Move Forward Party Leader and prime ministerial candidate Pita Limjaroenrat speaks to the media in Thai Parliament after the parliamentary vote for the premiership in Bangkok on July 13, 2023. (PHOTO / AFP)
BANGKOK – Thailand's parliament failed to pick a new prime minister on Thursday as the sole candidate and Move Forward Party leader Pita Limjaroenrat fell short of securing the majority support required.
In a joint session of the 500-member lower house and the 250-senator upper house, Pita was the only candidate nominated as prime minister but received only 324 votes in favor, short of the 376-vote simple majority required to become the prime minister, according to roll-call votes broadcasted live.
The vote was held after several hours of debates among the parliamentarians
The vote was held after several hours of debates among the parliamentarians.
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The Move Forward Party emerged as the largest party in the lower house of parliament in Thailand's general election in May.