Anutin Charnvirakul has become Thailand’s new prime minister. The 58-year-old stepped into the office after weeks of political drama. he overtook the duties from Paetongtarn Shinawatra of the Pheu Thai Party, who was dismissed after her ‘politically compromising’ phone call with Cambodia’s Senate President Hun Sen, before a deadly five-day border clash in July.
Who is Anutin Charnvirakul?
Anutin previously served as the deputy prime minister and interior minister. He has a long history in politics. He has served as the health minister during the COVID 19 pandemic, however, his leadership was criticized die to delayed vaccine procurement. He also faced allegations of election fraud and controversial land dispute linked to a political mentor, Newin Chidchob.
After the scandal, he resigned and withdrew support from the government. He secured enough votes along with the backing from the primary opposition People’s Party. In return, he has promised to dissolve the House within four months and hold a referendum on drafting a new constitution. Now, he has become Thailand’s third prime minister in two years.
Decriminilizing Cannabis
Anutin is well-known for championing cannabis. In 2012, he helped in the legalization of cannabis in Thailand, giving him recognition on a global scale. However, the move sparked backlash from conservative groups, leading to stricter regulations later.
Apart form that, he played a major role in shaping the health policy in the nation. His positing within the coalition government has kept him under the spotlight, for both achievements and scandals.
Fragile Position Ahead
Anutin’s leadership begins at a delicate moment. Thailand, Southeast Asia’s second-largest economy, has been struggling with slow growth and months of unrest. The People’s Party, which supported his appointment, still sits in opposition and demands constitutional changes to roll back rules from past military governments and “make it more democratic.”
With high expectations and lingering controversies, Anutin faces the tough task of stabilizing both politics and the economy while holding on to his fragile support base.
