"There's not much time, so I plan to work tirelessly every day to ensure issues are resolved quickly," Anutin Charnvirakul said after becoming Thailand's 32nd prime minister today, expressing his determination to make the most of his time in office.

When asked if the workload would be challenging, Anutin said, "Yes, there will be a lot to do. Not only working harder, but also ensuring outstanding issues are resolved as soon as possible."

He thanked the People's Party for supporting him as prime minister. The new Thai prime minister affirmed, "We will certainly take the right actions." Regarding his cabinet, he reassured, "Don't worry, everything is ready. We will act quickly because time is limited."

Anutin Charnvirakul arrives at the Thai parliament in Bangkok, 5/9. Photo: AP

Anutin Charnvirakul arrives at the Thai parliament in Bangkok, 5/9. Photo: AP

58-year-old Anutin Charnvirakul became Thailand's new prime minister after securing 247 votes in today's parliamentary election. His opponent, 77-year-old Chaikasem Nitisiri, representing the Pheu Thai party, received just over 100 votes.

Anutin is the son of Chavarat Charnvirakul, a former Thai interior minister and founder of the STECON construction company. He graduated with an engineering degree from Hofstra University in the US. His political career began around 1996, serving as an advisor to the foreign minister. From 2004-2005, he held the positions of deputy minister of health and deputy minister of commerce.

Anutin was banned from political activities for five years after the Thai Rak Thai party, where he served as a member of the executive committee, was dissolved in 2006. From 9/2023 to June of this year, he served as deputy prime minister and minister of the interior.

Thuy Lam (The Nation, Bangkok Post)