Prayuth Chan-ocha Takes Office As Thailand PM

Bangkok: Coup leader General Prayuth Chan-ocha on Tuesday took office as the Prime Minister of Thailand in a ceremony at the government headquarters, opening a new phase in the country after five years of a military junta.

Prayuth was elected Prime Minister in a vote in Parliament on June 5, but his appointment became official on Tuesday after King Maha Vajiralongkorn’s approval was published in the Royal Gazette, the country’s official bulletin.

During the swearing-in, 65-year-old Prayuth, dressed in a formal white uniform, knelt before a portrait of King Maha Vajiralongkorn, who was not present, Efe news reported.

“I affirm that I will dedicate myself to public service with honesty and integrity in pursuit of the greater good of the country and the people of Thailand,” the Prime Minister said at a press conference after the event, in which he expressed gratitude to the monarch and promised to fight against corruption and inequality.

“I will listen to the voices of the people while fulfilling my duty to move forward and develop the country in all economic and social aspects,” Prayuth added.

Prayuth was the Army chief when he seized power in a coup in May 2014 after months of anti-government protests that had hampered the holding of elections that year. (IANS)

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