Anutin Charnvirakul Sworn in as Thailand’s New Prime Minister

Anutin Charnvirakul has officially become the new Prime Minister of Thailand following a royal endorsement on October 1, 2023. His appointment comes two days after a parliamentary vote that resulted in his selection, prompted by a court ruling that dismissed his predecessor, Paetongtarn Shinawatra. This transition marks another significant shift in Thailand’s political landscape, as Charnvirakul takes over in the wake of a controversial phone call that led to turmoil in the previous government.

Charnvirakul, 58, is a seasoned politician best known for advocating the decriminalization of cannabis in Thailand. His political journey includes serving as both Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister under Shinawatra’s administration. He resigned from these posts and withdrew his party, the Bhumjaithai Party, from the coalition government after a leaked phone call with Hun Sen, the Senate President of Cambodia, raised ethical concerns. This phone call became a focal point amid a border dispute that escalated into a five-day armed conflict in July, stirring fears of broader regional instability.

In a ceremony held at the Bhumjaithai Party’s headquarters in Bangkok, Charnvirakul received his letter of appointment, attended by senior members of his coalition government. Dressed in traditional white civil service uniforms, they underscored the formal nature of the event. After receiving the royal endorsement, Charnvirakul pledged, “I’d like to take an oath that I determine to perform my duties to my fullest capabilities, with honesty and virtue.”

Charnvirakul’s political agenda includes further regulating the use of cannabis for medical purposes, building on his previous success in this area. During his tenure as Health Minister, he faced criticism for delays in vaccine procurement during the COVID-19 pandemic, but he has since managed to secure parliamentary support.

The vote that confirmed him as prime minister on September 29, 2023, was notably supported by the main opposition, the People’s Party. In a strategic move to gain their backing, Charnvirakul has promised to dissolve Parliament within four months and to organize a referendum on drafting a new constitution through an elected constituent assembly. The People’s Party, which has long advocated for constitutional reforms to enhance democratic governance, has decided to remain in opposition despite their cooperation in the parliamentary vote.

Charnvirakul’s rise to power makes him the third prime minister of Thailand in just two years, reflecting the country’s turbulent political environment. The People’s Party, formerly known as the Move Forward Party, initially won the most seats in the July 2023 general elections but was thwarted in forming a government due to military-appointed senators opposing their candidate, who sought reforms to the monarchy.

Following the election, the Pheu Thai Party, which finished second, managed to secure the premiership with real estate executive Srettha Thavisin, but his government was short-lived. Dismissed by the Constitutional Court for ethical violations, he was succeeded by Paetongtarn, who herself lasted only a year before the Bhumjaithai Party withdrew from her coalition.

As the new government sets its agenda, the political landscape remains fragile, with the Pheu Thai Party confirming that it will revert to opposition status following Charnvirakul’s victory. The ongoing shifts in Thailand’s leadership continue to highlight the complexities and challenges facing its democratic processes.