Anutin Charnvirakul Confirmed as Thailand’s Prime Minister Following Contentious Election
Bangkok, Thailand – Anutin Charnvirakul, leader of the Bhumjaithai Party (BJT), has been confirmed as Thailand’s new Prime Minister, marking a notable shift in the nation’s political landscape. The confirmation follows a complex coalition-building process after the 2023 election, where the BJT played a pivotal role in forming a government despite winning fewer seats than the Move Forward party.
Anutin’s rise to power comes amidst a period of evolving cannabis policy in Thailand, a key platform of his party. While initially championing liberalization, the government recently moved to restrict cannabis use in June, banning sales without a prescription and reclassifying cannabis buds as a controlled herb. violators now face up to one year in jail and a 20,000 baht ($614) fine. Though, the department of Conventional and Alternative Medicine has authorized limited personal use for patients with prescriptions for conditions like insomnia, chronic pain, migraines, Parkinson’s disease, or loss of appetite.
Anutin’s political journey began with Thaksin Shinawatra’s Thai Rak Thai Party before a 2006 military coup disrupted the political order. He faced a five-year ban following the 2007 dissolution of Thai Rak Thai, returning to politics as BJT leader in 2012. During the period of military rule between 2014 and 2019, Anutin aligned his party with the military government, leveraging influence among conservative elites.
The 2023 election saw the BJT secure 70 of the 500 available seats. Despite not winning the most seats, the party was instrumental in preventing the Move Forward party from forming a government and afterward joined forces with the Pheu Thai party - the latest iteration of Thaksin Shinawatra’s political vehicle – to establish a coalition.
The current political situation highlights a diminished role for Thaksin Shinawatra, who returned to Thailand from self-imposed exile in 2023 after a deal with conservative rivals. His return reportedly alienated some of his voter base, and he departed the contry the night before the parliamentary vote, fueling speculation about a potential renewed exile. He is scheduled to appear in court on September 9 regarding previous convictions.
Beyond politics, Anutin is known for his passion for aviation, utilizing his private aircraft to facilitate emergency organ donations, and a refined palate, expressing a love for both street food and “luxurious international fare.” He also enjoys collecting Buddhist amulets.