DHAKA: Thailand’s coup leader is expected to be picked as prime minister by the kingdom’s new army-dominated national assembly, junta sources said on Wednesday, cementing the military’s hold on power in the politically turbulent nation.

Army Chief Prayuth Chan-ocha is likely to be the sole candidate for the premiership when the 197-strong appointed assembly convenes on Thursday to select a new leader for the South-east Asian country, the sources told media.

‘It was difficult to find people to become prime minister other than General Prayuth. If it’s not him, who else should it be?’ one junta official said on condition of anonymity, reports The Straits Times.

‘He staged a coup. He has to be responsible for solving all the problems by himself. By becoming prime minister, he will have full power,’ the person added.

BDST: 1427 HRS, AUG 20, 2014