Thai Coup Chief Keeps Prime Minister Job After Disputed Vote
- Military-appointed Senate allows Prayuth to easily win vote
- Prayuth has ruled since a 2014 coup against Thaksin’s sister
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For the past five years, Prayuth Chan-Ocha ruled with absolute power as the head of Thailand’s military junta. Now he’ll lead a coalition with a razor-thin majority against a vengeful opposition tired of being silenced.
Thai lawmakers on Wednesday picked Prayuth to return as prime minister following a disputed election in March, ensuring the military retains influence in a new administration. With the support of a junta-appointed Senate, Prayuth easily beat out pro-democracy candidate Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit.