Anutin Charnvirakul: Navigating the Political Maze to Premiership

Anutin Charnvirakul, leader of Thailand's Bhumjaithai party, was reelected as Prime Minister following February's election win. His political journey began with Thaksin Shinawatra's Thai Rak Thai party. As Health Minister, he reopened Thailand's tourism during COVID-19 and legalized cannabis, facing opposition from conservatives.

Anutin Charnvirakul has been reelected as Thailand's Prime Minister after leading the Bhumjaithai party to a resounding victory in the February elections. The 59-year-old tactician first assumed the premiership in September 2025 after outmaneuvering the Pheu Thai Party, following ethical violations by Paetongtarn Shinawatra.

Charnvirakul's ascent involved strategic moves like withdrawing coalition support and navigating a challenging border dispute with Cambodia. Despite low expectations before the election, his party capitalized on Thai nationalism, securing 191 legislative seats.

His political career began in Thaksin Shinawatra's Thai Rak Thai party, where he held various ministerial roles. Banned briefly from politics, he returned to lead Bhumjaithai and played a crucial role in reviving the economy post-COVID-19 through tourism. His controversial legalization of cannabis has polarized Thai society.

(With inputs from agencies.)