Anutin Charnvirakul, leader of Thailand’s Bhumjaithai Party, has been elected as the country’s new Prime Minister following a parliamentary vote on Friday, September 5, 2025.
He secured 311 votes out of 490 cast, defeating Chaikasem Nitisiri of the Pheu Thai Party, who received 152 votes, with 27 abstentions.
Anutin’s election comes after a week of political instability, triggered by the Constitutional Court’s dismissal of former Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra over ethical violations related to a border dispute with Cambodia.
His victory marks the third change in Thailand’s premiership in just over two years.
The new Prime Minister is expected to take office following formal endorsement from King Maha Vajiralongkorn.
Anutin has pledged to work diligently to address the country’s challenges and restore political stability.
Known for his role in decriminalizing cannabis in Thailand, Anutin’s leadership is anticipated to influence the nation’s approach to drug policy and healthcare reform.
Anutin Charnvirakul has a long-standing presence in Thai politics. His career began in 1996 as an adviser to the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs.
He then aligned himself with Thaksin Shinawatra’s Thai Rak Thai party, which took power in 2001. Anutin served in deputy ministerial positions but was banned from politics for five years after Thai Rak Thai was dissolved in 2006.
He returned to politics in 2012 as the leader of the Bhumjaithai Party.
As Health Minister from 2019 to 2023, Anutin was a prominent figure in managing Thailand’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
He also championed the decriminalization of cannabis in 2022, making Thailand the first Asian country to do so.
This policy aimed to reduce prison overcrowding, empower rural farmers, and position Thailand as a leader in cannabis research.
However, the policy has faced criticism for encouraging recreational use despite its medical intentions.
Anutin’s pragmatic approach to politics has allowed him to build alliances across Thailand’s polarized political landscape.
His ability to navigate between conservative and reformist factions will be crucial as he seeks to stabilize the country and implement his policy agenda.