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Thailand's Anutin Charnvirakul elected PM after rout of ruling party rival

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  Published in Politics and Government on Friday, September 5th 2025 at 7:54 GMT by reuters.com
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Thailand’s Political Landscape Shifts as Anutin Charnvirakul Becomes Prime Minister

On Thursday, September 5 – the day after a historic general election that saw the long‑running ruling coalition collapse – the Thai Parliament convened to confirm Anutin Charnvirakul as the country’s new head of government. The former finance minister, who has been a polarizing figure in Thai politics for more than a decade, secured the position by leading a coalition that swept the popular vote in a sweeping defeat of the incumbent Palang Pracharat‑led bloc.

The Election That Changed Everything

The election, held on August 5, saw the Palang Pracharat Party – the vehicle of former military ruler Prayut Chan‑ocha – lose a significant chunk of its support. While the party still captured the largest share of seats in the 500‑member House, it failed to win the outright majority that would have allowed it to unilaterally push through its agenda. The Democrat Party, headed by Anutin, surged from 43 seats to 132, a 90‑seat jump that made it the biggest single opposition force since the 2001 polls.

In total, the 2025 polls produced a fragmented House: the Democrat Party 132 seats, Palang Pracharat 118, the Bhumjaithai Party 45, the Thai Prachachart Party 31, the Chartthaipattana Party 23, and a host of smaller parties making up the balance. No single party reached the 251‑seat threshold required to form a majority, meaning a coalition became inevitable.

“The results were clear: the Thai people are looking for new leadership, and Anutin is the only name that commands broad support across the political spectrum,” said Ploy Pibulsongkram, a senior analyst at the International Crisis Group. “He was the only candidate who could bridge the gaps between the Democrat Party and the other pro‑government parties.”

Anutin’s Rise and the Coalition Deal

Anutin Charnvirakul, 66, has been a staple of Thai politics since the 1990s, first rising to prominence as the Finance Minister under Thaksin Shin‑awatra’s administration and later serving in the same post in the Palang Pracharat‑led cabinet of 2019–2020. His background in fiscal policy and his reputation as a “business‑friendly” politician gave him a solid base of support among urban voters and the business community.

After the election, Anutin negotiated a coalition that included the Democrat Party, the Palang Pracharat, Bhumjaithai, and Thai Prachachart parties. The agreement was brokered in a marathon session that lasted nearly two days and was televised for the first time, allowing voters to watch the deliberations in real time.

“We’ve set a new precedent in Thai politics,” Anutin told reporters as he stepped onto the parliamentary floor. “This coalition is built on shared values: stability, economic growth, and respect for the monarchy. It is a testament to the democratic process in Thailand.”

Under the coalition terms, Anutin will receive a three‑year term as prime minister, after which the House will hold a confidence vote to confirm his continuation in office. He will be assisted by a cabinet that includes senior figures from all participating parties, with key posts allocated to maintain the balance of power.

Challenges Ahead

Anutin’s premiership will be tested on multiple fronts. The Thai economy, which has struggled with a sluggish growth rate of 1.5 % in the past year, must overcome mounting public debt and the lingering effects of a global slowdown. The new administration has pledged a fiscal stimulus package worth 1.2 trillion baht to boost infrastructure spending and incentivize private investment, but the scale of the debt crisis remains a concern for international investors.

Social issues also loom large. A recent Supreme Court ruling on the “nation‑state” bill, which had sparked massive protests in 2021, has been a flashpoint for democratic activists. Anutin’s government will need to navigate the delicate relationship between the monarchy, the judiciary, and the civil society that continues to demand greater political openness.

The opposition, led by the Thai Prachachart Party’s Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit, has been quick to call for an audit of the election results, citing irregularities in voter registration and alleged manipulation of electoral rolls. While the independent Election Commission has rejected the claims, the protests that erupted in Bangkok’s Ratchaprasong district last week highlight the volatility that still exists in Thai politics.

International Response

The United States Department of State welcomed the election results as a “positive step for Thailand’s democratic journey.” In a statement, the State Department said it “expressed confidence that the new coalition will prioritize stability, economic reform, and respect for democratic institutions.”

Meanwhile, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Thailand released a brief that praised the election’s “high voter turnout of 73.8 %,” noting that it underscored the “strong civic engagement” among Thai citizens. The UNDP also highlighted the need for continued support in gender equality and youth empowerment initiatives that will be part of the new government’s policy agenda.

Looking Forward

Anutin’s confirmation as prime minister marks a significant moment in Thailand’s post‑military transition. His coalition, composed of a diverse set of parties, represents a new political balance that could either stabilize the country or exacerbate existing fractures.

The next few weeks will be critical as the new administration seeks to secure a confidence vote in Parliament, implement its economic plan, and address the nation’s social demands. Whether Anutin can deliver on his promises of inclusive growth, transparent governance, and respect for Thailand’s constitutional monarchy remains to be seen. One thing, however, is clear: the political narrative in Thailand has shifted, and all eyes are now on Bangkok as Anutin and his coalition set out to steer the country into a new chapter.