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Anutin poised to take top job as PM vote nears

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  Published in Politics and Government on Thursday, September 4th 2025 at 23:51 GMT by The Thaiger
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Anutin Charnvirakul Eyes Thailand’s Top Post as Parliament’s PM Vote Looms

In the weeks after Thailand’s general election, a new figure has stepped into the political spotlight: Anutin Charnvirakul, a former finance minister turned opposition heavyweight, is now being touted as the most likely candidate to secure the nation’s highest office. As the House of Representatives prepares to hold its decisive vote, analysts and political insiders alike are watching Anutin’s every move—his alliances, his policy priorities, and his capacity to bridge a fractured parliament that now contains more than 500 members representing a bewildering spectrum of parties.

A Background Check on Anutin

Anutin is no stranger to Thai politics. He first came to national prominence in 2008 as the Minister of Finance under Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva, where he helped steer the country through the global financial crisis. He returned to the cabinet in 2014 after the military coup that ousted former Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra, serving again as Finance Minister under the junta-backed government of Prayut Chan‑ocha. His tenure was marked by fiscal prudence and a focus on maintaining macro‑economic stability in a country that had seen its debt levels rise sharply in the preceding decade.

After a brief stint as Deputy Prime Minister, Anutin stepped away from public office, citing a desire to regroup and focus on business interests. He re‑emerged on the political scene in 2023, when he joined the newly‑formed United Thai Nation (UTN) party, a centrist coalition that positioned itself as a moderate alternative to both the ruling pro‑military bloc and the anti‑military opposition. The UTN quickly became a key player in the post‑election coalition negotiations, and its 32 seats in the House of Representatives made it a vital swing bloc.

The Path to Power

The Thai constitution, as amended in 2017, stipulates that the Prime Minister must be elected by a majority vote in the House of Representatives, where 500 members cast ballots. A simple majority—at least 251 votes—is required to win the seat. Anutin’s current political landscape presents a complex puzzle.

• Pro‑military support: The Palang Pracharat Party (the military’s flagship party) holds 58 seats. While its leadership has been reluctant to hand over power, they have indicated that they would be open to backing a candidate who can guarantee stability. Anutin, with his previous record in the military-backed cabinet, appears to be a natural fit for this group.

• Opposition coalition: The Pheu Thai Party, the political heir to former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, holds 112 seats. They have been actively seeking a compromise candidate who can maintain the anti‑military coalition while being acceptable to the monarchy and the public. Pheu Thai’s current strategy has been to negotiate with UTN and other small parties in order to secure a 131‑vote bloc.

• Other potential allies: The Democrat Party, which has 43 seats, remains cautious but open to negotiations. Their participation could bring an additional 43 votes to the coalition’s tally. Meanwhile, the Thai Liberal Party (24 seats) and the new Social Democratic Party (12 seats) are also in the cross‑hairs of any coalition talks.

Anutin’s chief advantage is that he can potentially tap into all three sectors. His long-standing relationship with the military, coupled with a reputation for fiscal responsibility, gives him credibility among the Palang Pracharat, while his openness to reform resonates with Pheu Thai and the opposition. Moreover, his background as a technocrat offers him a neutral platform, which is particularly valuable in a political environment where personalism often trumps ideology.

Key Policy Themes

If elected, Anutin will face a host of challenges—from managing the nation’s high inflation rates to addressing lingering social inequality. He has already outlined a three‑point agenda that he believes will win the confidence of both the parliament and the Thai people:

1. Economic Recovery: Anutin promises to keep a tight leash on the national debt while also implementing targeted stimulus measures to revive small‑business growth. His focus on “smart growth” aims to balance economic expansion with sustainability.

2. Digital Innovation: As a former finance minister, Anutin has long been a proponent of digital transformation. He plans to accelerate investment in high‑speed broadband infrastructure and push for a national e‑government framework that can reduce bureaucratic bottlenecks.

3. Social Welfare: In recognition of the growing wealth gap, Anutin will introduce new subsidies for low‑income families and expand the coverage of the universal health insurance scheme. These measures are expected to shore up support from both rural voters and the urban middle class.

The Royal Angle

In Thailand’s constitutional monarchy, the King has a ceremonial role in appointing the Prime Minister but can effectively block any candidate he deems unsuitable. Historically, the monarchy has leaned towards stability‑oriented figures, particularly those with a record of governance under military auspices. Anutin’s background—having served under Prayut’s administration—might be perceived positively by the monarchy. However, the King’s tacit approval will still hinge on a candidate’s perceived ability to keep the country united.

Looking Ahead

The next few weeks will be pivotal. Anutin will need to negotiate with a wide array of political actors, navigate the complex web of parliamentary alliances, and secure the king’s endorsement. While he currently holds the most plausible path to the top job, the final outcome will be determined by a mix of parliamentary arithmetic and behind‑the‑scenes diplomacy.

Regardless of whether Anutin ultimately secures the Prime Ministership, his emergence as a key political figure marks a new phase in Thailand’s post‑coup political narrative. It underscores the country’s ongoing struggle to reconcile the military’s influence, democratic aspirations, and the practical realities of governing a modern, rapidly evolving society. As parliament’s vote approaches, all eyes will be on Anutin Charnvirakul—whether he can deliver the stability that Thailand desperately needs, or whether he will be outmaneuvered by rival factions determined to shape the country’s future in their own image.