Anutin Charnvirakul Elected Thai Prime Minister After Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s Dismissal

Thailand’s parliament has elected Anutin Charnvirakul as the country’s new prime minister, following the Constitutional Court’s dismissal of Paetongtarn Shinawatra last month. 

Anutin, leader of the Bhumjaithai Party and a longtime figure in Thai politics, secured 311 votes in the 492-member House of Representatives, well above the required 247-vote threshold.

Image Source: lhsingapura

The vote followed an agreement between Anutin and the liberal People’s Party -- the largest bloc in parliament -- which pledged support in return for his commitment to call a general election within four months. 

His opponent, Pheu Thai candidate Chaikasem Nitisiri, received 152 votes, with 27 lawmakers abstaining. Anutin’s appointment now awaits formal endorsement from King Maha Vajiralongkorn.

The vote caps weeks of political uncertainty after Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, daughter of former premier Thaksin Shinawatra, was dismissed on August 29 for breaching ministerial ethics in connection with a border dispute with Cambodia. Paetongtarn had led the Pheu Thai Party to power just a year earlier.

Anutin’s return to power represents a reversal in alliances. Once a coalition partner of Pheu Thai, he withdrew his party’s support earlier this year over the handling of the Cambodia issue. 

Friday’s vote was marked by high-profile defections from Pheu Thai, including veteran politician Chalerm Yubamrung and eight colleagues who crossed the aisle to back Anutin.

The new prime minister is a veteran political figure who previously held the public health and interior portfolios and was central to Thailand’s COVID-19 response. 

He has led Bhumjaithai since 2012 and has long played a kingmaker role in coalition politics. His party is known for backing conservative policies and opposing the populist platforms of the Shinawatra political movement.

Anutin’s elevation further complicates the political future of the Shinawatra family. Hours before the parliamentary vote, Thaksin Shinawatra -- who returned from exile in 2023 -- left Thailand for Dubai. 

He is expected to appear before the Supreme Court on September 9 for a ruling related to his early release from custody last year. The case does not address his conviction but could impact the legality of his parole.

Pheu Thai, which had attempted to forestall Friday’s vote by petitioning for parliament’s dissolution, said royal officials declined the request, citing legal ambiguities related to the party’s caretaker status.

In a statement following the vote, the Pheu Thai Party acknowledged the transition and signaled its intention to function as the parliamentary opposition. 

“We will return to finish the job for all Thai people,” it said.

Anutin’s incoming administration is expected to form a minority coalition and will face immediate pressure to deliver economic stability and electoral clarity ahead of the promised vote.