BANGKOK (AFP) - Thailand's new parliament officially opened on Monday, faced with the daunting challenge of bringing stability to the kingdom after five years of political turmoil. Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn presided over the elaborate opening ceremony in the capital Bangkok in the late afternoon, allowing the 500-seat lower house to convene for business on Tuesday. "It is your direct responsibility as MPs to lead the country within the democratic system, for the benefit of the country and people," the prince told lawmakers during a short inauguration speech.