Thailand Elects Anutin as New PM

Thailand has appointed a new Prime Minister, Anutin Charnvirakul, who was formally elected by the national parliament on September 5, 2025, in Bangkok. This transition followed the removal of the former Prime Minister, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, by the Constitutional Court due to ethical violations tied to a leaked phone conversation with the Cambodian Senate President, Hun Sen. In the parliamentary vote, Anutin received 311 votes, comfortably surpassing the 247 required for election, while his main rival, Chaikasem Nitisiri of the Pheu Thai Party, obtained 152 votes, and 27 lawmakers abstained. His candidacy was supported by a coalition led by the People’s Party, which holds 143 seats, along with seven other parties, providing a total of 289 votes and ensuring a clear majority. Earlier, in June 2025, Anutin had left the coalition associated with Paetongtarn’s party following the controversy over the leaked phone call concerning a border dispute with Cambodia, a situation that ultimately contributed to her removal. Anutin, the leader of the Bhumjaithai Party, has previously served as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Public Health, and he gained recognition for advocating marijuana legalization in 2022, although he later adopted stricter regulatory measures. Known for his pragmatic approach, he has effectively navigated Thailand’s political divisions, and his election is viewed as a potential stabilizing factor after a period of parliamentary deadlock and political uncertainty, marking a new chapter in the country’s governance.

Primary Information Summary

Thailand has a new Prime Minister, Anutin Charnvirakul, who was officially chosen by parliament on September 5, 2025, in Bangkok.

This change came after the Constitutional Court removed the previous Prime Minister, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, due to ethical misconduct linked to a leaked phone call with Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen.

In the parliamentary vote, Anutin Charnvirakul secured 311 votes, exceeding the 247 needed to win the Prime Ministership.

Chaikasem Nitisiri, representing the Pheu Thai Party, received 152 votes, while 27 lawmakers chose to abstain from voting.

Anutin’s election was supported by a coalition led by the People’s Party, which has 143 seats, along with seven other parties, giving him a total of 289 seats and a clear majority.

The court’s ruling on August 29, 2025, required Paetongtarn Shinawatra to step down because of the ethical breach related to the phone conversation with Hun Sen.

Earlier, in June 2025, Anutin had left the coalition led by Paetongtarn’s party after the controversy over the leaked phone call regarding a border dispute with Cambodia, which ultimately led to her removal.

Anutin Charnvirakul heads the Bhumjaithai Party and has held positions as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Public Health in Thailand.

He became known for his role in legalizing marijuana in 2022, although he later moved toward more regulated policies.

Anutin is considered a pragmatic politician who has skillfully handled Thailand’s political divisions.

His rise to Prime Minister is seen as a step toward stabilizing the political situation in the country.

The parliamentary decision ending the week of political deadlock signals a new chapter in Thailand’s governance.

Earlier Context Overview

The election of Anutin Charnvirakul as Thailand’s Prime Minister came after a series of political events that destabilized the country’s leadership. The immediate cause was the Constitutional Court’s decision to remove Paetongtarn Shinawatra from office due to ethical violations linked to a leaked phone conversation with Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen. This phone call, which involved discussions over a sensitive border dispute, raised concerns over propriety and national security, prompting legal scrutiny and ultimately her dismissal. Prior to this ruling, Anutin had strategically withdrawn from the ruling coalition led by Paetongtarn’s party, distancing himself from the controversy and positioning himself as a viable alternative candidate. His leadership bid was strengthened by the support of a coalition of parties, including the People’s Party, which provided a parliamentary majority necessary for his election. The political maneuvering, combined with the court’s ruling and the urgent need to resolve governmental deadlock, created the conditions for Anutin’s ascent to the premiership. Additionally, his pragmatic approach to politics, prior governmental experience, and public recognition for policy initiatives such as marijuana decriminalization contributed to his appeal as a stabilizing leader capable of navigating Thailand’s complex political landscape.

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