HM the King opens first parliament since 2014 coupBy AFPHM King Maha Vajiralongkorn opened parliament Friday five years after a 2014 coup, stressing the importance of "national security" and "people's well-being" as the junta moves within striking distance of cementing its grip on power. But the junta-linked Palang Pracharat won 115 seats in the lower house, only 11 votes shy of a majority in the combined parliament thanks to 250 military-appointed senators. Votes for House Speakers are set for Saturday while the vote for prime minister could happen as early as next week. That bloc includes Pheu Thai, which won 136 seats and is associated with self-exiled former premier Thaksin Shinawatra. A total of 27 parties also gained seats in parliament.

Source: The Nation Bangkok May 24, 2019 10:41 UTC