Anutin Charnvirakul Becomes Thailand’s New Prime Minister After Royal Endorsement
Thailand has a new prime minister. Business magnate and veteran politician Anutin Charnvirakul officially took office after receiving the royal endorsement from King Maha Vajiralongkorn, ending months of political uncertainty in the country.
The announcement was made on Sunday when Arpath Sukhanunth, secretary-general of the lower house of parliament, read aloud the royal command at Anutin’s Bhumjaithai Party headquarters in Bangkok. Photos shared by Thai media showed Anutin bowing before a portrait of the king before turning to greet his family, including his father, a former interior minister.
In his acceptance remarks, Anutin described the endorsement as a “limitless blessing and honour” for him and his family. He pledged to lead the country with honesty and fairness, promising to work for the stability of Thailand and the well-being of its people.
At 58, Anutin becomes Thailand’s third prime minister in just two years, taking power with support from the progressive People’s Party, which agreed to back him on the condition that he dissolves parliament and calls fresh elections within four months.
According to a survey by the National Institute of Development Administration, nearly 60 percent of Thai voters want parliament dissolved immediately, while about 27 percent agree with the four-month timeline.
Anutin’s rise to power comes after the ouster of former Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra of the populist Pheu Thai Party, who was dismissed last month by court order. The Shinawatra dynasty has dominated Thai politics for decades but is now facing its most serious challenge yet.
Wasting no time, Anutin quickly announced the appointments of a seasoned economist, an energy executive, and an experienced diplomat to lead the ministries of finance, energy, and foreign affairs. He emphasized that restoring public trust and government stability is his top priority.
Anutin is no stranger to Thai politics. He has previously served as deputy prime minister, interior minister, and health minister, and is best known for legalizing cannabis in 2022, a move that reshaped the country’s health and business sectors.
Now, he steps into office during a critical period for Southeast Asia’s second-largest economy, which has struggled with weak growth amid prolonged political instability.