Ruling coalition picks Thaksin's daughter as Thai PM candidate

Lawmakers to vote today on whether to approve Paetongtarn Shinawatra as premier

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Thailand's governing alliance agreed on Aug 15 to back 37-year-old political newcomer Paetongtarn Shinawatra as its candidate for prime minister, a day ahead of a pivotal vote in Parliament.

"We decide to nominate Paetongtarn Shinawatra," Pheu Thai party secretary-general Sorawong Thienthong told reporters in Bangkok.

Lawmakers will vote on Aug 16 in Parliament where Pheu Thai heads a governing coalition - on whether to approve Ms Paetongtarn as prime minister.

"We are determined, together, and we will push the country forward," Ms Paetongtarn said at a news conference ahead of the vote.

The deal follows behind-the scenes talks in the 24 hours since the Constitutional Court dismissed.

Mr Srettha Thavisin as prime minister, as Pheu Thai rushed to secure backing in a bid to form the next government.