Selection of new prime minister delayed again as court defers decision

Uncertainty continues: Lawmakers gathering during a meeting at the Parliament in Bangkok. — AP

A parliamentary vote to select Thailand’s new prime minister was delayed again after a court put off a decision in a case involving the progressive party that won May’s election, adding to growing uncertainty about when a new government can take office.

The Constitutional Court yesterday said it needs more time to deliberate on whether to accept a petition from the state ombudsman on whether it was constitutional for Parliament to bar Move Forward Party leader Pita Limjaroenrat, the surprise election winner, from being nominated as a prime ministerial candidate a second time.