Thailand’s parliament has elected Anutin Charnvirakul as the country’s third prime minister in two years, following a week of intense political upheaval and the removal of Paetongtarn Shinawatra by court order for ethics violations. Anutin, leader of the Bhumjaithai party and former health minister, secured a decisive 311 votes in the 492-member House of Representatives—well above the 247 needed for a majority.
The Bhumjaithai party emerged as a kingmaker after breaking from the Shinawatra-led coalition and striking a deal with the progressive People’s Party, which agreed to support Anutin on the condition that parliament be dissolved for a snap election within four months. Anutin’s victory was solidified by defections from key political figures and a pragmatic approach that bridges conservative and progressive interests.
His appointment comes at a low point for the powerful Shinawatra political dynasty, which has held sway in Thailand’s government for over two decades. Former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra left the country for Dubai just hours before Anutin’s election, leaving the ruling Pheu Thai party in disarray. Paetongtarn’s removal marked the fifth Shinawatra-linked premier ousted by the Constitutional Court since 2006.
Anutin inherits a fragile minority government in a parliament marked by divided loyalties and ongoing demands for democratic reforms. Analysts expect his administration will face challenges fulfilling coalition promises and stabilizing the nation, which has seen frequent leadership changes through court rulings and military interventions in recent years.
