Thai lawmakers have failed to endorse Pita Limjaroenrat as prime minister in a first parliamentary vote. Despite his party's election victory, he is facing numerous hurdles in his bid for the premiership.
Pita Limjaroenrat, the leader of Thai election winners Move Forward, failed on Thursday in his initial bid to become Thailand's next prime minister.
Despite being unopposed, Pita did not secure the required endorsement of more than half of the bicameral parliament, with many lawmakers abstaining or voting against him.
The Thai parliament is expected to hold another vote next week, which Pita can contest if nominated again.
"I am not giving up," Pita told reporters, adding that he accepted the result of the first round of voting.