Bangkok: Thailand’s Parliament on Friday elected business magnate Anutin Charnvirakul as the country’s new prime minister, making him the third leader in just two years amid a turbulent political climate.
Anutin Charnvirakul Elected as Thailand’s New Prime Minister
Wins 247 Votes in Parliament, Defeats Pheu Thai Nominee
Anutin, chief of the Bhumjaithai Party, secured 247 votes to clinch the premiership, defeating Chaikasem Nitisiri, nominee of the Pheu Thai Party, according to The Bangkok Post. His rise marks a significant political shift and a blow to the powerful Shinawatra family, which has dominated Thai politics since 2001.
The election came days after former Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra was ousted by the constitutional court over ethical violations linked to her handling of a border dispute with Cambodia. Following the fallout, Anutin’s party broke its alliance with Pheu Thai and consolidated enough parliamentary backing to secure the top post.
A seasoned politician, Anutin earlier served as Deputy Prime Minister and held key cabinet portfolios, including the Interior and Health Ministries. During his stint as Health Minister, he was at the forefront of Thailand’s COVID-19 response and also made headlines in 2022 by spearheading the removal of cannabis from the country’s list of controlled substances.
Before entering politics, Anutin successfully managed his family’s construction empire. His victory signals a fresh chapter in Thai politics while deepening the decline of the Shinawatra dynasty’s influence.
