Leader of the Bhumjaithai Party Anutin Charnvirakul (centre). AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit

 

Anutin Charnvirakul has finally clinched the Thai premiership, a position that seemed out of reach for the Bhumjaithai leader for over two decades. Today, he secured 311 votes, outstripping rival Chaikasem Nitisiri, who gained 152, with 27 abstentions. This victory came after a critical alliance with the opposition People’s Party and its 143 MPs.

 

The Political Shuffle

 

The Constitutional Court's dethronement of former Pheu Thai leader Paetongtarn Shinawatra for misconduct set the stage for Anutin's success. The ruling party's bid to gather support from the People’s Party fell flat after failing to dissolve the House, leaving them in caretaker mode. The People’s Party, having felt betrayed by Pheu Thai in past dealings, chose to support Anutin instead.

 

Kingmaker Conditions

 

The People's Party, with its commanding 143 seats, emerged as a decisive force in this political shuffle. Their leader, Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut, laid out five conditions for backing Anutin, the foremost being an early dissolution of Parliament and a fresh election. Anutin agreed swiftly, sealing the deal publicly, reported Thai PBS World.

 

Anutin's Perseverance

 

At 58, Anutin's rise caps years of near misses for the premiership, often overshadowed by political rivals. His career faced turbulence when the Pheu Thai-Bhumjaithai alliance faltered over power struggles, leading him to resign as interior minister. Despite these setbacks, he has now reached the pinnacle of political power in Thailand.

 

The Business Tycoon Turned Politician

 

Born into a dynasty, Anutin's path began with Sino-Thai Engineering and Construction (STECON), founded by his father, and he later became a political powerhouse. After studying in New York, he returned to lead the family business before transitioning into politics. He has crafted a "man of the people" image, often sharing candid glimpses into his life.

 

Flying with Purpose

 

During a political hiatus in 2006, Anutin delved into aviation, flying aircraft to support medical emergencies across Thailand. This earned him the revered Thai Sky Doctor pin for his life-saving efforts. His passion for flying became a hallmark of his public image, intertwining with his political narrative.

 

Cannabis Legalisation Legacy

 

Anutin's tenure as public health minister was marked by the landmark legalisation of medicinal cannabis, a move that strengthened Bhumjaithai's political weight. He navigated the COVID-19 crisis with mixed reviews but left a distinct mark with the cannabis policy. His wealth, estimated at over 4.4 billion baht, underscores his status as one of Thailand’s richest politicians.

 

Conclusion

 

Anutin Charnvirakul’s ascension to the prime minister’s role is a testament to his resilience in Thailand’s complex political arena. With a strong coalition and the support of the People’s Party, he now faces the challenge of living up to his promises, including early elections and constitutional reform. Anutin’s leadership will be closely watched as he takes the reins in a politically dynamic landscape.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Thai PBS World 2025-09-06

 

 

watch great cannabis circus go round again 

 

 

Perfect......cannabis flip flops

3 hours ago, webfact said:

Anutin Charnvirakul’s ascension to the prime minister’s role is a testament to his resilience in Thailand’s complex political arena. With a strong coalition and the support of the People’s Party, he now faces the challenge of living up to his promises, including early elections and constitutional reform. Anutin’s leadership will be closely watched as he takes the reins in a politically dynamic landscape.

Lets hope there's some improvement, after the last two decades it can't get any worse. 

3 hours ago, webfact said:

His wealth, estimated at over 4.4 billion baht

I wonder if anyone has looked at the ethics of how he came by 4.4B?

Democracy at its finest, a pm whose party only achieved 2.9% of the countries votes, becomes prime minister. Politicians forgetting they were voted in seats to be the voice of the electorate who put them there. The will of 97.1 % of the country ignored yet again 

29 minutes ago, hotchilli said:

Lets hope there's some improvement, after the last two decades it can't get any worse. 

well actually it could get whole lot worse, imagine Thailand in decline like the UK.   infected with wokeness,and with little or no sense of national identity. Not to mention aligning itself with the twisted ideology of organisations like the WEF

.

12 minutes ago, Watawattana said:

I wonder if anyone has looked at the ethics of how he came by 4.4B?

no worries, any and all potential investigations into his fortune, will be swept under the rug without people's knowledge, did you see his browny nose

Yeah.. Thailand is a really stable country.Predictable as allways.No corruption..no different visa rules day by day.. not manipulate the baht.. safest country in the world they said.. Really a country to invest ur savings in if u buy a condo.. building a house for ur socalled gf/wife..u will lose everything at the end.

2 hours ago, Bday Prang said:

well actually it could get whole lot worse, imagine Thailand in decline like the UK.   infected with wokeness,and with little or no sense of national identity. Not to mention aligning itself with the twisted ideology of organisations like the WEF

Why do you think Thailand stays the way it is.... it's seen the rot in the west with liberal immigration rules.

Thailand is for Thais, in a way I don't blame them.

Come visit, but don't bank on staying or opening up shop.... unless we want you.

On 9/6/2025 at 12:26 PM, hotchilli said:

Lets hope there's some improvement, after the last two decades it can't get any worse. 

My Thai GF will wait and see what really happens next with his adm.

Anutin needs to get back to reforming cannabis and putting those small businesses that just get the sack, back into business.

On 9/6/2025 at 9:25 AM, webfact said:

Leader of the Bhumjaithai Party Anutin Charnvirakul (centre). AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit

 

Anutin Charnvirakul has finally clinched the Thai premiership, a position that seemed out of reach for the Bhumjaithai leader for over two decades. Today, he secured 311 votes, outstripping rival Chaikasem Nitisiri, who gained 152, with 27 abstentions. This victory came after a critical alliance with the opposition People’s Party and its 143 MPs.

 

The Political Shuffle

 

The Constitutional Court's dethronement of former Pheu Thai leader Paetongtarn Shinawatra for misconduct set the stage for Anutin's success. The ruling party's bid to gather support from the People’s Party fell flat after failing to dissolve the House, leaving them in caretaker mode. The People’s Party, having felt betrayed by Pheu Thai in past dealings, chose to support Anutin instead.

 

Kingmaker Conditions

 

The People's Party, with its commanding 143 seats, emerged as a decisive force in this political shuffle. Their leader, Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut, laid out five conditions for backing Anutin, the foremost being an early dissolution of Parliament and a fresh election. Anutin agreed swiftly, sealing the deal publicly, reported Thai PBS World.

 

Anutin's Perseverance

 

At 58, Anutin's rise caps years of near misses for the premiership, often overshadowed by political rivals. His career faced turbulence when the Pheu Thai-Bhumjaithai alliance faltered over power struggles, leading him to resign as interior minister. Despite these setbacks, he has now reached the pinnacle of political power in Thailand.

 

The Business Tycoon Turned Politician

 

Born into a dynasty, Anutin's path began with Sino-Thai Engineering and Construction (STECON), founded by his father, and he later became a political powerhouse. After studying in New York, he returned to lead the family business before transitioning into politics. He has crafted a "man of the people" image, often sharing candid glimpses into his life.

 

Flying with Purpose

 

During a political hiatus in 2006, Anutin delved into aviation, flying aircraft to support medical emergencies across Thailand. This earned him the revered Thai Sky Doctor pin for his life-saving efforts. His passion for flying became a hallmark of his public image, intertwining with his political narrative.

 

Cannabis Legalisation Legacy

 

Anutin's tenure as public health minister was marked by the landmark legalisation of medicinal cannabis, a move that strengthened Bhumjaithai's political weight. He navigated the COVID-19 crisis with mixed reviews but left a distinct mark with the cannabis policy. His wealth, estimated at over 4.4 billion baht, underscores his status as one of Thailand’s richest politicians.

 

Conclusion

 

Anutin Charnvirakul’s ascension to the prime minister’s role is a testament to his resilience in Thailand’s complex political arena. With a strong coalition and the support of the People’s Party, he now faces the challenge of living up to his promises, including early elections and constitutional reform. Anutin’s leadership will be closely watched as he takes the reins in a politically dynamic landscape.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Thai PBS World 2025-09-06

 

 

as Thai people would say:"doo gohn". let's see how this all evolves...

let's give him the benefit of the doubt!

All this for four months in the job?

So weed is in and casino is out….for now