Thailand’s new Prime Minister has reiterated his earlier pledge that the interim government, formed after a split in the coalition, will lead the upcoming elections in a free and fair manner.
Conservative Party leader Anutin Charnvirakul was endorsed by parliament on Friday. His approval ended a week-long power vacuum that followed the ousting of his predecessor, Paetongtarn Shinawatra. He successfully united opposition coalition groups to block the influential Shinawatra dynasty’s Pheu Thai Party, once led by former Prime Minister Thaksin, from returning to power.
In order to gain the support of the majority-holding People’s Party, he agreed to dissolve parliament within four months for new elections. “I will honor all agreements,” he told reporters outside party headquarters on Friday. He added, “During my short tenure, we must restore the spirit of the ‘Land of Smiles’ in our country.”
Anutin noted that on the eve of Friday’s parliamentary vote, and just days before a court ruling, Thaksin made an unexpected departure abroad, saying he would meet friends and seek medical treatment. Anutin emphasized, “There will be no bias, persecution, or retaliation in the elections.”
Thailand’s Supreme Court is set to rule on Tuesday regarding Thaksin’s extended hospital stay since his return from exile in August 2023. Anutin’s right-wing Bhumjaithai Party had previously allied with Pheu Thai in 2023 but withdrew from the coalition in June after Paetongtarn was accused of misconduct during a phone conversation with former Cambodian leader Hun Sen.
The Shinawatra family has been a central force in Thai politics for the past two decades, often clashing with the pro-monarchy and military-backed establishment, which views their populist rule as a threat to the traditional social order. Recently, they have faced a series of setbacks, including Paetongtarn’s removal from office last week.
Anutin has previously served as Deputy Prime Minister, Interior Minister, and Health Minister. He gained wide recognition in 2022 for fulfilling his promise to legalize cannabis. To officially become Prime Minister, his promotion still requires the approval of Thailand’s King.
