Insight: Unveiling the Identity of Thailand's Fresh Prime Minister, Anutin Charnvirakul

In a significant turn of events, Anutin Charnvirakul, the leader of the Bhumjaithai Party, was sworn in as Thailand's new prime minister on September 5, 2025, in Bangkok. This appointment marks the country’s third government change in two years, occurring amid ongoing political instability.

Anutin's rise to power is noteworthy, given his dynastic inheritance of a party modeled around strongman leadership in a pocket of the country’s northeast. The Bhumjaithai Party, founded in 2008 by a group of politicians who defected from Thaksin Shinawatra's Pheu Thai party, is based in the northeastern province of Buriram.

Anutin took over the Bhumjaithai Party from his father in 2014 and has since maneuvered to become a "middleman" prime minister. His entrepreneurship in the construction industry before politics has helped him expand his political reach to the national level.

The Bhumjaithai Party's growth can be attributed to the collapse in support for Thailand's two largest parties and the party's strong campaigning, with Anutin's signature policy, decriminalizing cannabis, making him a well-known national figure. The party now holds double the number of seats it had prior to the 2014 coup, growing to 71 seats at the 2023 election, making it the third largest party in parliament.

However, the Bhumjaithai Party is still centred around a clique within Thaksin Shinawatra's Pheu Thai party, despite its national growth. Mistrust between Bhumjaithai and Thaksin Shinawatra has persisted since the party's formation in 2008.

Anutin served as health minister during the COVID-19 pandemic, a role that has been critical in shaping his political career. His appointment as prime minister comes after the rapid demise of two Thai prime ministers in as many years.

Thai politics is sharply polarized between multiple opposing political factions, with the ever-present threat of intervention from the country’s conservative military elites. The largest opposition party has set a condition that new elections must be held within four months. Anutin's minority government faces significant challenges due to a lack of a stable parliamentary majority.

Despite these challenges, Anutin's appointment as prime minister is a testament to his political acumen and the Bhumjaithai Party's growing influence in Thai politics. The installation of the conservative Abhisit Vejjajiva government in 2008, following the Bhumjaithai Party's defection from Thaksin's government, is a testament to this influence.

As Thailand navigates its political instability, the focus now shifts to Anutin and his ability to steer the country through these turbulent times.

Insight: Unveiling the Identity of Thailand's Fresh Prime Minister, Anutin Charnvirakul