BANGKOK: The reformist political party that won the most seats at Thailand's national election earlier this year appointed a temporary leader on Saturday, a week after blocked prime minister challenger Pita Limjaroenrat resigned as party chief.

Thai voters disenchanted with a near-decade of rule by military-linked parties backed the Move Forward Party (MFP) at the May vote. But there was a long political stalemate as conservatives thwarted Pita's bid to secure the premiership, and he was suspended as a member of parliament (MP).