Selection of Thailand’s new prime minister delayed again, to await court decision on election winner

By JINTAMAS SAKSORNCHAI
Associated Press

BANGKOK (AP) — A parliamentary vote to select Thailand’s new prime minister is being delayed again, nearly three months after a progressive party won national elections. The Constitutional Court said Thursday it needs more time to deliberate on whether to accept a petition asking whether a move barring Move Forward Party leader Pita Limjaroenrat from being nominated twice was constitutional. The House speaker then said the parliamentary vote for prime minister would be delayed pending the court decision. Pita’s party placed first in the May elections and formed a coalition with majority support in the House. But it lacked support among conservative appointed senators. Regardless of the Constitutional Court’s decision, Pita’s chances of becoming prime minister appear nil.