Bangkok (TDI): Thailand’s parliament confirmed conservative businessman Anutin Charnvirakul as the country’s next prime minister on Friday, ending a week of political uncertainty after the removal of former premier Paetongtarn Shinawatra.
Anutin, a construction tycoon and leader of the right-wing Bhumjaithai Party, secured the post by stitching together a coalition that excluded Pheu Thai, the party linked to the powerful Shinawatra family. His elevation still requires royal endorsement.
The new premier pledged to stick to a deal struck with the People’s Party, the largest bloc in parliament, to dissolve the chamber and call fresh elections within four months. “I will honor all commitments,” he told reporters outside his party headquarters. “During my short time in office, we must restore the spirit of the ‘Land of Smiles’ and avoid conflict.”
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Anutin also addressed the abrupt departure of Thaksin Shinawatra, the family patriarch and former prime minister, who flew to Dubai late Thursday, days before a Supreme Court ruling on whether his hospital stay after returning from exile in 2023 was legitimate. Analysts say the verdict could see him jailed.
“There will be no favoritism, no persecution, and no revenge,” Anutin said when asked about Thaksin’s case.
The Shinawatras have dominated Thai politics for two decades, repeatedly clashing with the pro-military, pro-monarchy establishment. But they have faced repeated setbacks, culminating in Paetongtarn’s ouster last week and Anutin’s sudden rise.
Bhumjaithai briefly governed in coalition with Pheu Thai in 2023 but pulled out in June after allegations surfaced that Paetongtarn had improper contact with Cambodia’s former leader Hun Sen.
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Anutin, 57, has served in multiple cabinets, including as interior and health minister. He is best known internationally for pushing through cannabis legalisation in 2022.
Now tasked with leading a fragile interim coalition, he cast himself as a unifier: “Our priority is to stabilize the country, maintain order, and prepare for elections.”
