Business magnate and cannabis advocate Anutin Charnvirakul formally swears in as Thailand's new prime minister

Thai tycoon Anutin Charnvirakul took office as the country's prime minister on September 7, marking the third leadership change in two years for the Southeast Asian nation. His term began after the royal endorsement of King Maha Vajiralongkorn.

Anutin Charnvirakul, a member of the Bhumjaithai Party, leads a coalition government with the People's Party (Pheu Thai) offering support without being part of the government. His administration promises to show "no favouritism, no persecution, and no revenge."

The new prime minister ousted the nation's dominant political dynasty, the Pheu Thai party of the Shinawatra dynasty, in a parliament vote on Friday. The Shinawatra dynasty, a dominant force in Thai politics since the turn of the century, is increasingly faltering.

Thaksin Shinawatra, the dynasty patriarch, left Thailand ahead of the parliament vote confirming Anutin Charnvirakul, bound for Dubai. Thaksin has promised to return from Dubai to attend the court date "in person." Some analysts suggest the Supreme Court verdict could see Thaksin jailed. The Supreme Court is due to rule on a case over Thaksin's hospital stay in 2023, a decision that could affect the validity of his early release from prison last year.

Paetongtarn Shinawatra, heiress of the Shinawatra dynasty, was sacked by court order last month. Thailand's Constitutional Court found Paetongtarn's conduct to have breached ministerial ethics and fired her after only a year in power.

Anutin Charnvirakul is most famous for being the architect of Thailand's 2022 cannabis decriminalisation. He previously served as deputy prime minister, interior minister, and health minister. Interestingly, he was once an ally of the Shinawatra dynasty. However, he abandoned his coalition with the Pheu Thai Party this summer, apparently in outrage over Paetongtarn's conduct during a border row with Cambodia.

Elections in Thailand are expected to be held in 2023. As the country moves forward, it remains to be seen how the new leadership will navigate the complex political landscape and address the challenges facing the nation. Anutin Charnvirakul has promised to work with honesty and morality worthy of the trust of the king. His administration's commitment to fairness and justice will be closely watched by the Thai people and the international community alike.

Business magnate and cannabis advocate Anutin Charnvirakul formally swears in as Thailand's new prime minister