Thailand’s next Prime Minister, Anutin Charnvirakul, has pledged to fulfill his promise to lead the fractured interim government to fresh elections.
The conservative tycoon was confirmed by parliament on Friday, ending a week-long power vacuum following the ouster of his predecessor, Paetongtarn Shinawatra.
He received the backing of the People’s Party, which holds a plurality of seats, on the condition that he recommit to holding new polls. “We are clear in terms of politics that we are going to dissolve the parliament in four months”, Anutin said during a meeting at his party headquarters broadcast by Thai media.
“I will try to form my Cabinet as soon as possible,” he added, noting that the foreign and energy ministers were already confirmed.
Anutin’s right-wing Bhumjaithai party had previously formed a coalition with Pheu Thai in 2023 but withdrew in June over alleged misconduct by Paetongtarn in a leaked phone call with Cambodian ex-leader Hun Sen.
The Shinawatras, a dominant force in Thai politics for two decades, have long clashed with the pro-monarchy, pro-military establishment, which views them as a threat to the kingdom’s traditional social order. They have faced setbacks in recent months, including Paetongtarn’s removal.
Anutin, who previously served as deputy prime minister, interior minister, and health minister, is also known for delivering on a 2022 promise to decriminalize cannabis. His premiership still requires formal endorsement by Thailand’s king to become official.
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