Thailand assembly elects coup leader General Prayut Chan-O-Cha as prime minister

Prayuth-Chan-ochaSydney, Aug 21 : Thailand's national assembly has reportedly chosen coup leader, General Prayut Chan-O-Cha, as the next Prime Minister that further consolidates the hold of military on the power corridors of Thailand.

Prayut, who had earlier ousted an elected government on May 22, was backed by 191 members of the 197-strong assembly on Thursday with three abstention and three members absent, reported News. com. au.

The selection was largely unopposed as the assembly is dominated by either retired or serving military officers picked by the junta itself. It had earlier adopted a temporary 48-article constitution in July that made it possible for Prayut to hold the premiership while serving in the military and afterwards, it had appointed military officers to the assembly.

The coup leader was the only contestant for the post and after his appointment is approved by King Bhumibol Adulyadej, he is expected to name his cabinet. The report added that the royal approval was merely a formality.

The junta selected the new leader after rejecting appeals from the United States and the European Union to revive the democracy. It has ruled out the possibility of holding elections before October 2015. (ANI)