Anutin Charnvirakul, a former businessman and political figure, has been elected as the new Prime Minister of Thailand by Thai parliamentarians. He previously served as Thailand’s Health Minister during the COVID-19 pandemic. Charnvirakul is also known as the ‘Cannabis King’ for his advocacy in decriminalizing marijuana in 2022. Charnvirakul has been a key figure in Thai politics for the past decade, and he secured victory in the lower house of parliament with 247 votes. The election took place on September 5th, with 492 active members in the Thai parliament.
Charnvirakul is the third Prime Minister chosen in Thailand this year. Over the last 17 years, the court has removed five prime ministers. Last week, the Thai court found former Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra guilty of ethics violations, leading to her resignation and the subsequent vote to elect a new prime minister.
This decision marks another setback for Thailand, which has been grappling with political and economic crises during Paetongtarn’s 10-month term. Thailand’s economy relies on trade and tourism, with the United States being its largest export partner. However, a 19% US tariff has slowed down Thailand’s GDP growth.
Charnvirakul’s Bhumjaithai Party is the third-largest party in parliament. Bhumjaithai reached an agreement this week with the largest opposition party, the People’s Party, and secured their support. As part of the agreement, Charnvirakul has promised to dissolve parliament and hold general elections within four months.
The People’s Party received the most votes in the 2023 elections, but it was ousted from power due to its demands for reforms to the royal defamation law. The People’s Party will provide external support to Charnvirakul’s government.
The 58-year-old Charnvirakul, a conservative and staunch patriot, previously served as the Home Minister in Paetongtarn’s coalition government. His rise to prime minister is a setback for the Pheu Thai Party, which has dominated Thai politics for two decades under the patronage of Paetongtarn’s father, Thaksin Shinawatra. Thaksin was Prime Minister from 2001 to 2006, when he was removed from power by the military.