Thailand‘s parliament has elected Anutin Charnvirakul, leader of the conservative Bhumjaithai party, as the country’s new prime minister.
Anutin secured a convincing victory with 311 votes, surpassing the required majority of 247 votes among the House of Representatives’ 492 active members. His opponent, Chaikasem Nitisiri from the Pheu Thai party, received 152 votes, with 27 abstentions.
Anutin’s victory marks a significant shift in Thai politics, dealing another blow to the influential Shinawatra clan, which has dominated the country’s politics for two decades.
The clan’s patriarch, Thaksin Shinawatra, departed for Dubai hours before the vote, amid speculation surrounding his future.
A Supreme Court ruling on Tuesday could impact the validity of his early release last year, potentially leading to jail time. Thaksin has announced plans to return from Dubai to attend the court hearing in person.
Anutin’s path to the prime minister’s office was paved with strategic alliances. He secured the support of the liberal People’s Party, the largest parliamentary bloc, in exchange for promising to call a general election within four months.
This alliance proved crucial, as Anutin’s Bhumjaithai party alone did not have enough votes to secure the majority.
The new prime minister has a long history in Thai politics, having served as health minister during the COVID-19 pandemic and interior minister in the Pheu Thai-led government. Anutin is known for his role in liberalizing cannabis laws, which led to a surge in recreational use and sparked controversy.
Anutin’s elevation to office comes after the Constitutional Court dismissed former Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, Thaksin’s daughter, over ethics violations.
Paetongtarn’s removal led to a power vacuum, and Pheu Thai’s last-ditch effort to forestall the vote by requesting the royal palace dissolve parliament was rejected due to “disputed legal issues.”
Following the vote, Pheu Thai pledged to reclaim power and complete its pending policies.
“On all the pending policies, we will return to finish the job for all the Thai people,” the party stated, adding that it was ready to assume the role of parliamentary opposition.
Anutin and his government will take office after receiving a formal appointment from King Maha Vajiralongkorn.
As prime minister, Anutin will face significant challenges, including a struggling economy and ongoing tensions with neighboring Cambodia. His leadership will be crucial in navigating these complex issues and shaping Thailand’s future.
Anutin Charnvirakul’s appointment as Thailand’s new prime minister marks a pivotal shift in the country’s politics, with his leadership expected to address pressing economic and social issues.
As the leader of the Bhumjaithai party, Anutin secured a decisive victory in parliament, garnering 311 votes against his opponent’s 152.
Anutin’s government faces significant challenges, including economic struggles and tensions with Cambodia. Thailand’s economy is grappling with weak consumption, tight lending, and soaring household debt. The new government must prioritize economic stimulus and reform to boost growth and stability.
Additionally, the relationship between Thailand and Cambodia remains tense, particularly after a deadly border war. Anutin’s leadership will be crucial in navigating these complex diplomatic issues and finding a peaceful resolution.
Anutin’s rise to power is attributed to his strategic alliances and pragmatic politics, which have allowed him to bridge conservative and populist interests in Thailand.
His experience as health minister during the COVID-19 pandemic and interior minister in the Pheu Thai-led government has prepared him for the demands of the prime minister’s office.
Anutin is known for his ability to build coalitions and negotiate with different political groups, a skill that will serve him well in leading a minority government.
As a staunch royalist, Anutin has positioned himself as a guardian of conservative interests in Thailand, which may influence his policy decisions and approach to governance.
His government is expected to prioritize constitutional reforms and early elections, as promised to the People’s Party, which provided crucial support for his candidacy.
The success of his leadership will depend on his ability to balance competing interests, address pressing economic and social issues, and maintain stability in a complex political landscape.