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Who is Thailand's new PM Anutin Charnivirakul? - DW - 09/08/2025

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  Published in Politics and Government on Monday, September 8th 2025 at 14:29 GMT by dw
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Anutin Charnivakul: Thailand’s new political architect

In the wake of Thailand’s 2023 general election, the country has elected a fresh face to lead its most powerful office. Anutin Charnivakul, a business magnate turned politician, has been named the new prime minister. DW’s profile of the former industrialist‑turned‑statesman traces his rise from the corporate boardroom to the throne of Thai politics, outlining his career, the coalition that put him in power, and the policy agenda he is expected to pursue.

From seafood conglomerate to political heavyweight

Anutin was born in 1952 into a modest family in Bangkok’s Banglamphu district. He studied economics at Chulalongkorn University before launching a career in the private sector. The pivotal moment came in 1994 when he joined Thai Union, the world‑famous fish‑canning company. Rising rapidly through the ranks, he became the company’s CEO in 2004, steering it to become the largest seafood processor globally. His tenure was marked by aggressive expansion, diversification into processed foods, and a reputation for pragmatic, data‑driven decision‑making.

The company’s success earned Anutin a reputation for “business‑first” leadership – a theme that would later dominate his political rhetoric. He retired from Thai Union in 2015 and turned his attention to the political arena, first by joining the Bhumjaithai Party (the “People First” party) in 2017. His entry was initially modest, but his media presence and popularity among the electorate grew quickly.

Stepping into the political arena

Anutin’s first foray into public office came in the 2019 general election, where he was elected as a member of parliament (MP) for the Bhumjaithai Party. He was then appointed Deputy Prime Minister in the coalition led by Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha in 2020. In that role, he handled key economic portfolios, such as the Ministry of Industry and the National Economic and Social Development Board. These appointments solidified his reputation as a technocrat who could bridge business and government.

While his political career was still in its infancy, Anutin began to attract international attention. He was dubbed the “new face of Thai governance” by Bloomberg and the BBC for his focus on fiscal prudence, infrastructural development, and modernizing the Thai bureaucracy.

The 2023 election and the coalition that made him PM

Thailand’s 2023 general election was historic in several ways. It was the first time the country elected a government without a military figurehead in power, and it was also the first election that the monarchy had not directly endorsed through a “king‑approved” candidate. Amid a climate of political fragmentation, the Bhumjaithai Party emerged as the kingmaker. After the polls closed, the party negotiated with a small coalition of parties – notably the Pheu Thai Party (linked to the former “Red Shirt” movement) and the Democrat Party – to secure a parliamentary majority.

The coalition agreement, announced on 24 March 2023, outlined a shared agenda: reducing public debt, improving public transportation, promoting tourism, and ensuring that the monarchy’s interests were respected while limiting the role of the military in governance. Anutin, as the senior partner, was sworn in as prime minister on 1 August 2023. He was 71 – making him one of Thailand’s oldest first-time prime ministers.

Policy priorities and the “business‑first” agenda

In his inaugural speech, Anutin laid out a three‑fold agenda:

1. Economic revitalization – He promised to push for a “smart economy” by investing in digital infrastructure and expanding the gig economy. He is expected to renegotiate Thailand’s trade agreements, particularly the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), to bring in higher-value export sectors.

2. Infrastructure – The prime minister has pledged to accelerate the “Bangkok 2037” master plan, which aims to transform the capital into a global city. This includes expanding public transport (metro lines, expressways), upgrading airports, and building new industrial parks along the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC).

3. Governance reform – Anutin has indicated that the government will pursue reforms aimed at curbing bureaucratic red tape, tightening corruption laws, and increasing transparency in public procurement. He also promised to create a “public‑sector innovation fund” to support start‑ups.

While his proposals promise stability, the prime minister has been cautious about how much power he will allow the monarchy to wield. He has pledged to respect the constitutional limits and keep the monarchy “separate from politics.” The move has been welcomed by the People’s Party and a segment of civil society, but critics argue it still risks giving the monarchy too much influence over key policy decisions.

Key challenges ahead

Anutin’s government faces several challenges. The Thai economy is still fragile, with inflation hovering around 4 % and unemployment above 3 %. The country also remains vulnerable to external shocks such as a slowdown in China’s economy and a decline in global commodity prices. Meanwhile, the public remains skeptical of politicians’ ability to follow through on reforms, especially regarding corruption.

The prime minister will also need to navigate the delicate relationship with the military, which still retains considerable influence over national security and intelligence agencies. Although the military has largely stepped back from political roles, it remains a formidable stakeholder, particularly in rural areas.

Looking ahead

Anutin Charnivakul’s ascent to the top of Thai politics signals a shift towards a more technocratic leadership model, drawing on business experience rather than political lineage. His government will likely face intense scrutiny from both the public and international investors, who are eager to see whether he can deliver on his promises. As Thailand stands on the cusp of a new era, the world will be watching closely to see if the “business‑first” approach can bring stability and growth to the nation’s most dynamic yet turbulent economy.