The Thammasat University Student Council issued a statement condemning Thursday’s vote for a new prime minister, saying that members of parliament and senators who voted against the will of the people or abstained from voting were disgraceful.

Move Forward Party (MFP) leader Pita Limjaroenrat failed in his bid to become the country’s 30th prime minister after he was unable to secure the required endorsement of half of the parliamentarians.

The final tally was 324 in favour, 182 against and 199 abstentions among the 705 members attending the meeting. Mr Pita, who was the only nominee for the post, needed 375 votes from the combined 749 House and Senate seats.

The MFP leader received 311 votes in favour from MPs and 148 against, with 39 abstentions. He received just 13 votes in favour from senators, 34 against and 159 abstentions.

The university council’s committee said the MPs and senators who voted against and abstained had acted against the people’s will, as expressed through the May 14 general election. The MFP had won the election with 151 House seats, and its leader received the people’s mandate to be the next prime minister.

"Your action is disgusting and disgraceful to the constitutional monarchy system and the country’s political history. You ignore your roles as being representatives of Thai people who are duty-bound to perform tasks for the benefit of the nation and people’s well-being," said the committee, about the MPs and senators who voted against Mr Pita and those who abstained.

The committee called on MPs and senators to respect people’s votes.

"Children in the nation development era will lead the country for prosperity but senators will lead the county to disaster," read the statement.