Anutin Charnvirakul Named Thailand’s Prime Minister After Court Ousts Predecessor

By PALASH MAMTANEY

Anutin Charnvirakul has been appointed Thailand’s new prime minister after the previous PM was removed by the Constitutional Court. The court ousted Paetongtarn Shinawatra due to ethical violations linked to a controversial phone call with Cambodia’s senate president, which escalated tensions between the two nations. Anutin, leader of the conservative Bhumjaithai party, won the parliamentary vote decisively, earning 311 out of 492 votes. His appointment marks a significant setback for the influential Shinawatra family, which has dominated Thai politics for over two decades. Anutin agreed to hold a general election within four months as part of his coalition agreement. He is a former deputy prime minister and health minister known for pushing cannabis decriminalization. The new government assumes office amid ongoing political instability and a fragile ceasefire with Cambodia. King Maha Vajiralongkorn has officially endorsed Anutin’s appointment, formalizing his premiership.
_{Featured image: NBC}