MOVE Forward Party leader Pita Limjaroenrat has been nominated for prime minister at the opening of parliament but failed to secure enough votes to get the coveted leadership post.
Mr. Pita only obtained 323 out of the 375 votes required on Thursday to become the next prime minister of Thailand.
After hours of debate, the parliament proceeded to the voting process for the prime minister at around 5 pm.
Moreover, a senator resigned even before the voting could begin, reducing the total number of senators to 249.
The PM frontrunner also faced last-minute legal challenges which could disqualify him, one of which centered around his controversial media shares, but denied breaking any election rules.
Another round of votes is expected on Wednesday of next week.
Under Thailand’s laws, Pita is still eligible to become prime minister even if he is removed from parliament.