Select Language:
Bhumjaithai Party leader Anutin Charnvirakul arrives at the parliament in Bangkok on September 5, 2025. — AFP
– A billionaire becomes Thailand’s third prime minister in just two years.
– The tycoon replaces the long-standing Shinawatra political dynasty.
– The coalition supports Anutin contingent on early elections being held within four months.
Anutin Charnvirakul, a prominent Thai business magnate, officially assumed office as prime minister on Sunday, marking a significant political shift. His conservative government, known for advocating cannabis legalization, ousted the country’s historically dominant political family and is pushing for elections early next year.
Since the 2023 elections, Thailand’s top position has been held by Pheu Thai, affiliated with the Shinawatra family—a populist group often at odds with the monarchy and military. However, last month, court orders removed dynasty heir Paetongtarn Shinawatra, leading Anutin to rapidly form a new coalition government, culminating in a parliamentary vote that effectively barred Pheu Thai from remaining in power.
Anutin has previously held roles as deputy prime minister, interior minister, and health minister. He is perhaps best known for spearheading Thailand’s 2022 cannabis decriminalization. Now, as the country’s third leader in two years, he also takes on the interior minister position. He has agreed to lead a coalition government on the condition that parliament is dissolved within four months to enable new elections.
“Although our timeframe is tight, I am hopeful for everyone’s cooperation,” Anutin told reporters after taking office. “My government will work tirelessly. We are committed because we only have four months.”
His appointment gained royal formal approval in a ceremony at his Bhumjaithai Party headquarters, where King Maha Vajiralongkorn’s endorsement was read aloud by the parliamentary secretary-general, Arpath Sukhanunth.
Anutin is also recognized for managing the COVID-19 response in Thailand, especially during contentious moments when he accused foreigners of spreading the virus. He was once an ally of the Shinawatra family but turned against them earlier this year following disagreements over a border dispute with Cambodia. The Constitutional Court dismissed Paetongtarn Shinawatra on August 29 for breaching ethics, only a year into her tenure.
Meanwhile, former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra left Thailand just before the parliamentary vote, heading to Dubai where he said he would visit friends and seek medical care. The Supreme Court is scheduled to decide on Tuesday regarding his hospital stay after returning from exile in August 2023, a ruling that could impact his early release from prison last year. Although the case does not directly accuse him of guilt, some analysts believe the verdict could lead to Thaksin’s imprisonment.
Thaksin announced on social media his intention to return to Thailand in person for the court hearing. Anutin also expressed his stance on the legal proceedings, emphasizing his government’s commitment to uphold the law and avoid interference in judicial matters.
Add us on ChatGPT
Add us on Perplexity
