Anutin Charnvirakul, 58, became Thailand's new prime minister on 5/9 after securing sufficient votes in the House of Representatives, defeating Pheu Thai Party candidate Chaikasem Nitisiri.

Anutin immediately visited his father, Chavarat Charnvirakul, at Ramathibodi Hospital in Bangkok. Photos released by Thai media that evening show the new prime minister kneeling beside his father, embracing him as he ate dinner.

Thailand's new prime minister, Anutin Charnvirakul, visits his father in the hospital after the election. Photo: Naewna

Thailand's new prime minister, Anutin Charnvirakul, visits his father in the hospital after the election. Photo: Naewna

Born in 1936, Chavarat is a former deputy prime minister and interior minister, and the founder of the STECON construction company in 1962. The family is of Chinese-Thai descent, with ancestors from Guangdong.

Anutin took over the family business after graduating with an engineering degree from Hofstra University in the US and a degree in commerce and accounting from Thammasat University in Thailand.

STECON has undertaken several major projects for the Thai government, including Suvarnabhumi Airport, the MRT subway line in Bangkok, as well as highway and energy projects.

Anutin speaks with his father at a Bangkok hospital after his election victory. Photo: Naewna

Anutin speaks with his father at a Bangkok hospital after his election victory. Photo: Naewna

Prime Minister Anutin affirmed his commitment to addressing Thailand's urgent issues.

According to Mark S. Cogan, associate professor of peace and conflict studies at Kansai Gaidai University in Japan, Thailand under Anutin will likely avoid the mistakes of the Pheu Thai Party. Anutin is expected to focus on infrastructure development and regional partnerships.

Duc Trung (Thai Newsroom, Naewna, Mumkhao)