize the welfare of the people as their highest goal.
14 March 2026 GMT+7 His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn Bodindradebayavarangkun and Her Majesty Queen Suthida Bajrasudhabimalalakshana They departed from Dusit Palace in the royal motorcade and proceeded to the Parliament Building at 17:17.
At 17:25, the King and Queen entered the ceremonial hall on the 11th floor of the Parliament Building. The royal anthem was played, with Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, who is also Minister of Interior, leading the Cabinet along with senators and representatives to pay respects. The official ceremony to open the parliamentary session.
The King stood before the royal throne and delivered the royal address: “Now that the election of members of the House of Representatives has concluded and the Parliament has been convened in the Buddhist Era 2569, I hereby officially open this parliamentary session. From this point forward, I urge all of you who will serve as the legislative representatives of the nation’s people to uphold justice and the welfare of the people as your highest goal. All deliberations held in this Parliament must proceed in accordance with the Constitution and achieve results that truly benefit the nation and its people. I wish for the Parliament’s proceedings to be orderly and for everyone to enjoy happiness and prosperity.”
The ceremony to open the parliamentary session is a significant tradition in Thailand’s democratic system with the King as head of state. It is an ancient custom symbolizing the announcement that a group of individuals will serve as representatives of the people in governing the country. As head of state, the King presides over the ceremony and delivers the royal address to open Parliament before members begin their duties, encouraging them to humbly and faithfully fulfill their responsibilities for the highest benefit of the people and the nation.
Additionally, reporters noted that on 15 March 2026, starting at 09:00, the 27th House of Representatives, 1st Year, 1st Session (Annual Ordinary Session No. 1) will convene, with the main agenda being the vote to elect the Speaker and Deputy Speakers of the House of Representatives.
(Photo from FacebookPhra Lan)