Thailand’s Army chief is all set to become the country’s next Prime Minister after the junta- picked national assembly on Thursday overwhelmingly approved his nomination, consolidating the military’s hold on power three months after he ousted the elected Government in a coup.
60-year-old Gen Prayuth Chan-ocha was named as the next Prime Minister after the National legislative Assembly (NlA) voted 191-0 in his favour in an uncontested race.Altogether 194 of the existing 197 NlA members signed in to attend Thursday’s meeting to vote on the Prime Minister.
The NlA would forward the result of Thursday’s meeting to the Thai king for further endorsement. Tuang Intachai, an NlA member, nominated Prayuth for the Prime Minister’s post. The nomination was seconded by 188 members, more than the required one-fifth of the 197 currently sitting on the NlA. The three abstentions were the NlA president and the two vice-presidents. Prayuth said he was ready to begin work as Thailand’s 29th Prime Minister.