Thai reformist Pita Limjaroenrat loses PM vote

The political challenger rode a wave of support that saw voters emphatically reject almost a decade of army-backed rule under Prayut Chan-o-cha, who took power in a 2014 coup but the outcome had become increasingly inevitable, with signs conservative MPs of the lower house and junta-appointed senators would not give him their support

Thailand's parliament on Thursday rejected a bid by reformist Pita Limjaroenrat, who heads a coalition that won a May election, to become prime minister.

After hours of discussions but a surprisingly swift voting process, Pita failed to secure the 375 parliamentary votes needed to become Thailand's 30th premier, despite his party winning the popular vote in the general election.

The political challenger rode a wave of support that saw voters emphatically reject almost a decade of army-backed rule under Prayut Chan-o-cha, who took power in a 2014 coup.

But the outcome had become increasingly inevitable, with signs conservative MPs of the lower house and junta-appointed senators would not give him their support.

"I am not giving up," he told reporters immediately after the vote, adding that he accepted the first-round loss but would strategise to win a second round.

Under Thai rules, the parliament will continue voting until a PM is elected. The house speaker had not, however, confirmed when the next vote would be held.

Pita's path to power has been complicated by the threat of parliamentary suspension, and two cases filed against him and his party.