Anutin Charnvirakul Elected as Thailand’s New Prime Minister

Thailand has elected a new Prime Minister for the third time in just two years, with right-wing billionaire businessman Anutin Charnvirakul officially taking office on Friday. The 58-year-old politician replaces former Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, who was removed from office following a court ruling last week.

Anutin, leader of the Bhumjaithai Party, has previously held key government positions including Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Public Health, and Minister of the Interior.

His rise to power marks a significant blow to the influential Shinawatra political dynasty, which has dominated Thai politics since 2001 when Paetongtarn’s father, Thaksin Shinawatra, first became Prime Minister.

On Thursday night, a private jet carrying Thaksin reportedly left Thailand, sparking nationwide speculation. The following morning, Thaksin confirmed via social media that he had traveled to Dubai for medical treatment, but stated he would return for a court hearing scheduled for September 9. He faces possible imprisonment in connection with an ongoing legal case.

Despite their popularity among Thailand’s rural poor and working class due to populist policies, the Shinawatra family has long been at odds with Bangkok’s conservative royalist elites. Both Thaksin and his sister Yingluck, who also served as Prime Minister, were ousted in military coups in 2006 and 2014, respectively.