Thai parliament chooses Anutin Charnvirakul as prime minister, calming political strife in Thailand
After a week of political turmoil and deadlock, Thailand has a new prime minister. Anutin Charnvirakul, a former deputy premier, interior minister, health minister, and the country's Covid-19 czar, was elected as the nation's leader in a parliamentary vote on Friday.
Anutin's victory was a significant blow to the Pheu Thai party, the ruling party of the Shinawatra family. Thaksin Shinawatra, a key figure in the Shinawatra family, left Thailand for Dubai after the election.
Anutin formed a pact with the People's Party to secure the majority needed to win the house vote. However, the People's Party, the largest force in parliament, has announced that they will not join Anutin's government.
Anutin's election marks a political reckoning for power-broker Thaksin and the decline of the Pheu Thai party's influence. Anutin promised a referendum on amending the constitution and an election within four months to the People's Party. Whether he will follow through on this promise remains to be seen.
Anutin is a staunch royalist and considered a conservative. He did not speak before the vote, but received the backing of the opposition.
Thaksin's sentence could send him back to jail if the Supreme Court decides his hospital stint does not count as time served. The political landscape in Thailand is likely to continue to shift as the country moves towards new elections, expected in early 2026.
The election ended a week of chaos and political deadlock, and Anutin will lead a minority government. Anutin's party, Bhumjaithai, has been a mainstay in Thai politics. His victory is a significant moment for the country, and the impact of his leadership remains to be seen.
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