"The King has endorsed Anutin Charnvirakul as prime minister, effective today," House of Representatives Secretary-General Arpath Sukhanunth announced on 7/9, reading the royal decree at a ceremony held at the Bhumjaithai Party headquarters in Bangkok.
Anutin then prostrated himself before a portrait of King Maha Vajiralongkorn, describing the decree as an immense blessing and honor for himself and his family.
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Thailand's new Prime Minister bows before a portrait of the King on 7/9. Photo: AFP |
Thailand's new Prime Minister bows before a portrait of the King on 7/9. Photo: AFP
Speaking to the press after taking office, the new prime minister pledged that his government would work tirelessly and dedicate itself fully, before dissolving parliament in four months. In addition to leading the government, Anutin will also serve as interior minister.
"Although we don't have much time, I hope to receive cooperation from everyone," the Thai leader said.
Since the 2023 elections, the prime minister's office has been held by the Pheu Thai Party of the Shinawatra family, a populist force long opposed to the royalist and military establishment. However, former prime minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra was ousted by the court last month for violating ethics rules during a phone call with Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen.
Anutin subsequently rallied support to form a coalition and won a parliamentary vote on 5/9, effectively removing the Pheu Thai Party from power. To secure the necessary support from opposition parties, he pledged to dissolve parliament within four months of taking office and hold new elections.
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Thailand's new Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul takes office on 7/9. Photo: AFP |
Thailand's new Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul takes office on 7/9. Photo: AFP
Despite having held positions such as deputy prime minister, interior minister, and health minister, Anutin is best known as the architect of Thailand's 2022 cannabis legalization policy. He is also known for his handling of the Covid-19 pandemic response in Thailand, once drawing criticism for blaming Westerners for spreading the virus.
Anutin was previously an ally of the Shinawatra family, but withdrew from the coalition with the Pheu Thai Party last summer following the leak of a phone conversation between former prime minister Paetongtarn and Hun Sen.
Pham Giang (AFP, Nation)
