Thai tycoon Anutin Charnvirakul, a conservative and cannabis-championing politician, officially took office as prime minister on Sunday. His appointment marks the end of the dominant political dynasty of the Shinawatras and sets the stage for new elections early next year. Since the 2023 elections, Thailand’s top office has been held by the Pheu Thai party, a populist force that has frequently clashed with the pro-monarchy, pro-military establishment.
The dynasty’s heiress, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, was ousted by a court order last month. Anutin quickly formed his own coalition government, winning a parliamentary vote on Friday to shut Pheu Thai out of power. Anutin, a construction magnate, previously served as deputy prime minister, interior minister, and health minister. He is widely known as the architect of Thailand’s 2022 cannabis decriminalization.
He is now the country’s third leader in two years and will also serve as interior minister. His rise to power, however, is conditional on dissolving parliament within four months to hold new elections. “Though we do not have much time, I hope to receive cooperation from everyone,” Anutin told reporters. “My government will work tirelessly… we only have four months.” His term officially began after a royal endorsement from King Maha Vajiralongkorn.
Decline of the Shinawatra Dynasty
Anutin was once an ally of the Shinawatras, who have been a dominant force in Thai politics for two decades but have recently faced a series of legal and political setbacks. Anutin abandoned his coalition with their Pheu Thai Party this summer, reportedly angered by Paetongtarn’s conduct during a border dispute with Cambodia. The Constitutional Court found that her actions breached ministerial ethics, leading to her dismissal after just one year in power.
The dynasty’s patriarch, Thaksin Shinawatra, left the country for Dubai just hours before the parliamentary vote that confirmed Anutin’s appointment. Thaksin stated he was traveling for medical treatment and to visit friends. He is facing a Supreme Court ruling on Tuesday regarding his hospital stay after his return from exile in August 2023, a decision that could affect his early release from prison last year. Some analysts believe the verdict could send him back to jail. Thaksin has promised to return to Thailand “in person” for the court date.
Anutin commented on the situation, stating, “Me and my colleagues have faced legal bullying but the past is now behind us.” He added that his government “will adhere to the law and will not interfere in the justice system, letting the law take its course.”
