Thailand PM Anutin Charnvirakul Elected
- Anutin Charnvirakul, leader of the bhumjaithai Party, was elected as Thailand's new Prime Minister on Friday, September 22, 2023, after securing a majority vote in Parliament.
- The election followed a recent court ruling that disqualified Paetongtarn Shinawatra from contention due to an ethics breach.
- Anutin's appointment is pending formal endorsement by Thailand's King Maha Vajiralongkorn, after which he will become the 32nd Prime Minister of the Southeast asian nation.
Anutin Charnvirakul Elected as Thailand’s New Prime Minister
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– Last updated: September 22, 2023
parliamentary Vote Confirms Anutin’s Premiership
Anutin Charnvirakul, leader of the bhumjaithai Party, was elected as Thailand’s new Prime Minister on Friday, September 22, 2023, after securing a majority vote in Parliament. He defeated Chaikasem Nitisiri, the nominee from the ruling Pheu Thai Party, in the vote. Xinhua news Agency reported the results.
The election followed a recent court ruling that disqualified Paetongtarn Shinawatra from contention due to an ethics breach. Anutin received 311 votes in favor, exceeding the simple majority needed for approval, wiht 490 members of the House of representatives present.
Pending Royal Endorsement and Government Plans
Anutin’s appointment is pending formal endorsement by Thailand’s King Maha Vajiralongkorn, after which he will become the 32nd Prime Minister of the Southeast asian nation. Following the parliamentary session, Anutin expressed gratitude for the support he received through the members of Parliament.
He pledged to collaborate with all parties to benefit the Thai people, accelerate the country’s progress, and address past shortcomings. Anutin also committed to strict law enforcement and combating abuses of power.
Background and Political Context
The 58-year-old Anutin Charnvirakul, a former construction magnate, was appointed leader of the Bhumjaithai Party in 2012. He has previously served as Deputy Prime Minister and held ministerial positions in the Interior and Public Health ministries.
Earlier this week, a bid by the outgoing Pheu Thai-led government to dissolve the lower house of Parliament was rejected on legal grounds, as they lacked the authority to do so while serving in a caretaker capacity. This rejection paved the way for Friday’s prime ministerial election.
The people’s Party,holding nearly a third of the lower house seats,announced it’s support for Anutin on Wednesday,contingent on the dissolution of Parliament and the holding of fresh elections within four months.
Thailand’s political landscape has been marked by ongoing power struggles between supporters of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra (father of the disqualified Paetongtarn Shinawatra) and conservative parties aligned with the military.