Tycoon-turned-politician Anutin Charnvirakul has emerged as the frontrunner to become Thailand’s next prime minister after securing conditional support from the main opposition People’s Party. Anutin, leader of the conservative Bhumjaithai Party and known for championing medical cannabis legalisation, said he is committed to the terms required to form an interim government.
The People’s Party has pledged to provide the necessary votes for Anutin, provided he dissolves parliament within four months and commits to constitutional reform, potentially through a referendum. The opposition clarified it will not join his government but aims to push Thailand toward a more democratic framework.
Thailand’s political uncertainty deepened after the constitutional court removed Paetongtarn Shinawatra as prime minister last week, citing ethical violations. The ruling opened the door for negotiations, with the People’s Party holding the largest number of seats in parliament but unable to lead a government directly due to legal restrictions on its candidate.
Anutin, a royalist conservative from a wealthy business family, previously served as health minister during the pandemic. His rise marks a potential setback for the Shinawatra family, long dominant in Thai politics but now facing declining influence. A parliamentary vote on the new prime minister could take place as early as Friday, shaping Thailand’s political direction in the coming months.
Thailand’s Anutin Charnvirakul Gains Edge in PM Race with Opposition Backing
