Veteran politician Anutin Charnvirakul, widely recognized for his role in decriminalizing cannabis in Thailand, was officially appointed the country’s prime minister on Sunday, September 7, 2025, following a royal endorsement. The ceremony, held at the Bhumjaithai Party headquarters in Bangkok, came two days after Parliament selected Anutin to succeed Paetongtarn Shinawatra, who was removed from office by a court order.
Anutin, 58, takes over from Paetongtarn Shinawatra of the Pheu Thai Party, who was dismissed last week after a court found her guilty of ethical violations stemming from a leaked phone call with Cambodia’s Senate President Hun Sen. The conversation, which preceded a border dispute that escalated into a deadly five-day armed conflict in July, sparked fears of broader regional instability and triggered public outrage, prompting Anutin to resign as deputy prime minister and interior minister and withdraw his Bhumjaithai Party from Paetongtarn’s coalition government.
The royal endorsement ceremony, attended by senior members of parties expected to join Anutin’s coalition, saw participants dressed in white civil servants’ uniforms, a tradition for royal and state occasions. Accepting the appointment, Anutin pledged, “I vow to perform my duties to the fullest of my capabilities, with honesty and integrity.”
Speaking to reporters post-ceremony, Anutin outlined his government’s priorities, which include addressing Thailand’s economic challenges, resolving the ongoing border tensions with Cambodia, tackling natural disasters, and combating crime. He reaffirmed his commitment to constitutional reform and an early election, stating, “We will return power to the people to decide the country’s future.”
Anutin secured the premiership on Friday, September 5, with 311 votes in Parliament, surpassing the required 247, largely due to support from the opposition People’s Party. In exchange, he promised to dissolve Parliament within four months and hold a referendum to draft a new constitution through an elected assembly. The People’s Party, known for its progressive platform, has long advocated for revising the military-drafted constitution to enhance democratic principles but has chosen to remain in opposition, potentially leaving Anutin’s government as a minority administration. The Pheu Thai Party, in response, announced it would also move to the opposition.
Anutin’s political career includes notable achievements and controversies. He spearheaded the decriminalization of cannabis in 2022, though the policy now faces stricter medical-use regulations. As health minister during the COVID-19 pandemic, he faced criticism for delays in securing vaccine supplies. Additionally, during the Pheu Thai-led government, Anutin was linked to scandals, including allegations of collusion in the 2024 Senate election to favor certain candidates and a land dispute involving property claims.
