BANGKOK (AP) – Thailand’s junta leader, who seized power in a military coup three months ago, officially assumed his new post as prime minister on Monday following an endorsement from the country’s monarch.
During a ceremony in Bangkok, Gen. Prayuth Chan-ocha accepted a written royal command issued by King Bhumibol Adulyadej certifying his appointment as the country’s 29th premier. Bhumibol, who is 86 and in poor health, was not present at the ceremony.
Thailand’s junta-appointed legislature voted overwhelmingly last week to name the 60-year-old army chief to the new post. He was the only candidate.
Prayuth is due to retire from the military next month and will hold both jobs until he does so.
On May 22, Prayuth oversaw a coup in which the military toppled Thailand’s elected civilian government. Analysts say his new post cements the military’s control of government.