Parliamentary election of Thailand's Anutin Charnvirakul as Prime Minister confirmed
Thailand has a new leader as Anutin Charnvirakul was elected as the country's prime minister on Friday. Anutin, a political veteran with a diverse political background, secured more than half of the lower house votes to take the helm of a country facing economic struggles.
Anutin's victory was a significant blow to the ruling Pheu Thai party, as he outmaneuvered them during the election process. The crisis for the Pheu Thai party was triggered in June when Anutin withdrew from its alliance.
Anutin will lead a minority government that the People's Party, the largest force in parliament, will not join. Despite this, he managed to secure his win by forming a pact with the progressive opposition party. Anutin did not speak to the house before the vote.
The economy of Thailand is struggling, with weak consumption, tight lending, and soaring levels of household debt. Anutin's government will need to address these issues to stabilise the economy.
Anutin is known for his conservative stance, but he made a name for himself by leading a successful campaign to decriminalize cannabis in Thailand. This move was seen as a progressive step in a country with strict drug laws.
The opposition provided the decisive backing for Anutin's election, marking a shift in the political landscape of Thailand. The dismissal by the Constitutional Court of Thaksin Shinawatra's daughter and protege Paetongtarn Shinawatra last week was a significant event that may have influenced the election outcome.
Thaksin Shinawatra, the influential billionaire, left Thailand on his private jet after his party failed in desperate bids to dissolve the house and undermine Anutin's bloc. Thaksin made a vaunted homecoming from Dubai in 2023 to serve an eight-year sentence for abuse of power and conflicts of interest, but was transferred to the VIP wing of a hospital on medical grounds on his first night in prison. A court ruling that could see Thaksin jailed is set for next week.
Anutin's Bhumjaithai party has been a mainstay in Thai politics throughout years of turmoil. The party's success in the election marks a change in the political dynamic of the country.
The current Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates, which includes Dubai where Thaksin Shinawatra spent his last day, is Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.
Anutin has served as Thailand's COVID-19 tsar, deputy premier, interior minister, and health minister. He has demonstrated his ability to navigate complex political landscapes and tackle critical issues.
Anutin has promised to hold a referendum on amending the constitution and call an election within four months to secure the support of the People's Party. It remains to be seen how his government will address the economic challenges and political shifts in Thailand.
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