Political comeback of Thailand's new PM Journey from cannabis advocacy to cabinet exit

Anutin Charnvirakul, leader of the Bhumjaithai Party and former deputy prime minister, was elected Thailand’s 32nd prime minister on September 5, replacing Paetongtarn Shinawatra, who was removed from office by the Constitutional Court last week following a scandal involved in the military conflict with neighbouring Cambodia. 

His tenure, however, will be short-lived as an article by Nikkei Asia points to an agreement he entered that requires parliament’s dissolution, which secured his victory.

Anutin previously served as public health minister from 2019 to 2023, where he gained prominence for steering Thailand through the COVID-19 pandemic and spearheading the decriminalization of cannabis.

Born in Bangkok in 1966, Anutin comes from an influential political and business family. His father, Chavarat Charnvirakul, served as interior minister between 2008 and 2011 and founded the Bhumjaithai Party. The family also owns Sino-Thai Engineering and Construction, a major firm behind large-scale government projects, including Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport and the current parliament building.

After earning a degree in industrial engineering from Hofstra University in New York in 1989, Anutin worked in the family business before entering politics. He joined Bhumjaithai in 2012 and became its leader the same year.

Bhumjaithai’s signature campaign pledge in the 2019 general election was cannabis legalization for medical and recreational use, a policy that resonated with younger voters and entrepreneurs. The party won 51 lower house seats and joined the military-backed Palang Pracharath Party in forming a government under then-Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha.

As health minister, Anutin strengthened his profile through pandemic measures such as building field hospitals and securing vaccine supplies. In the 2023 general election, Bhumjaithai gained additional seats, becoming the third-largest party in parliament.

The party later joined the Pheu Thai-led coalition government, where Anutin served as deputy prime minister and interior minister. However, disagreements over a cabinet reshuffle and dissatisfaction with Paetongtarn’s handling of border tensions with Cambodia led Bhumjaithai to exit the coalition in June, prompting Anutin’s resignation from his posts.

Now as prime minister, Anutin faces steep challenges, including a slowing economy and simmering border disputes with Cambodia. His short mandate offers little room for ambitious policies. Under the deal with the People’s Party, which supported his election, parliament must be dissolved within four months—making his leadership more about managing transition than shaping long-term reforms.

By Nazrin Sadigova