Parliament will convene on May 22 -- the fifth anniversary of the 2014 military coup -- now that 498 MPs and all 250 senators have been officially announced.
However, His Majesty the King is scheduled to officially open parliament on May 24 at a venue to be disclosed later, according to Deputy Prime Minister Wissanu Krea-ngam.
On May 25, the House of Representatives and Senate will pick their respective speakers, Mr Wissanu added.
The Royal Gazette yesterday published the royal decree dated Sunday and countersigned by Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha.
It referred to the March 24 election and Section 121 of the constitution, which required parliament to convene within 15 days after the Election Commission's announcement of the election results.
Gen Prayut yesterday distanced himself from the Palang Pracharath Party's (PPRP) attempt to form a coalition government and produce a cabinet line-up amid reports that at least two of his close associates would be given cabinet positions.
Gen Prayut, who is the PPRP's sole prime ministerial candidate, said political parties are working on the government formation issue, and as long as parliament has not convened and he is not chosen prime minister of a new government, he has nothing to do with or say about it.
"I'm not involved in forming a government. It's the business of political parties and I have to respect that," he said.
Speculation is rife that Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwon and Interior Minister Anupong Paojinda could join the PPRP-led coalition government. However, it is reported that several potential partners and certain members of the regime do not want the pair and have not yet committed their support to the PPRP.
PPRP leader Uttama Savanayana said the party's chances of forming a coalition have been boosted following pledges of support from 11 small parties, saying their move will prompt other potential partners to realise the PPRP has what it takes to work with others.
