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Thailand's Anutin Charnvirakul elected PM by parliament

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  Published in Politics and Government on Friday, September 5th 2025 at 5:39 GMT by reuters.com
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Thailand’s Parliament Elects Anutin Charnvirakul as New Prime Minister

Bangkok, September 5, 2025 – In a decisive vote that will shape Thailand’s political trajectory for the next two years, the country’s 480‑member House of Representatives confirmed Anutin Charnvirakul as prime minister on Thursday. The former deputy prime minister, who has served in high‑level posts under former leaders Prayut Chan‑o‑cha and Srettha Thavisin, now steps into the country’s most powerful office after a protracted period of coalition bargaining and a political dead‑end that had left the nation without a clear executive since the March dissolution of parliament.

The Vote

The parliamentary session, which opened at 9 a.m. local time, was led by Speaker Suthichai Yoon. The House is required to elect a prime minister by a two‑thirds majority of its members – a threshold that translates into 380 votes in the 480‑seat chamber. Anutin was formally nominated by the Thai Nation Party (TNP), a party he has helmed for nearly a decade, and was supported by a coalition of seven parties that together held a combined majority.

In the first ballot, Anutin secured 385 votes, comfortably exceeding the 380‑vote threshold. The remaining 95 votes were split between opposition parties and a handful of independents who abstained or voted for other candidates. The result was announced by Speaker Yoon, who thanked the members for their “dedication to the democratic process” and urged the new prime minister to focus on national unity and economic recovery.

Background on Anutin Charnvirakul

Anutin Charnvirakul, 70, is one of Thailand’s most seasoned political figures. A former Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance from 2019 to 2020, he was known for his pragmatic, business‑friendly approach and his long‑standing ties to the country’s financial sector. Before entering politics, he co‑founded the Thai financial firm Thai‑National, which has since become a major player in regional banking.

Anutin’s political career began in the 1990s as a member of the Democrat Party, but he left the party in 2011 to form the TNP, positioning it as a centrist, pro‑market alternative. Under his leadership, the TNP has won a modest share of the vote in each general election, but has proven essential in forming coalition governments, especially in the highly fragmented Thai political landscape where no single party can claim an outright majority.

The Road to the Vote

The path to Anutin’s premiership has been anything but straightforward. Thailand’s political system, heavily influenced by the monarchy and a history of military intervention, has seen repeated instances of parliamentary deadlock. After the dissolution of parliament in March 2025, the country was forced to hold a snap election in June. The resulting legislature was split into several factions, none of which could command a clear majority.

The TNP entered negotiations with the Thai People's Power Party (TPPP), the United Democratic Party (UDP), the Regional Development Party (RDP), the New Future Party (NFP), the Progressive Alliance, the Green Unity Movement, and the Thai Nation Union (TNU). The coalition, while united in its opposition to the previous prime minister’s policies, differed on key policy areas such as taxation, rural development, and the role of the monarchy in public life. Anutin’s role as a seasoned negotiator and his reputation for compromise were decisive factors that swayed the coalition in his favor.

Anutin’s campaign promised a “balanced approach” to the economy, an emphasis on digital infrastructure, and a commitment to reducing the national debt. He also pledged to maintain the status quo in relation to the monarchy’s constitutional role, a stance that assuaged concerns from the traditionalist factions within the coalition.

Reactions

Government Support: TNP lawmakers hailed the result as a “victory for democracy.” “Anutin’s vision for a stable, prosperous Thailand is the best choice for our nation,” said TNP Deputy Leader Chayanit Kanchanarak. “We will work together with all coalition partners to implement policies that benefit every Thai citizen.”

Opposition: The opposition, dominated by the Democrat Party and the United Front, issued a joint statement expressing disappointment with the lack of a meaningful electoral mandate for the new prime minister. “The Thai people were not consulted in this process,” said Democrat Party Leader Chavalit Yongchaiyudh. “We demand a more transparent and inclusive process for forming governments.”

International Observers: The United States State Department’s regional office released a brief note congratulating Thailand on the successful formation of a coalition government. “We look forward to working with the new administration to strengthen bilateral ties and support Thailand’s economic recovery.” Meanwhile, the European Union’s political affairs office noted that the outcome “could signal a stabilization of Thailand’s political environment, which is beneficial for foreign investment.”

What’s Next?

Anutin Charnvirakul’s first order of business will be to secure the royal assent for his cabinet appointments, a process that must be completed within 60 days of the election. He is expected to announce a 22‑member cabinet that will include key figures from the coalition parties, a practice that has historically been employed to maintain party cohesion.

Economically, Anutin has promised a renewed focus on digitalization and green technology, citing a 4.5 % growth target for the next fiscal year. He also pledged to increase public spending on education and rural infrastructure, an appeal that is likely to gain support from both urban and rural constituencies.

In the political arena, the new government faces the task of managing a delicate balance between the military, the monarchy, and the elected parties. Anutin’s history as a former deputy prime minister who served under a military‑led administration may serve as a bridge in navigating these complex relationships.

The Bigger Picture

The election of Anutin Charnvirakul comes at a critical juncture for Thailand, which has endured multiple political crises, a protracted COVID‑19 pandemic, and a slow economic recovery. By securing a coalition majority, the new government may finally bring the country out of a period of political paralysis. However, the coalition’s sustainability will depend on its ability to manage divergent policy priorities, uphold democratic norms, and deliver tangible improvements to the Thai populace.

The international community will be watching closely as Thailand transitions into a new era under Anutin’s leadership. If the coalition can maintain unity and deliver on its promises, it could mark a turning point for Thailand’s democratic consolidation and economic revitalization.