BANGKOK -- Thailand's King Maha Vajiralongkorn endorsed Anutin Charnvirakul as the country's new prime minister on Sunday, Secretary-General of the House of Representatives Arpath Sukhanunth announced.

In a ceremony held at the Bhumjaithai Party headquarters, Arpath read out the royal command appointing Anutin as premier, as he received majority support in the parliamentary vote on Friday.

The royal endorsement paves the way for cabinet formation and policy address to the parliament, a formality required for the new government to officially assume office.