Leader of Bhumjaithai Party Anutin Charnvirakul arrives at Parliament in Bangkok, Thailand, Friday, Sept. 5, 2025. (Photo: CFP)
Anutin Charnvirakul, leader of the opposition Bhumjaithai Party, was elected as Thailand's new prime minister on Friday after securing a majority in a parliamentary vote.
He defeated Chaikasem Nitisiri, the candidate nominated by the ruling Pheu Thai Party, to form the next government. The vote came after last week's court ruling that removed Paetongtarn Shinawatra from office over an ethics violation.
Following a one-hour roll call, Second Deputy House Speaker Chalad Khamchuang announced that Anutin won 311 votes from the 490 lawmakers present, comfortably surpassing the simple majority needed.
Anutin now awaits formal endorsement by King Maha Vajiralongkorn to become Thailand's 32nd prime minister.
Anutin began his political career in 1996 as an advisor to the foreign minister. In 2001, he joined the Thai Rak Thai Party, founded by former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, and later served as deputy minister of public health and deputy minister of commerce.
However, following the 2006 military coup that ousted Thaksin, Thai Rak Thai lost power and was eventually dissolved in 2007. Anutin was banned from politics for five years, during which he returned to his family's business.
Reporter | Yuan Zixiang, Liu Xiaodi
Editor | James Campion, Shen He
(With input from Xinhua)
