Thai king opens 1st session of elected assembly since coup

The leader of Thailand's Democrat Party Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit, center, and secretary-general Piyabutr Saengkanokkul, right, arrives at the parliament Bangkok, Thailand, Friday, May 24, 2019. Thailand’s King Maha Vajiralongkorn plans to officially open parliament following the first democratic election since a coup five years ago. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)

Thailand's Future Forward Party leader Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit arrives at the parliament in Bangkok, Thailand, Friday, May 24, 2019. Thailand’s King Maha Vajiralongkorn plans to officially open parliament following the first democratic election since a coup five years ago. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)

Thailand's king has addressed the first session of an elected parliament since the military staged a coup in 2014, advising lawmakers to take their responsibilities seriously because their actions will affect national security and the people's well-bring.

King Maha Vajiralongkorn spoke Friday to declare the parliamentary session officially open after a general election in March. Its first major business will be to select a prime minister to lead a new government.

The government formation has been complicated by the failure of any single party to win an absolute majority in the House of Representatives. The military-backed candidate, Prayuth Chan-ocha, is virtually certain to become prime minister. He staged the coup and has been prime minister and junta chief since then.