India, March 19 -- Bangkok [Thailand], March 19 (ANI) Thailand's House of Representatives on Thursday elected Anutin Charnvirakul as the country's new Prime Minister with 293 votes, state media reported.

The 59-year old Anutin was elected the country's prime minister in a parliamentary vote following the February 8 general election.

His opponent, Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut of the People's Party, received 119 votes, while 86 members abstained, Thai news agency (TNA) MCOT said.

A total of 86 lawmakers abstained in the election.

Anutin's Bhumjaithai Party had won 191 seats in the 500-member House of Representatives, trouncing the progressive People's Party (which won 120 seats) and then cobbled together a coalition of 16 parties -- includ...