Anutin Charnvirakul, a seasoned businessman and political figure, has been appointed as Thailand’s new Prime Minister. His prior role as Thailand’s Health Minister during the COVID-19 pandemic elevated his profile, and he is also associated with his backing of cannabis decriminalization in 2022, which earned him the nickname ‘Cannabis King’. Charnvirakul’s political strength was visible through his success in receiving 247 votes in the lower house, establishing his place as a key player in Thai politics for the last ten years. There are currently 492 active members in the Thai parliament.
This election marks the third Prime Minister selected in Thailand this year, a country which has experienced five prime ministers being ousted by court rulings over the past 17 years. The recent removal of former Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra due to ethical issues worsened the political and economic problems in Thailand during her ten-month time in office. Thailand’s economy depends heavily on trade and tourism, with the United States being a significant partner; nevertheless, a 19% US tariff has slowed GDP growth.
Charnvirakul’s Bhumjaithai Party is the third-largest party in parliament. This week, Bhumjaithai came to an agreement with the People’s Party, the main opposition, and won their backing. As part of the agreement, Charnvirakul committed to disbanding parliament and holding general elections within four months.
The People’s Party, even though it secured the most votes in the 2023 elections, was excluded from power due to its demand for reforms to the royal defamation laws. The party will provide external support to Charnvirakul’s administration.
The 58-year-old Charnvirakul, a conservative and ardent patriot, previously held the position of Home Minister in Paetongtarn’s coalition government. His appointment as Prime Minister is a setback for the Pheu Thai Party, which, under the leadership of Paetongtarn’s father, Thaksin Shinawatra, dominated Thai politics for two decades. Shinawatra was Prime Minister from 2001 until he was ousted by the military in 2006.