Voting begins on next Thai PM: Follow the results live here

Move Forward Party leader and presumptive prime minister-elect Pita Limjaroenrat took the lectern to make to his case for the top political job today, deflecting criticism from his opponents and defending the positions that led his party to victory in May’s election.

Update: Pita falls short in parliament as mass abstentions muddy vote

Within minutes of voting which was moved up an hour earlier to 4pm, there were 6 votes for Pita to become the next prime minister, three opposed, and three abstentions. He needs 376 votes between the 500-member elected lower house and the 250-strong Senate comprised entirely of military appointees.

Follow the tally live by refreshing the page.

From the outset of this morning’s opening statements, Pita was beset with criticism by Bhumjaithai Party members Chada Thaiseth and Prapan Koonmee. Chada said Pita was not qualified…