Thailand’s junta leader to become 2nd-time PM after king endorses parliament’s vote

11 Jun, 2019 11:24 / Updated 7 years ago

Thailand’s junta chief was officially proclaimed prime minister on Tuesday after the king endorsed Parliament’s vote for him to serve another term, AP reported.

Gen. Prayuth Chan-ocha knelt before a portrait of King Maha Vajiralongkorn and performed three elaborate bows during a ceremony at his government office to confirm his appointment.

Prayuth has served as prime minister since he led a military coup that toppled an elected government in 2014. The junta will cease power once a new Cabinet is inaugurated.

The PM won last week’s joint parliamentary vote, 500-244, against the leader of Future Forward party. Prayuth’s coalition government includes 18 political parties.