Coup general named premier in Thailand

The army general who led the overthrow of Thailand's elected government in May was named prime minister today by a rubber-stamp legislature, sealing the military's acquisition of near-absolute power in a country once considered a regional beacon of political freedom.

Gen. Prayuth Chan-ocha was chosen as prime minister by the National Legislative Assembly, whose members were handpicked by the junta last month. There were no dissenting votes, and Prayuth, who was attending a military ceremony outside Bangkok and was not present, was the only candidate.

Thailand has a long history of generals seizing power, but the military this time has been more aggressive in rooting out democratic institutions than after the last coup in 2006. All forms of popular elections have been suspended, including those for local councils that first appeared well over a century ago when Thailand was still an absolute monarchy.

Thailand's military says it will eventually restore democracy, but the junta has not provided a firm timetable for elections, and an interim constitution introduced by the military says that democracy, when it is restored, will be "suitable for a Thai context," a qualification that has yet to be defined.

Prayuth, 60, faces legally mandated retirement from the military next month. His appointment as prime minister will allow him to continue to lead the junta.

A Section on 08/21/2014

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