Anutin elected as new Thai PM

Anutin Charnvirakul, leader of Bhumjaithai Party, was elected as Thailand's new prime minister on Thursday after winning a majority in a parliamentary vote. The result confirm that Anutin will maintain the role following his previous appointment in September of last year.

Anutin received 293 votes — more than half of the 500-member House of Representatives — defeating Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut of the People's Party, who was also nominated for the premiership during the session.

Anutin is pending formal appointment by Thai King Maha Vajiralongkorn to become the prime minister of the country.

Anutin, 59, had served as deputy prime minister in several administrations and was elected as Thailand's prime minister on Sept 5, following the Constitutional Court's ruling to dismiss former premier Paetongtarn Shinawatra from office over an ethics violation.

In December of last year, Anutin announced the dissolution of the House to pave the way for a general election to choose new members of parliament and vowed to return power to the people.

In the general election on Feb 8, his Bhumjaithai Party took 191 seats in the 500-member lower chamber, followed by the People's Party with 120, and Pheu Thai with 74. The Bhumjaithai Party will form a new government with Pheu Thai and nine smaller parties.