Thailand's new prime minister takes office

Bangkok: Anutin Charnvirakul officially took office as Thailand's prime minister after King Maha Vajiralongkorn endorsed his appointment on Sunday.

The conservative politician ousted the nation's dominant political dynasty, paving the way for elections early next year.

Following the sacking of former Prime Minister Paetongtam Shinawatra, Anutin was able to win the prime minister vote with the backing of the People's Party.

The People's Party, which is the main opposition party and the largest bloc in parliament, agreed to back Anutin on condition that he dissolve parliament and call fresh elections within four months.

Having previously served as deputy prime minister, interior minister and health minister, the 58-year-old is most well-known for championing Thailand's cannabis decriminalisation in 2022.

His term officially began when the royal endorsement of King Vajiralongkorn was read aloud in a formal ceremony at Anutin's Bhumjaithai Party headquarters in Bangkok.

"I will work at my full capacity with honesty and morality worthy of His Majesty's trust, for the benefit of the people and for the country," Anutin said. 

Shinawatra dynasty in decline
Since the 2023 elections, the Pheu Thai party, allied with the Shinawatra dynasty, has dominated Thailand's top office.

Pheu Thai is a populist party that has often wrangled with the pro-monarchy, pro-military establishment.

However, dynasty heiress Paetongtarn Shinawatra was sacked by court order following a leaked phone call to former Cambodian leader Hun Sen.

Following a recent border row with neighbors Cambodia, Paetongtarn was heard calling Hun Sen "uncle" and disparaging a Thai military commander.

Thailand's Constitutional Court found on August 29 that her conduct had breached ministerial ethics and fired the 39-year-old after only a year in power. 

Anutin once an ally of Shinawatras
Also known for managing tourism-dependent Thailand's Covid-19 response, Anutin caused a backlash after accusing the West of spreading the virus.

Once a staunch ally of the Shinawatras, he abandoned his coalition with their Pheu Thai Party this summer following Paetongtarn's conduct.

On Friday, as he sought to make his own coalition government, Anutin won the vote in Parliament with support from the main opposition People's Party.