It’s official— Anutin Charnvirakul is Thailand’s new prime minister, after a parliamentary vote on Friday. Heading up the pro-tourism Bhumjaithai Party, Charnvirakul was able to win key backing from the People’s Party, which commands the biggest parliamentary bloc. His election marks an extraordinary moment in Thailand’s political history. This is particularly remarkable in light of his past role in the 2022 legalization of cannabis.
Charnvirakul will need formal royal endorsement from the King of Thailand before taking up his post. This move is a typical formality in bringing new prime ministers to power. As Charnvirakul left parliament, a swarm of easily appeased reporters followed him out. Naturally then, they were excited to record his impressions from this historic moment.
Political Background and Support
Anutin Charnvirakul has had an extraordinary political career for someone so relatively young, having served in important positions such as deputy prime minister and health minister. As leader of Thailand’s Bhumjaithai Party, he has unapologetically fronted Thailand’s push towards a progressive cannabis-legalization. This powerful role has turned him into an important player in Thai politics.
In her winning parliamentary vote, Charnvirakul gained the backing of 152 votes—indicative of both her mandate of support and the struggle she faces going forward. Together with the more leftist Peoples Party, his party forged a crucial progressive alliance. This coalition, which holds 143 seats, was pivotal to his ascent to the prime ministership. After the vote passed, fellow MPs congratulated him, recognizing their coalition building that helped elect him.
“I will work my hardest, every day, no holidays, because there is not a lot of time.” – Anutin Charnvirakul
Charnvirakul has promised to dissolve the House of Representatives and organize new elections within four months. This promise is a sign of his desire to not waste time creating a more predictable political landscape.
Challenges Ahead
Even with his election, political analysts are sounding alarms on how long Charnvirakul will be able to hold the position. Titipol Phakdeewanich, a political scientist at Ubon Ratchathani University, criticized Charnvirakul’s leadership in an interview. He agrees this could channel Thailand’s future path to be more conservative but cautions against this shift being permanent.
Phakdeewanich added that the pro-democracy youth movement would be in great danger should Charnvirakul’s government come to power. His previous actions as health minister during the pandemic and his party’s policies could clash with more progressive movements within Thailand.
APIWAT Moolnangdeaw, another political observer, remarked on the instability in Thai politics, stating, “Governments change so often without real justification. It hardly shocked me anymore.” This concern speaks to larger fears about political stability in the country.
Future Implications
Anutin Charnvirakul is new in his position. Observers are looking with great interest to see how he governs once he is firmly navigated the rocky shoals of Thailand’s politics. His track record, especially when it comes to cannabis legalization, will create substantial public expectation. Unquestionably, his conservative values ideology will continue to shape the path of Thai politics in the upcoming years.
