Bangkok: Thailand has entered a new political chapter as Anutin Charnvirakul, leader of the Bhumjaithai Party, secured the premiership in a decisive parliamentary vote, following weeks of turmoil that upended the country’s ruling coalition.
The election of Anutin, 58, comes after the dramatic fall of Paetongtarn Shinawatra, whose brief tenure as prime minister was cut short by an ethics ruling that forced her from office. The decision weakened the Pheu Thai-led coalition and created an opening for Anutin, who strategically pulled his party out of the alliance before building fresh support among lawmakers.
In Friday’s parliamentary session, Anutin gained backing from roughly 63 percent of members, a victory made possible by the reformist People’s Party. While the reform bloc made clear it would not enter his cabinet, it lent its votes in exchange for assurances that Thailand would hold free elections in the near future, easing public frustration with political deadlock.
Anutin is no stranger to Thailand’s national stage. A former health and interior minister, he was at the forefront of the government’s COVID-19 response and made international headlines in 2022 for championing the legalization of cannabis, a move that reshaped the country’s social and economic landscape. His rise now places him in charge of navigating the complexities of governance as Thailand’s 31st prime minister.
The Shinawatra family, once a dominant force in Thai politics, suffered a visible setback through these events. Thaksin Shinawatra, the billionaire patriarch, left for Dubai amid renewed legal troubles, while his daughter Paetongtarn faces political uncertainty after her removal. Their diminished influence signals a profound reshuffling of Thailand’s power dynamics.
Despite his parliamentary victory, Anutin takes office leading a minority government, a fragile position that leaves him vulnerable to shifting alliances. His administration inherits pressing challenges, including sluggish domestic consumption, rising household debt, and the urgent need to restore investor confidence. Observers warn that without stability and economic recovery, Anutin’s premiership could be tested early.
For now, Anutin’s ascension has ended a political impasse and brought a measure of clarity to Thailand’s uncertain future. Yet, as he assumes power, all eyes will be on whether his pragmatic leadership can stabilize the country or whether his minority government will face the same turbulence that toppled his predecessor.