Thailand's Anutin Charnvirakul elected PM by parliament

Anutin Charnvirakul was elected Thailand’s new prime minister on Friday (September 5) after sweeping through a parliamentary vote, defeating the candidate of the once-dominant Shinawatra party and bringing an end to a week of political turmoil and deadlock.

Backed decisively by the opposition, Anutin comfortably surpassed the required majority in the lower house, concluding days of tense manoeuvring during which he outflanked Thailand’s most successful political force.

Known as a skilled dealmaker, Anutin has long been a fixture in Thai politics, steering his Bhumjaithai party between rival elites locked in years of power struggles, ensuring its place in successive coalition governments.

Leading from the outset, he secured 63% of the vote—twice the tally of his rival, Chaikasem Nitisiri.

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