Their Majesties the King and Queen, on 14 March 2026 at 17.17 hr, proceeded to the Parliament Building in Bangkok to preside over the formal opening of a new parliamentary session following the 8 February 2026 general election.

The state opening of Parliament is considered an important ceremony in Thailand’s parliamentary democracy under a constitutional monarchy. This system is often referred to as a “democratic system with the King as Head of State.” The opening ceremony is a longstanding tradition, serving as an announcement to the public that representatives of the people will assume their legislative duties.

In his brief royal address to members of parliament, His Majesty the King urged them to uphold righteousness and the public interest as the highest goal in performing their legislative duties on behalf of the people of the entire country. Deliberations in Parliament should proceed in accordance with the Constitution and produce outcomes that truly benefit the country and the people.

The opening of the new parliamentary session came after the Election Commission of Thailand had organized a general election for members of the House of Representatives on 8 February and announced the official results for both constituency MPs and party-list MPs on 4 March.

The Constitution of Thailand states that the King shall convene and open Parliament within 15 days of the announcement of the election results. Previously, Their Majesties the King and Queen presided over the opening of Parliament on 24 May 2019 and again on 3 July 2023. 

Thailand began to develop a democratic system of government in 1932 when the absolute monarchy was changed into a constitutional monarchy. As stated in all constitutions of Thailand and as a traditional practice, the King is in a position of reverence and shall not be violated. No person shall expose the King to any sort of accusation or action. And in the sphere of politics, the King does not take any political side.

The fact that the King upholds kingly virtues and serves as the wisdom leader makes Thailand’s democratic system with the King as Head of State a distinctive feature of Thai society. This has brought peace and happiness to the country as a whole.