Prime Minister and Bhumjaithai Party leader Anutin Charnvirakul has instructed all party MPs to attend the royal opening of Parliament on March 14, while urging them to strictly follow ethical standards and legal requirements. The ceremony will formally open the new parliamentary session and will be followed by the first House sitting to elect the Speaker and deputy speakers.

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Anutin delivered the instruction during the first official seminar for the party’s 192 MPs at Chang International Circuit in Buri Ram. He said he had been informed of the schedule for the royal ceremony and asked members to attend in full force.

He explained that the first parliamentary session following the ceremony would focus on electing the House Speaker and deputy speakers. However, he noted that the wider process of forming a new government could still take some time.

The seminar was held under the slogan “Spoken and Done Plus” and brought together party executives and MPs. Chaichanok Chidchob, secretary-general of the Bhumjaithai Party, also attended the event alongside other senior party figures.

Anutin used the occasion to congratulate MPs and said the party was continuing to move in a positive direction. The meeting served as an opportunity to brief newly endorsed MPs on parliamentary procedures and responsibilities.

He reminded members that they had officially assumed MP status on March 4, when the Election Commission endorsed the election results. With their roles now confirmed, he stressed the need for strict compliance with parliamentary regulations and relevant laws.

The prime minister also warned MPs that ethical standards now carried significant weight in public life. He said even public suspicion of improper or unethical behaviour could lead to serious consequences, referring to guidance issued by the Constitutional Court.

Anutin urged MPs to treat ethical compliance as a constant principle to avoid jeopardising their positions. He said any breach could affect not only their status as MPs but also their eligibility for key roles such as committee posts, ministerial office and other appointments.

He also cautioned members to be careful about individuals close to them, particularly when appointing parliamentary assistants. Anutin warned against appointing anyone with a problematic background, saying attempts to resolve such issues later could attract even greater public scrutiny.

In addition, he told MPs to prepare carefully for the submission of asset and liability declarations. He urged them to study the relevant legal requirements thoroughly to ensure full compliance.

The Nation reported that the royal opening of Parliament on March 14 will mark the formal start of the new legislative session. The first House sitting after the ceremony is expected to elect the Speaker and deputy speakers, an important step before further progress is made in the formation of a new government.

Pictures courtesy of The Nation

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Adapted by ASEAN Now Nation 9 Mar 2026

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Anutin’s directive for all Bhumjaithai MPs to attend the royal opening is unsurprising, but a stronger message lies in his warning that "...ethical standards now carried significant weight in public life..."!

With the new parliament about to convene and scrutiny on MPs higher than ever, this emphasis hopefully reflects a positive shift in Thai politics.

Anutin’s directive is a far cry from the days when MPs joked that Yingluck’s rare appearances meant it must be payday, underscoring how ethical standards now carry significant weight in public life.

Whether this translates into consistent behaviour once legislative work begins remains to be seen. One can only hope it is something that the electorate watches closely.

I think it is not more than normal that the MP's are attending the ceremony. They are elected or appointed and so it is their job. If they are not willing to come they are not fitted for the job....