Thailand’s Anutin Charnvirakul wins parliamentary vote to become Prime Minister – but his tenure may be short-lived.

Bangkok

Anutin Charnvirakul has been elected as Thailand's new prime minister, following a parliamentary vote in which he secured a clear majority. The 58-year-old, known for his role as health minister during the Covid-19 crisis and for advocating cannabis liberalisation, gained crucial support through a deal with the progressive People's Party to dissolve parliament early next year.

Anutin has pledged to call a general election and pursue constitutional reform, although his tenure may be brief if he adheres to his promise of stepping down after four months. His appointment marks the third change in prime minister in two years, reflecting ongoing political uncertainty in Thailand. Public sentiment remains cautious, with many expressing hope for greater transparency and genuine democracy.

Thailand elects Anutin Charnvirakul as new Prime Minister

Arriving for his big day, Anutin Chanbirakorn enters parliament on Friday morning. Top of the agenda, the vote for a new prime minister, and Anutin in the glare of the media spotlight is the favourite. The 58-year-old construction billionaire has made little secret of his ambition for Thailand's top job. His career in politics began 20 years ago, but he got his big break as health minister during the Covid-19 crisis. His other claim to fame is as the man who pushed for cannabis liberalisation, a position backed by his party, Bumjai Thai. As the votes came in, it was soon clear he had an unassailable lead. A deal with the progressive People's Party to dissolve parliament early next year gave him the support he needed, but it also means his time in power could be brief. The media is now waiting for Mr Anutin to come down from the debating chamber, but if he keeps to his word, he'll only be in power for four months. He's promised to call a general election and push for constitutional reform, but he's also known to be an ambitious man, and once he's had a taste of power, will he want to hang on? And for many in Thailand, the appointment of a third prime minister in just two years is not good news. We are waiting to see the real democracy in Thailand. We want to see how people express their idea, their opinion. We want to see the clean politics, transparency politics, but with this kind of involvement from the elites, so it's really difficult for Thailand. The new prime minister wasn't being drawn on future plans, however, uncharacteristically quiet as he left the building, despite the media attention. But Anutin Chanderakun is not a shiner, and he won't be quiet for long. Tony Cheng, Al Jazeera, Bangkok.

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