巴育就任泰国总理

Thailand's junta leader has become the new prime minister after receiving the endorsement of King Bhumibol Adulyadej.

General Prayuth Chan-ocha accepted a written royal command certifying his position at a ceremony in Bangkok Monday.

Last Thursday's overwhelming election of the 60-year-old army chief by the military-dominated legislature was a foregone conclusion, since he was the only candidate for the post.

General Prayuth has led the junta since forcing prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra's government out of power on May 22.

The general says he will step down as army chief next month, and says he plans to remain prime minister until new elections are held next year.  Monday's endorsement by the king clears the say for the formation of an interim government.

Thailand has been plagued by political unrest since 2006 when former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, Ms. Yingluck's older brother, was ousted in a military coup in which General Prayuth was a key figure. 

Mr. Thaksin and his sister were bitterly opposed by Bangkok's traditionalist political elite.