Thai New PM and Its Future

Thailand New PM and what it means in the future

Some two months ago when it was claimed that the Military Rule in Thailand was likely to last longer than the country's last coup in 2006, most wouldn't have thought that it would actually be so.

As with the appointment of the man behind the coup, General Prayuth Chan-ocha as country's Prime Minister, it now seems Thailand will (unofficially) continue to remain under the Military Rule.

The 60-year-old General Prayuth Chan-ocha was nominated on Thursday in a legislature hand-picked by Thailand's junta and made up of mostly military and police figures. The General was the head of the army when he led a dramatic coup in May.

The Bangkok Post quoted the General as saying he was not approached before he was nominated. He did not attend the National Legislative Assembly session where he was nominated and voted in as Thailand's 29th Prime Minister.

The National Legislative Assembly's choice is expected to be approved by King Bhumibol Adulyadej later.

Prayuth's appointment will help him remain influential in Thai politics following his mandatory retirement from the Thai army later this year. Having been formally appointed as the Prime Minister, Prayuth can rule unimpeded until Thailand returns to party-based politics. The new government is expected to stay in power until the fall of 2015, when a general election is tentatively scheduled to take place

How successful General Prayuth is going to be, will depend on how skilfully he uses the formidable hand he now holds. While critics say he is abrupt and impatient, with deeply conservative outlook, fans describe him as decisive, and a good listener.