Anutin Charnvirakul, a veteran Thai politician long associated with cannabis reform, was officially appointed prime minister Sunday following a royal endorsement, marking the latest leadership shakeup in Bangkok’s turbulent political landscape.
The 58-year-old Bhumjaithai Party leader succeeds Paetongtarn Shinawatra of the Pheu Thai Party, who was dismissed last week after the Constitutional Court found her guilty of ethics violations tied to a phone call with Cambodia’s Senate President Hun Sen. The leaked conversation, which occurred ahead of a deadly five-day border clash in July, fueled fears of a broader regional war and ultimately toppled her government.
Anutin, who had served in Paetongtarn’s Cabinet as deputy prime minister and interior minister, resigned and pulled his party from her coalition after public backlash over the scandal. His swift withdrawal paved the way for his successful bid in Parliament on Friday, where he secured votes with conditional support from the opposition People’s Party. In return, he pledged to dissolve Parliament within four months and hold a referendum to draft a new, more democratic constitution.
At Sunday’s ceremony at Bhumjaithai headquarters, attended by party leaders in traditional white civil uniforms, Anutin vowed to govern “with honesty and virtue” and pledged to tackle urgent national challenges, including economic recovery, natural disasters, rising crime, and the ongoing border tensions with Cambodia.
Despite the endorsement, Anutin faces an uphill battle. The People’s Party, which provided crucial parliamentary backing, has said it will remain in opposition, leaving his coalition vulnerable as a potential minority government. Pheu Thai, once his governing partner, has also shifted to the opposition.
Anutin is no stranger to controversy. As health minister, he oversaw Thailand’s COVID-19 response, facing criticism for slow vaccine procurement. He was also the driving force behind cannabis decriminalization in 2022, a reform that sparked backlash and is now under tighter regulation. More recently, his name has been linked to election irregularities and a contentious land dispute involving allies.
His appointment makes him Thailand’s third prime minister in just two years, underscoring the fragility of the country’s post-election governments and the enduring influence of shifting political alliances.
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