Thailand ’s National Legislative Assembly (NLA) on August 21 elected army chief General Prayuth Chan-ocha as the new prime minister.

In the voting process that was broadcast live on the national television, 191 out of 194 present legislators voted for Prayuth Chan-ocha - the only candidacy for the position.

He will officially become prime minister after the appointment is approved by King Bhumibol Adulyadej.

The general is due to retire as Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Army in September, but will remain head of the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO).

His appointment will pave the way for an interim government to be set up in the coming weeks.-VNA