Dhaka, Sept. 6 -- Thailand's parliament has elected Anutin Charnvirakul, leader of the conservative opposition Bhumjaithai party, as the country's new prime minister.

The vote on Friday means Anutin will replace Paetongtarn Shinawatra of the ruling Pheu Thai Party, who was dismissed by the Constitutional Court last month over an ethics scandal.

Anutin secured victory over Chaikasem Nitisiri, the candidate of the populist Pheu Thai, with the support of the liberal People's Party.

That backing from the largest party in the parliament was premised on a promise from Anutin to call a general election within four months.

The Bhumjaithai leader scored a convincing victory, securing 311 votes, far above the 247 required for a majority among t...