Veteran politician tapped to lead Thailand's parliament, premier's election awaited

By Necva Tastan

ISTANBUL (AA) - Thai lawmakers on Tuesday elected the leader of the country's military-backed former ruling party as speaker of its newly elected lower parliamentary chamber.

The Move Forward Party (MFP) and Pheu Thai Party (PTP), the main coalition partners, resolved weeks of deadlock by agreeing to nominate Wan Noor, the head of the Prachachat party, for the position of speaker in the House of Representatives.

Thailand held general elections last month, with the MFP emerging as securing the most seats, according to the Election Commission.

Lawmakers will now vote to elect the Southeast Asian country's new prime minister.

Pita Limjaroenrat, who heads the MFP, is a favorite to become the 30th prime minister of Thailand but needs 376 votes, while his coalition commands the support of just over 310 lawmakers.

Wan Muhamad Noor Matha, 79, was the sole nominee for the post of house speaker and was directly appointed under parliamentary regulations, the daily Bangkok Post reported.

During his parliamentary remarks, Wan vowed to fulfill his responsibilities with "honesty," adhering to laws and parliamentary regulations.

Wan, elected to the House nine times before, has served as house speaker and parliament president, while also holding Cabinet positions, including deputy interior minister, transport minister, and agriculture minister.

At the 500-seat house, 496 representatives attended the first session since the election in mid-May.

The house also voted to elect one deputy speaker each from the MFP and PTP.