Thailand's parliament set to elect new prime minister

Thailand's lower house of parliament will vote to elect a new prime minister Friday, following the dismissal of Paetongtarn Shinawatra on Aug 29, according to Section 159 of the Constitution.

The announcement was made after a royal decree to dissolve Thailand's parliament, submitted by acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai, was reportedly returned by the Office of the Privy Council on legal grounds.

The path to forming a new government became clearer after the People's Party officially announced its support for Anutin Charnvirakul, leader of the Bhumjaithai Party, as the next prime minister, local news portal The Nation reported.