Anutin Charnvirakul Becomes Thailand’s New Prime Minister Amid Political Turmoil
Thailand Elects Its Third Prime Minister in Two Years
Thailand’s parliament has elected business tycoon Anutin Charnvirakul as the country’s new prime minister, marking the third leadership change in just two years. His appointment follows the dismissal of Paetongtarn Shinawatra, who was removed by the Constitutional Court last week for ethical violations related to a border dispute with Cambodia.
Anutin’s Bhumjaithai Party broke away from the Shinawatra-led Pheu Thai coalition, securing enough parliamentary support to claim the premiership. However, the move further destabilizes Thailand’s already fragile political landscape, long plagued by court rulings, constitutional crises, and military coups.
A Blow to the Shinawatra Dynasty
The Shinawatra family has dominated Thai politics since 2001, when Thaksin Shinawatra became prime minister with widespread support from working-class voters. But their populist policies often clashed with Thailand’s conservative-royalist establishment, leading to repeated oustings.
Both Thaksin and his sister Yingluck Shinawatra were removed by military coups in 2006 and 2014. Paetongtarn’s removal as prime minister now marks the fifth time a Shinawatra-backed leader has been disqualified by the Constitutional Court.
The Pheu Thai party, once a powerful political force, now finds itself sidelined. Its only remaining candidate, Chaikasem Nitisiri, is in poor health and holds little public recognition, weakening the party’s influence.
Thaksin’s Exit and Ongoing Legal Battles
On Thursday night, speculation grew over a private jet carrying Thaksin out of the country. He later confirmed he had flown to Dubai for medical treatment but pledged to return for a September 9 court hearing, which could see him sent back to prison.
The uncertainty around Thaksin underscores the fragile position of the Shinawatra family. Their latest setback highlights the growing dominance of conservative forces and the legal system in shaping Thai politics.
Who Is Anutin Charnvirakul?
Anutin, 58, is a seasoned politician and wealthy businessman from a family with deep political roots. His father held multiple ministerial positions and founded a successful construction business that built Thailand’s current parliamentary complex.
As health minister in 2022, Anutin gained prominence for liberalizing Thailand’s cannabis laws, a move that drew both praise and criticism. Beyond politics, he is known as an aviation enthusiast who personally owns and flies three aircraft.
Despite his ambition for leadership, Anutin inherits the premiership under difficult circumstances. His Bhumjaithai Party controls only 69 of 500 parliamentary seats, meaning his government depends heavily on alliances with larger parties.
A Fragile Coalition and Limited Mandate
Anutin secured support from the progressive People’s Party, the largest group in parliament. However, their alliance remains uneasy. The People’s Party is known for its reformist and anti-royalist stance—positions that clash with Anutin’s staunch royalism.
To secure their backing, Anutin agreed to call new elections within four months and begin the process of amending Thailand’s military-drafted constitution. The People’s Party has made it clear that its support extends only to keeping the government afloat until the next election, not for passing legislation.
This leaves Anutin with limited political power and a tight four-month window to prove his leadership.
Thailand’s Political Future
Thailand’s political turbulence shows no sign of easing. Repeated removals of prime ministers, court interventions, and dissolved parties have left voters frustrated and uncertain about the country’s democratic future.
Anutin’s rise may temporarily stabilize the government, but with an election looming and deep divisions between conservatives, reformists, and the Shinawatra loyalists, Thailand faces yet another period of political uncertainty and high-stakes negotiations.