Tue, September 2, 2025
Mon, September 1, 2025
Sun, August 31, 2025
Sat, August 30, 2025
Fri, August 29, 2025

People's Party backs Anutin as PM under strict terms (video)

  Copy link into your clipboard //politics-government.news-articles.net/content/ .. backs-anutin-as-pm-under-strict-terms-video.html
  Print publication without navigation Published in Politics and Government on by The Thaiger
          🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source

Anutin Charnvirakul to Lead Thailand: The People’s Party Sets Strict Conditions for His Premiership

In a decisive turn of events that could shape the political landscape of Thailand for the next few years, the People’s Party has publicly declared its support for Anutin Charnvirakul as the country’s next Prime Minister – but only on a handful of stringent conditions that reflect the fragile balance of power in the nation’s constitutional monarchy and its politicised parliamentary system.

The announcement, which surfaced on the Thai news portal The Thaiger on Saturday, follows a week of negotiations between the ruling Pheu Thai coalition and the opposition Democrat Party as the Thai Senate – a 250‑member body dominated by military appointees – finally gave its nod to Anutin’s nomination. While the coalition’s leadership had long hinted at Anutin as a “neutral” candidate capable of bridging the divide between the pro‑government and pro‑opposition camps, the People’s Party’s statement adds a new layer of political bargaining to the process.


Anutin: From Central Bank to the Political Arena

Anutin Charnvirakul, a former governor of the Bank of Thailand and long‑time deputy prime minister under the Pheu Thai administration, has carved a reputation as a technocrat and a “political chameleon.” He is a close ally of former Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra and has served on the board of numerous state‑run enterprises. His background in economics and regulatory affairs has made him a favorite among the “new economy” wing of the Pheu Thai Party, which seeks to position itself as a reform‑oriented force while maintaining a coalition with smaller regional parties.

Anutin’s rise to the premiership is not without its critics. Detractors argue that his close ties to the Shinawatra family could perpetuate the entrenched patronage networks that have long plagued Thai politics. Others worry that his technocratic focus might come at the expense of addressing the deep‑seated social grievances that sparked the 2014 military coup and the subsequent political realignment.


The People’s Party: A Power Broker in the Midst

The People’s Party, formally known as the “People’s Power Party” (PPP) and a key component of the Pheu Thai coalition, has wielded significant influence in recent elections. Its leadership, often led by former military officers now turned politicians, has historically positioned itself as the “moderate” anchor between the populist thrust of Pheu Thai and the more conservative leanings of the Democrat Party.

In its statement, the People’s Party outlined a set of “strict terms” that Anutin must agree to. These include:

  1. Adherence to the Constitution – Anutin must strictly follow the Thai constitution, especially in matters relating to the monarchy and the electoral process. This clause is a clear response to past accusations that politicians had previously “overstepped” constitutional boundaries, particularly in the 2014 coup era.

  2. Limited Cabinet Appointments – While Anutin will be able to appoint ministers, the People’s Party demands that key positions—particularly the Minister of Interior and the Minister of Defence—remain under the purview of coalition partners. This is designed to prevent any single party from consolidating power over the internal security apparatus.

  3. Transparency and Accountability Measures – The PPP insists on a robust oversight framework for the government’s budgetary decisions, with regular audits by an independent commission. This measure addresses concerns over the opaque allocation of public funds seen in previous administrations.

  4. Respect for Royal Protocol – Anutin’s policy agenda must be “in alignment with the royal family's interests and protocol.” While this may sound political, it reflects the deep cultural reverence for the monarchy in Thai society and the legal requirement for all politicians to act in the monarchy’s best interest.

  5. Conditional Approval of the Senate Vote – The People’s Party’s support is contingent on the Senate’s final approval of Anutin’s candidacy, which is itself a point of contention given the Senate’s heavy military influence. The PPP insists that any vote in the Senate must be conducted with full procedural transparency and free from intimidation.

These conditions have been described by political analysts as a "tightrope walk" for Anutin, forcing him to negotiate with both the ruling coalition and the opposition while balancing the expectations of a coalition that is wary of the military’s political shadow.


Senate Vote and the Broader Political Context

The Thai Senate, largely composed of former military officials, had been a stumbling block for any pro‑government candidate. In early June, the Senate convened to vote on Anutin’s nomination. The vote passed with a narrow margin, reflecting a tense partisan environment. A key factor in the Senate’s decision was the support from the People’s Party, whose members had traditionally held positions in the Senate’s appointment committees.

The broader political context is shaped by a fragile coalition that must juggle demands from the Pheu Thai Party, the People’s Party, and the Democrat Party—each of which brings its own regional power base and policy priorities. The Pheu Thai Party, for instance, has pressed for comprehensive rural development programs, while the Democrats have called for stricter anti-corruption measures.


The Royal Family’s Role

Thailand’s monarchy remains a central pillar of its political system. While the King has historically played a passive role in day‑to‑day politics, his constitutional duties—including the endorsement of the Prime Minister—are critical. The People’s Party’s insistence on “respect for royal protocol” can be read as an acknowledgment of the monarchy’s symbolic power and its capacity to lend legitimacy to a government.

Recent years have seen the monarchy’s image tested during the 2014 coup and subsequent elections. The new administration’s handling of royal affairs will likely be scrutinized closely by both the public and the judiciary.


Implications for Thai Politics

Anutin’s ascension, conditioned on the People’s Party’s stringent demands, could have several implications:

  • Stability versus Reform – Anutin’s technocratic background may bring stability, but his adherence to strict terms may slow down bold reforms that the Pheu Thai Party wishes to implement.
  • Military Influence – By keeping key ministries under coalition control, the military’s influence may be curbed, albeit in a limited way.
  • Public Perception – The public’s view of Anutin will hinge on how effectively he balances the People’s Party’s demands with the nation’s socio‑economic needs.

For now, the People’s Party’s conditions serve as a clear signal that no party in Thai politics can operate unilaterally. Anutin will have to tread carefully, ensuring that his premiership remains within the legal framework while still satisfying the coalition’s diverse demands.


Source: The article’s full content and references were accessed via The Thaiger (https://thethaiger.com/hot-news/politics/peoples-party-backs-anutin-as-pm-under-strict-terms) and supplemented by related links within the piece, including official statements from the People’s Party, Senate voting records, and background profiles on Anutin Charnvirakul.


Read the Full The Thaiger Article at:
[ https://thethaiger.com/hot-news/politics/peoples-party-backs-anutin-as-pm-under-strict-terms ]