Thailand re-elects prime minister in decisive parliamentary vote

Anutin Charnvirakul was re-elected as Thailand’s prime minister on March 19 after securing a simple majority in a vote in the House of Representatives, marking the first time in two decades that a Thai premier has returned to office through a parliamentary ballot.

Anutin, the leader of the Bhumjaithai Party, won 293 votes in the 499-member lower house, comfortably surpassing the threshold required for approval. His rival, Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut, leader of the People's Party, received 119 votes, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

House Speaker Sophon Zaram announced the results following the roll call vote.

The Bhumjaithai Party emerged as the largest party in February’s general election, while the progressive People’s Party finished second in a contest it had widely been expected to win. Anutin’s nomination was backed by his party’s parliamentary strength, and he led from the outset in what proved to be a decisive victory over Natthaphong.

The outcome underscores the shifting political landscape in Southeast Asia’s second-largest economy. Bhumjaithai’s strong showing in the election marked a dramatic turnaround for a party that had previously struggled to establish itself as a dominant force in Thai politics.

Analysts say the party capitalised on a surge of nationalist sentiment following military tensions with Cambodia last year, helping it secure a decisive edge over its reformist rival.

By Sabina Mammadli