Thailand’s Political Turmoil Continues with Anutin Charnvirakul as New Prime Minister

Thu Oct 23 2025 14:10:11 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

The appointment of Anutin Charnvirakul marks Thailand's third prime minister in just two years, as the nation continues to face political instability with the removal of Paetongtarn Shinawatra due to ethical violations.

Anutin Charnvirakul has been elected as Thailand's prime minister following the dismissal of Paetongtarn Shinawatra by the constitutional court for ethical misconduct. This change signals ongoing political instability in Thailand, seen as a setback for the powerful Shinawatra family that has dominated politics since 2001. Anutin's smaller party, Bhumjaithai, now leads a weak coalition as the nation awaits potential elections and constitutional reforms within four months.

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, affiliated with Thailand's influential political dynasty, was removed by the constitutional court last week for ethical violations tied to her handling of a border dispute with Cambodia.

Anutin's Bhumjaithai party severed ties with the Shinawatras' Pheu Thai, garnering sufficient parliamentary support to claim the premiership.

However, political uncertainty looms as Thailand is no stranger to administrations toppled by court interventions and military coups in recent years.

Anutin's ascendancy offers a significant blow to the Shinawatra family, which has been a dominant force in Thai politics since 2001, when Paetongtarn's father Thaksin first became prime minister.

On the night before Anutin's election, scrutiny grew over a private jet reportedly carrying Thaksin out of the country. He later posted on social media that he was en route to Dubai for medical treatment and plans to return for a court hearing on September 9, which could result in his imprisonment.

Paetongtarn's Prime Ministerial tenure was brief, marking her as the fifth Thai leader dismissed by the constitutional court, all originating from administrations connected to her father.

Given the tumultuous history of the Shinawatra family's populist policies, which have garnered support from lower-income Thais but often clash with Bangkok's conservative elite, Anutin’s rise continues to reshape Thailand’s political landscape.

As Anutin steps into his role, he faces a challenging political landscape, limited by the constraints of a tenuous coalition and mounting demands for elections and constitutional amendments within the next four months, outlining a complex path ahead.

With a background that includes liberalizing marijuana laws and a wealthy political lineage, Anutin's governance model will be critically observed as he attempts to navigate through these turbulent waters.