Anutin Charnvirakul Takes Office as Thailand’s New Prime Minister

Anutin Charnvirakul has officially assumed the role of Thailand’s prime minister following a royal endorsement on September 17, 2023. His appointment comes just two days after he was selected by Parliament, marking a significant political shift in a country that has seen rapid leadership changes in recent years. Anutin succeeds Paetongtarn Shinawatra of the Pheu Thai Party, who was dismissed last week due to ethical violations related to a controversial phone call with Cambodia’s Senate President Hun Sen.

The political landscape in Thailand has been tumultuous, particularly after a border dispute escalated into a five-day armed conflict in July 2023. Anutin, 58, previously served as a deputy prime minister and interior minister in Paetongtarn’s Cabinet. He resigned amid public outrage following the leaked phone call, which intensified scrutiny on the Pheu Thai government.

In a ceremony held at the Bhumjaithai Party headquarters in Bangkok, Anutin received his letter of appointment. The event was attended by senior party members dressed in white civil servant uniforms customary for royal ceremonies. He expressed his commitment to serving the nation, stating, “I’d like to take an oath that I determine to perform my duties to my fullest capabilities, with honesty and virtue.”

Anutin is known for his successful advocacy for the decriminalization of cannabis in Thailand, a policy that is currently under stricter regulation for medical purposes. His tenure as health minister during the COVID-19 pandemic was marked by criticisms regarding delays in vaccine procurement.

Parliamentary Support and Coalition Dynamics

Anutin secured his position with the backing of the main opposition People’s Party, which has pledged to remain in opposition despite supporting his candidacy. Notably, he promised to dissolve Parliament within four months and initiate a referendum to draft a new constitution through an elected assembly. This commitment aligns with the People’s Party’s long-standing goal of reforming the constitution, which was established during a military government.

The political environment remains precarious, as Anutin’s coalition may function as a minority government. His ascension marks the third prime ministerial change in Thailand in just two years, following the 2023 general elections. The People’s Party, then known as the Move Forward Party, won the most seats but was blocked from power by military-appointed senators who opposed its reformist agenda.

After the elections, the Pheu Thai Party, which finished second, managed to secure the premiership with Srettha Thavisin, a real estate executive. However, he served for only one year before being dismissed by the Constitutional Court for ethical breaches. His successor, Paetongtarn, the daughter of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, faced a similar fate, with her government weakened after the Bhumjaithai Party withdrew from her coalition in June.

Following Anutin’s parliamentary vote, the Pheu Thai Party announced its transition to opposition status, signaling a new chapter in Thailand’s shifting political dynamics. As the new prime minister takes on his responsibilities, the focus will be on how he navigates the challenges ahead, including potential constitutional reforms and the management of ongoing regional tensions.