Post by : Raman

Photo : AP

Bangkok, Thailand: Thailand’s parliament has selected business tycoon Anutin Charnvirakul as the country’s new prime minister, marking the third leadership change in just two years. His appointment follows the removal of Paetongtarn Shinawatra, a member of Thailand’s most influential political family, by the Constitutional Court for ethical violations related to her handling of a border dispute with Cambodia.

The Fall of Paetongtarn Shinawatra

Paetongtarn’s removal deals a significant setback to the Shinawatra family, which has dominated Thai politics since 2001, when her father, Thaksin Shinawatra, first became prime minister. Paetongtarn’s tenure was viewed as a potential comeback for the family, but the constitutional ruling ended that possibility.

Following her dismissal, there was intense public attention on Thaksin Shinawatra, who was seen departing on a private jet to Dubai for medical treatment. Thaksin stated on social media that he planned to return for a court hearing on September 9, which could see him facing jail time.

The Pheu Thai party, led by the Shinawatras, which emerged as a major political force in the 2023 elections, now finds itself on the sidelines. Its only remaining candidate for prime minister, Chaikasem Nitisiri, has low public visibility and is reportedly in poor health.

Political Uncertainty in Thailand

Thailand has a history of unstable governments, frequently interrupted by military coups and court interventions. The country has seen multiple administrations removed by constitutional courts in recent years, and this political turbulence has left many Thais uncertain about the future.

The Shinawatra family’s populist policies once earned them strong support among lower-income citizens, but they often clashed with the conservative-royalist elite in Bangkok. Both Thaksin and his sister Yingluck, who also served as prime minister, were ousted by military coups in 2006 and 2014, respectively.

Paetongtarn became the fifth Thai prime minister removed by the Constitutional Court, all from administrations backed by her father. Her removal demonstrates the continued influence of Thailand’s conservative-royalist elite over national politics.

How Anutin Charnvirakul Rose to Power

Anutin, 58, is an experienced politician and known dealmaker. He has long expressed interest in the country’s top job, but he assumes power under challenging circumstances. His Bhumjaithai (Proud to be Thai) party holds only 69 of 500 parliamentary seats, meaning he must govern with support from one of the largest parties in parliament.

Bhumjaithai, a party known for being pragmatic and transactional rather than ideological, previously allied with conservative military-backed groups and, more recently, with the Shinawatra-led Pheu Thai coalition. The party broke from Pheu Thai after a leaked phone call between Paetongtarn and Cambodian leader Hun Sen created tension.

The only viable partner for Anutin was the progressive and youthful People’s Party, Thailand’s largest party in parliament. Despite their political differences and historical disputes, they agreed to support Anutin on certain conditions.

Conditions of the New Government

The People’s Party has agreed to support Anutin only until the next election, scheduled within four months. They have also demanded the start of a process to amend the military-drafted constitution. They will not support any major legislation, making Anutin’s premiership limited in scope and authority.

About Anutin Charnvirakul

Anutin comes from a wealthy and influential political family. His father held several ministerial positions and founded a construction business that built Thailand’s new parliament complex, where Anutin’s election took place.

He is best known for liberalizing marijuana laws as health minister in 2022 and is a passionate pilot, owning three personal airplanes. Anutin’s rise to the premiership is both a personal achievement and a critical test, as he must navigate Thailand through political instability with limited time and parliamentary support.

Challenges Ahead

Anutin inherits a country facing deep political divisions and high public scrutiny. With only four months before new elections, he must balance the demands of his coalition, manage ongoing political disputes, and maintain public confidence. The decisions he makes during this short period will shape Thailand’s political landscape and determine whether stability can return after years of turmoil.

Thailand now enters another phase of uncertainty, with a new prime minister facing immense pressure to act quickly while keeping peace between rival political factions. The coming months will test both Anutin’s political skills and the resilience of Thailand’s democratic institutions.

Thailand politics, Anutin Charnvirakul, new Thai prime minister, Shinawatra family