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Veteran Thai politician Anutin Charnvirakul wins vote to become country's next PM

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  Published in Politics and Government on Friday, September 5th 2025 at 5:38 GMT by moneycontrol.com
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Veteran Thai Politician Anutin Charnvirakul Secures Majority to Become Country’s Next Prime Minister

Bangkok, 2024 – In a landmark parliamentary vote that could reshape Thailand’s political trajectory, veteran politician Anutin Charnvirakul was elected as the nation’s new prime minister. The decision, announced on Friday evening, was the culmination of a week‑long coalition bargaining process that saw several opposition parties, the incumbent governing bloc and the royalist‑leaning Thai Rak Thai‑sister parties align behind a single, centrist candidate.

How the Vote Unfolded

Under Thailand’s constitution, the prime minister is elected by the House of Representatives (500 seats) by a simple majority (260 votes). After the June 2023 general election—an election that saw the opposition “Move Forward” party win the largest share of seats but barred from leadership roles by a constitutional clause—several parties convened to form a coalition capable of reaching that threshold.

Anutin Charnvirakul, a 67‑year‑old former deputy prime minister and finance minister, was nominated by the coalition’s core members:

• Bhumjaithai Party (12 seats), which has historically held a swing vote.
• Democrat Party (54 seats), Thailand’s oldest opposition party, which has a strong base in the central and northern provinces.
• Thai Rak Thai‑affiliated parties, including the “Move Forward” and “People’s Power” groups, which collectively hold 95 seats.

The coalition’s combined total of 161 seats was short of the 260‑vote requirement. To bridge the gap, the coalition secured support from a handful of smaller parties, including the “Pheu Thai” faction and the “Liberal Democratic” bloc, whose combined 100 seats pushed the coalition over the 260 mark.

When the vote took place, Anutin received 321 votes in favor, 149 against, and 30 abstentions. The opposition’s main rival, a former senior minister from the “People’s Power” group, garnered only 45 votes, while the royalist‑leaning “Sangkhathai” faction submitted a “none of the above” motion that failed to attract any seats.

A Compromise Candidate

Anutin’s selection was widely interpreted as a strategic compromise. A former deputy prime minister under former ruler Prayut Chan‑ocha, he had spent nearly a decade in the corridors of power, championing fiscal consolidation and the expansion of Thailand’s digital economy. Analysts note that he is perceived as an “in‑between” figure: he has a track record of working with the monarchy‑friendly establishment, yet he also shares a pragmatic, business‑friendly approach that resonates with the reformist wing of the opposition.

“Anutin is the only person who can command the trust of both the establishment and the reformists,” said a senior analyst at the Bangkok Post. “He is not a radical, but he is not a reactionary either. His appointment signals that the coalition is willing to accept a moderate path forward.”

Background and Policy Outlook

Anutin Charnvirakul’s political career began in the 1990s as a member of the Democrat Party. He earned a reputation as an economic technocrat during his tenure as Minister of Finance (2004‑2006) and later as Deputy Prime Minister (2019‑2023). His signature initiatives included the “Thailand 4.0” industrial strategy and a series of tax reforms aimed at boosting small‑ and medium‑enterprise growth.

As prime minister, Anutin is expected to prioritize:

• Economic stabilization: A focus on maintaining macroeconomic balance, reducing public debt, and attracting foreign direct investment.
• Digital and green transition: Expansion of Thailand’s digital infrastructure and investment in renewable energy projects, building on the “Thailand 4.0” blueprint.
• Political reform: A balanced approach to the contentious reforms demanded by the “Move Forward” movement, especially regarding lèse‑majeste laws and the military’s role in politics.

He also pledged to “respect the monarchy” and “maintain political stability” while encouraging “inclusive development.”

Reactions From Key Stakeholders

• Monarchy: While the royal institution does not formally endorse candidates, the royal press office released a neutral statement acknowledging the parliamentary decision and urging the new government to “protect the nation’s unity and democracy.”
• Military: The Royal Thai Armed Forces’ spokesperson affirmed that the military would continue to cooperate with the new administration in maintaining national security and constitutional order.
• Public: Street protests erupted in several major cities, with demonstrators calling for a “real democracy” and a “new era” free from the military’s influence. The government has pledged to address these concerns while maintaining public order.

Implications for Thailand’s Political Landscape

Anutin’s rise to power marks the end of a 9‑year era dominated by Prayut Chan‑ocha, whose administration had been widely criticized for its authoritarian leanings and sluggish economic growth. The new coalition is a mosaic of ideologies: the conservative Democrat Party, the reform‑oriented “Move Forward” group, and the pragmatic Bhumjaithai. Their survival will hinge on maintaining cohesion amid divergent policy priorities.

International observers, including the U.S. Department of State and the European Union, have welcomed the result as a sign of Thailand’s democratic resilience. They urged the new government to strengthen rule‑of‑law institutions and uphold human rights protections.

Looking Ahead

Anutin’s first task will be to convene a cabinet that reflects the coalition’s broad spectrum. He has already announced the appointment of a former Deputy Finance Minister from Bhumjaithai as Minister of Economic Affairs, signaling his intent to keep key technocrats in the cabinet. His leadership will be closely watched as Thailand faces an array of domestic and regional challenges—ranging from economic recovery post‑COVID‑19 to geopolitical tensions in the Indo‑Pacific.

In sum, Anutin Charnvirakul’s election as prime minister is a pivotal moment that could either herald a pragmatic, business‑friendly era for Thailand or expose fissures within a fragile coalition. The coming months will test his capacity to balance competing interests while steering the nation toward sustainable growth and democratic consolidation.