Anutin Charnvirakul Elected Thailand’s New Prime Minister

Anutin Charnvirakul has been elected prime minister of Thailand after winning a parliamentary vote that ended a week of uncertainty and political chaos.

He defeated Chaikasem Nitisiri of the ruling Pheu Thai party, backed decisively by opposition lawmakers, easily surpassing the majority needed to secure the premiership.

Anutin, 58, is leader of the Bhumjaithai party and a seasoned political figure with experience as deputy prime minister, interior minister, and health minister. He became widely known for his role in Thailand’s COVID-19 response and for spearheading the move to decriminalise cannabis, which led to the rapid growth of marijuana businesses across the country.

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His path to power was eased by the decline of the Shinawatra political dynasty. Pheu Thai’s crisis began in June when Anutin withdrew from its alliance, leaving the party with only a slim majority. That fragile position collapsed when the Constitutional Court dismissed Paetongtarn Shinawatra, daughter of former premier Thaksin Shinawatra, from office.

This was yet another blow to the Shinawatra family, which has long dominated Thai politics but repeatedly clashed with the judiciary and military, often leading to the removal of its leaders.

Anutin’s rise was secured through a pact with the progressive opposition People’s Party, the largest bloc in parliament.

He promised to hold a referendum on constitutional reform and call an election within four months, which won their support during the vote. However, the People’s Party has made it clear that it will not join his government, leaving him to lead a minority administration.

His government faces major economic challenges. Thailand is struggling with sluggish consumption, tight lending conditions, and high levels of household debt. These issues, alongside political divisions, will test Anutin’s leadership as he begins his premiership.

Anutin is considered a staunch royalist and a conservative figure, though his cannabis reform campaign showed a more pragmatic side. His reputation as a shrewd dealmaker has kept his Bhumjaithai party influential through years of shifting alliances and government turmoil.

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Meanwhile, Thaksin Shinawatra has left for Dubai just ahead of a court ruling that could see him sent back to prison. The former prime minister had returned to Thailand in 2023 to serve a reduced sentence that was later commuted, but questions remain about his brief hospital stay being counted as time served.

The ruling will be a key moment in Thailand’s political drama.