Thailand's parliament has chosen business tycoon Anutin Charnvirakul as the country's prime minister, the third in two years, following yet another leader's removal from office. Paetongtarn Shinawatra, part of Thailand's powerful political dynasty, was dismissed by the constitutional court for ethical violations over her handling of a border dispute with Cambodia.
Anutin's Bhumjaithai party broke from the coalition led by the Shinawatras' Pheu Thai, securing enough parliamentary support to clinch the premiership.
However, the political uncertainty for Thailand is far from over, as the nation has faced multiple administrations being toppled by court interventions and military coups in recent history. Anutin's rise is seen as a setback for the Shinawatras, whose influence has significantly waned since Thaksin Shinawatra, Paetongtarn's father, first entered office in 2001.
Recent scrutiny has also emerged surrounding Thaksin's abrupt departure from Thailand for medical treatment shortly after his daughter's ousting. In the background, the Pheu Thai party, previously a major force, finds itself sidelined with no prominent candidates available for leadership.
Anutin Charnvirakul, a seasoned politician at 58, assumes office with a limited parliamentary presence, as his party holds only 69 of the 500 seats. His ascent to power overlaps with a coalition formed under unfavourable conditions, splitting allegiances among Thailand's traditional elite.
Despite his prior governance as health minister, where he famously liberalized cannabis laws, Anutin now faces an uphill battle to guide Thailand through this political storm, with demands from his coalition partners to call for elections within four months and amend the military-drafted constitution.
