In September 2025, Thailand's political scene was once again dramatically shaken. Anutin Charnvirakul was elected as the 32nd Prime Minister of Thailand by an overwhelming majority, succeeding Paetongtarn Shinawatra, who was removed by the Constitutional Court.
This marks the third change of prime ministers within two years in Thailand, reflecting the complexity and uncertainty of the political situation. Anutin's appointment not only signifies a shift from military-dominated politics to coalition compromise but also draws international attention to policy directions and social stability.
From a political family, with a distinct pragmatic style
Anutin comes from a political family; his father briefly served as acting prime minister. He studied in the USA in his early years, returned to Thailand to make his fortune in business, and then entered politics, known for his pragmatism and flexibility. During his tenure as Minister of Health and Interior, he pushed for the legalization of cannabis, making Thailand the first Asian country to fully open up recreational cannabis, earning him the nickname "Cannabis Fighter."
During the COVID-19 pandemic, he led vaccine rollouts and the restart of the tourism industry, emphasizing practical results over political slogans. Compared to past leaders with strong military backgrounds, Anutin maintains a pro-royalist stance but avoids extreme conservatism. Analysts generally believe his "low-ideology" approach benefits public welfare policies but struggles to promote deep reforms.
Policy positioning: Centrist pragmatism, rejecting casino legalization
Anutin's Bhumjaithai Party emphasizes local interests and pragmatism, playing a key "swing party" role in coalition politics. After taking office, he promised to hold elections within four months and supported limited constitutional amendments in response to reformist demands. His main policy focuses include:
Economic stimulus: Restarting the "Let's Share" consumer subsidy program, appointing seasoned economist Ekniti Nitithanprapas as Finance Minister to alleviate household debt and economic downturn pressures.
Infrastructure and local governance: Promoting decentralization, increasing local autonomy and funding, and advancing high-speed rail and border facility construction.
Social policy: Firmly opposing the legalization of casinos, shelving integrated resort projects; meanwhile, regulating the cannabis industry to prevent uncontrolled expansion.
This series of policies continues the centrist pragmatic positioning, avoiding radical reforms while not falling into conservative rigidity.
Relations with the Shinawatra family
Anutin previously served in the Thaksin government and even acted as a mediator. However, his rise now signifies a major defeat for the Shinawatra family. With Paetongtarn's removal, Thaksin was forced to flee again, potentially facing legal prosecution. Anutin's minority government has weakened the influence of the Pheu Thai Party, relegating it back to the opposition. This move breaks the family's long-standing political monopoly but also intensifies the uncertainty of factional competition.
Addressing economic difficulties and border challenges
Thailand faces sluggish economic growth and high debt, along with tense Thai-Cambodian border situations. Anutin criticizes his predecessor's "negligence" in border affairs, advocating for diplomatic negotiations over military means to resolve disputes. In economic policy, he leans towards short-term stimulus and public relief to stabilize the situation; politically, he promises constitutional amendments and elections, emphasizing flexible governance. Although this approach may reduce tensions, it could amplify uncertainties before the election.
Impact on domestic and foreign groups
For locals, economic subsidies may alleviate short-term living pressures, but opposing the legalization of casinos will miss out on related employment and investment opportunities. For foreigners, Anutin has promoted tourism recovery and may continue to relax visa and travel policies. Political turmoil could weaken foreign investor confidence and expatriate security. The cannabis industry is expected to face stricter regulations, but this will aid in the long-term standardization of the industry; infrastructure development is likely to improve the business environment for foreign residents and investors.
Four priority issues and governance promises
On September 7, Anutin made his first speech as Prime Minister, outlining four priority tasks:
Economy: Reducing energy and transportation costs, addressing farmer debts, promoting business development, and ensuring stable income.
Security: Resolving border disputes with Cambodia through diplomatic means, maintaining territorial integrity and public interests.
Disaster: Improving early warning systems, promoting rapid and fair disaster relief and compensation.
Social harms: Intensifying efforts to combat drug trafficking, human trafficking, cyber fraud, and gambling crimes, strengthening international cooperation.
He emphasized that the new government will govern strictly according to the law, with cabinet members "ready to serve" without interfering with the judiciary, and promised to dissolve parliament within four months, returning power to the people.
Anutin's rise to power is both a result of political compromise and a pragmatic governance experiment. Facing economic difficulties, border disputes, and political maneuvering, whether he can transition from an "interim prime minister" to a leader who truly pioneers a new era will be seen in the coming months.
