Thailand's National Legislative Assembly opens

BANGKOK, Oct 20 (TNA) - Reflecting the wisdom of his Royal father, Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn Friday evening officially opened Thailand's National Legislative Assembly, delivering an admonishment that the country's stability rests on their performance, that country and king look to the new body to resolve the national political stalemate.

In a ceremony which lasted only five minutes at the Anantha Samakhom Throne Hall , the Crown Prince representing his father King Bhumibol Adulyadej said "If all of you perform your duty properly, the country will be stabilised, and the people will be happy. But if you work poorly, the country and the people will suffer."

Delivering a brief message reflecting the seriousness of the problems facing the country, the Crown Prince said "I would like to ask all of you to perform your duties with honesty and integrity and to complete your task for the sake of national prosperity."

Following the royal inaugural ceremony, Thailand's newly-appointed National Legislative Assembly on Friday officially and symbolically began to function as the Kingdom's interim parliament.

The Royal Decree countersigned by Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont inaugurated the 242-member new legislative body eight days after His Majesty the King endorsed its membership on October 12.

The assembly members were selected by the Council for National Security (CNS), the body derived from the now-defunct Council for Democratic Reform formed by the September 19 military coup leaders.

The assembly is scheduled to hold its first session on October 24 with the main item on the agenda being the selection of the assembly president.

Under the interim charter, the assembly is mandated to serve as both the House of
Representatives and the Senate. It functions as a parliamentary body but while NLA members can submit a motion to question cabinet members, the ministers have the right to refuse to answer. The legislators cannot pass a vote of confidence or no-confidence.

The 242 members appointed include persons from all walks of life--various professions such as politicians, academics, retired and serving civil servants, representatives from Muslim organisations in the far South, civic group members and media professionals.

Some critics have labelled it "the Chamber of Generals" as the largest single group--35 persons, or 14 per cent--are military officers.

TNA

HRH the Crown Prince addresses National Legislative Assembly members in the Ananda Samakhom Throne Hall yesterday.