Anutin Charnvirakul Selected as Thailand’s Next Prime Minister
Anutin Charnvirakul, a prominent royalist figure, has been chosen as Thailand’s new prime minister after winning the support of most lawmakers in parliament.
The 58-year-old businessman-turned-politician is known for his conservative stance but gained recognition for spearheading efforts to decriminalize cannabis. His appointment follows a turbulent political race among parties vying to take over from the dismissed Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, who was removed from office by a judicial decision.
The vote on Friday further complicates matters for Thaksin Shinawatra, Paetongtarn’s billionaire father and a former leader himself, who abruptly departed the country by private jet the night before the vote, sparking widespread speculation. He is scheduled to appear in court on Tuesday, where judges will determine whether he has completed his sentence for prior legal convictions.
Thaksin stated he traveled to Dubai for medical reasons—a location where he spent much of his time in exile—and assured he would return in time for the court hearing.
One week earlier, Thailand’s constitutional court dismissed Paetongtarn, citing ethical violations. She became the fourth member of her family to be ousted before finishing their term. The decision triggered a competition between Pheu Thai and Anutin’s Bhumjaithai party to fill the vacancy.
Anutin hails from a wealthy family that owns a major construction firm responsible for building Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport and the parliament building.
Having previously served as deputy prime minister, interior minister, and health minister, he was instrumental in legalizing cannabis. Critics argued the policy was implemented hastily, leading to a surge in cannabis shops and recreational use nationwide—though Anutin insists the focus was always on medical applications.
He secured the necessary votes after pledging to the pro-reform People’s Party that, in exchange for their backing, he would call an election within four months and push for constitutional amendments, potentially through a referendum.
The People’s Party, formerly known as Move Forward, shares few political ideals with the conservative Bhumjaithai but believes this agreement is the fastest path to fresh elections and systemic reforms to enhance democracy. However, it will not participate in Anutin’s government.
Some supporters have raised doubts about whether Anutin will honor his commitments.
Before the vote, he told reporters, “It’s normal to feel excited.”
He won decisively against Chaikasem Nitisiri, a 77-year-old veteran lawyer and candidate from Thaksin’s Pheu Thai.
The outcome compounds the challenges for Thaksin, whose influence has waned since his return in 2023 after 15 years of self-imposed exile.
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