Anutin Charnvirakul elected Thailand’s new Prime Minister amid political crisis

September 5, 2025

Bangkok: Thailand’s parliament has chosen Anutin Charnvirakul, a 58-year-old politician and leader of the Bhumjaithai Party, as the country’s new prime minister.

This follows a week of political turmoil after the removal of former Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra.

Anutin secured 311 votes in the 492-seat House of Representatives, easily surpassing the 247 votes needed, defeating Pheu Thai’s candidate Chaikasem Nitisiri, who received 152 votes.

Political Crisis Sparks Change

The election comes after the Constitutional Court removed Paetongtarn Shinawatra, daughter of former leader Thaksin Shinawatra, for ethical violations linked to a leaked phone call with Cambodia’s Hun Sen about a border dispute.

This scandal weakened the Pheu Thai party, which lost support when Anutin’s Bhumjaithai Party left their coalition in June. The political chaos opened the door for Anutin to gain backing from the opposition People’s Party, which holds 143 seats, by promising to hold a general election within four months.

Who is Anutin Charnvirakul?

Anutin, a wealthy businessman and former deputy prime minister, is known for his role in legalizing cannabis in Thailand in 2022, a move that led to thousands of marijuana shops but stirred controversy.

A staunch royalist, he has served in various governments, including as health minister during the COVID-19 pandemic, where he helped reopen Thailand to tourism. His family’s construction firm, Sino-Thai Engineering, built major projects like Bangkok’s airport.

Challenges Ahead

Anutin’s minority government faces a tough road. Thailand’s economy is struggling with weak consumption and high household debt.

His promise to hold a referendum on constitutional changes and call early elections may lead to a short tenure. Meanwhile, Thaksin Shinawatra’s sudden trip to Dubai and an upcoming court ruling on his past jail term add to the political uncertainty.