In brief
In a turbulent political landscape, Anutin Charnvirakul has ascended to the role of Thailand's prime minister, following the removal of Paetongtarn Shinawatra. Anutin, representing the Bhumjaithai party, navigates a fragile coalition government as the country grapples with its recent history of political upheaval, military coups, and the influence of the Shinawatra family.
Thailand's parliament has chosen business tycoon Anutin Charnvirakul as the country's prime minister - the third in two years, after yet another leader was removed from office. Paetongtarn Shinawatra, who belongs to Thailand's most powerful political dynasty, was removed by the constitutional court last week for ethical violations over her handling of the border dispute with Cambodia.Anutin's Bhumjaithai party broke from the coalition led by the Shinawatras' Pheu Thai, and secured enough support in parliament to win the premiership. But the uncertainty may not be over for Thailand, which has seen multiple administrations deposed by court interventions and military coups in the recent past.His rise to the premiership deals a significant blow to the Shinawatra family, which dominated Thai politics since 2001, when Paetongtarn's father Thaksin became PM. On Thursday night, there was intense scrutiny in Thailand regarding a private jet carrying Thaksin out of the country. Early on Friday, he posted on social media stating that he had flown to Dubai for medical treatment and intends to return in time for a 9 September hearing for a court case that could put him back in jail.Paetongtarn was the fifth Thai prime minister to be removed from office by the Constitutional Court, all linked to administrations supported by her father Thaksin. Anutin comes from a wealthy political family, and his challenge now is to lead his country out of yet another political crisis within a very short timeframe.
