January 21, 2008
BANGKOK - Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn officially opened parliament Monday where an elected legislature will sit for the first time since a military coup ousted Thaksin Shinawatra in September 2006.
This is to restore confidence in an economy bashed by instability and a series of policy blunders by the previous junta-appointed government, according to AFP.
It took weeks of tense negotiation for the PPP which won 233 of the 480 seats up for grabs in December's election to draw five smaller parties into its government.
Analysts and local press predict battles between the parties, which share 315 seats, and also with the military which is keen to maintain its influence.
A lot of bargaining is expected as many parties have their eye on the best ministries.
Rumor has it that former army chief General Prawit Wongsuwan will take the post of Defence Minister while Surapong Suebwonglee, secretary general of the PPP, will become Finance Minister.
On Friday, parties will nominate and vote for the 25th prime minister.
Cabinet posts will be settled after the prime minister is appointed, while Senate nominations and elections are due in early March.
The new lower house will replace the 242-member National Legislative Assembly.
Democrat Party decided to nominate Banyat Bantadtan and Khunying Kalaya Soponpannitch to compete for the post of House Speaker and Deputy House Speaker respectively.
