King endorses PM Samak

People Power Party leader Samak Sundaravej has been endorsed by His Majesty the King to officially become Thailand's 25th prime minister.

The royal endorsement comes a day after the former Bangkok governor was elected by House of Representatives on Monday.

Samak lead by 310 to 163 votes, easily beating Democrat leader Abhisit Vejjajiva, who was candidate of the lone opposition party.

Mr Samak later received a good luck tap on the head from a senior monk.

Phrakru Palad Sopit Chotikul, from Wat Arun Rajavararam (Temple of Dawn), also gave the new prime minister a Buddha statue and put a necklace around his neck bearing an amulet.

Thai and international media waited outside Mr Samak's home in Bangkok's Buengkum neighbourhood hoping for some interaction with the new PM, although he stayed in his house and had no plans to leave according to his aide.