Thai govt calls for calm after reformist's PM bid fails

About 1,000 people gathered for a protest on Wednesday night to express their anger over the Harvard-educated liberal leader’s foiled bid for power, before dispersing peacefully.

Thailand's caretaker prime minister Prayut Chan-o-cha called for calm Thursday after a popular progressive candidate's bid to succeed him was thwarted by military and pro-royalist lawmakers.

Pita Limjaroenrat's party won the most seats in May elections, but on Wednesday he was dramatically suspended from parliament, which then refused to grant him a second vote to become the kingdom's next premier.

About 1,000 people gathered for a protest that night to express their anger over the Harvard-educated liberal leader's foiled bid for power, before dispersing peacefully.

Thailand is no stranger to political unrest, and Prayut -- who took power in a 2014 coup -- "understood" the frustration of Pita's supporters, his office said.

But he also implored the public to "move Thailand forward in a democratic way alongside the monarchy", spokesperson Rachada Dhnadirek said.

"The expressions of opinion and political activities need to be peaceful, without violence, and without destroying the economy, trade and investment."

Pita's Move Forward Party (MFP) has ridden high on the support of young and urban Thais frustrated by nearly a decade of army-backed rule, but Thailand's establishment vehemently opposes its agenda.