Thailand’s political upheaval in 2025 culminated with Anutin Charnvirakul’s election as prime minister. His rise followed a turbulent period marked by the abrupt removal of Paetongtarn Shinawatra by the Constitutional Court, reshaping the dynamics among Thailand’s major parties.
Anutin secured the prime minister role after winning decisive support in parliament, leveraging fractures in rival coalitions and capitalizing on opposition party strategies.
The path to power set a new precedent for coalition-building and governance in Thailand’s often unpredictable landscape.
Why did the court oust Paetongtarn Shinawatra?
The Constitutional Court removed Paetongtarn Shinawatra, Thailand's youngest-ever prime minister, following a leaked call with Hun Sen, the former leader of Cambodia.
The call led to allegations of breaching ethics, as she referred to Hun Sen as "uncle" while critiquing Thai military leadership, sparking public outcry and judicial scrutiny.
Her removal was the court's fifth dismissal of a Shinawatra-backed leader, igniting a debate about the judiciary's bias. Many Thais perceive the process as favoring conservative interests, further intensifying existing divides within the country’s political system.
Did you know?
Thailand has seen five prime ministers dismissed by its Constitutional Court in two decades, more than any other country in Southeast Asia with similar government structures.
How did the Bhumjaithai party position itself as kingmaker?
The Bhumjaithai party, led by Anutin, played a crucial role after leaving the ruling coalition in June 2025. This move, prompted by the Shinawatra scandal, allowed Bhumjaithai to negotiate with opposition factions and offer itself as an alternative for stability, turning crisis into opportunity.
By quickly reaching out to the People’s Party and promising early elections, Anutin demonstrated tactical political acumen. The successful pivot from coalition partner to sought-after kingmaker ultimately gave his party the leverage needed for victory.
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Which key alliances supported Anutin’s bid?
The People’s Party, controlling nearly a third of the lower house, agreed to support Anutin in exchange for a pledge to dissolve parliament within four months.
This alliance proved pivotal, as defections from Pheu Thai, including former deputy prime minister Banyat Bantadtan, further boosted Bhumjaithai’s numbers.
Anutin won 311 out of 492 possible votes in parliament, comfortably securing the majority needed and reflecting broad but complex support from multiple party factions and former adversaries. This coalition enabled Anutin to navigate shifting loyalties and rivalry.
What does Anutin’s background reveal about his strategy?
Anutin, heir to a construction fortune and former health minister, entered politics through Thaksin’s Thai Rak Thai party but soon focused on pragmatic coalition-building.
His championing of cannabis legalization and experience managing health crises such as COVID-19 showcased an ability to enact high-profile policies while forging ties across the political spectrum.
Anutin’s approach blended personal ambition and strategic compromise. By prioritizing stability and policy reform over populist promises, he attracted support beyond his party’s base, positioning himself as the practical choice amid national uncertainty.
Will Thailand’s new minority government bring stability?
Although Anutin’s victory offers temporary respite from unrest, his minority status means governing will take deft negotiation and constant coalition management. Many analysts expect policy to focus on infrastructure, regional partnerships, and pragmatic reforms rather than populist pledges.
Anutin’s tenure faces pressure to deliver early elections and maintain fragile alliances. With Thailand’s history of frequent government changes, a sustainable path forward will depend on compromise, accountability, and public trust in the months ahead.
Thailand’s political uncertainty persists despite a new prime minister, with future elections and coalition dynamics likely to shape the nation’s trajectory. The events reveal an evolving balance of power and demonstrate the value of governance reform in Thailand’s democratic journey.
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