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Sax-Playing Pilot Anutin Plots Path to Thai Premiership
Anutin Charnvirakul leads Bhumjaithai party, which achieved its best election result in 2023, gaining People's Party support amid political uncertainty after Paetongtarn Shinawatra's ousting.
- As of September 3, 2025, in Bangkok, 58-year-old Anutin Charnvirakul—a saxophonist and heir to a construction empire—emerged as the frontrunner to assume the role of Thailand’s prime minister.
- His path follows years of political activity, including a five-year ban after the 2006 dissolution of Thai Rak Thai, leadership of the centre-right Bhumjaithai party, and a recent coalition withdrawal following a leaked 2023 border dispute call.
- Anutin gained international prominence as health minister managing Thailand's COVID-19 response, delivered on legalizing cannabis in 2022, and his party finished third in the 2023 general election, forming coalitions but opposing liberal reforms.
- The People's Party, successor to the dissolved Move Forward party, backed Anutin on September 3 despite opposition from Thaksin Shinawatra's Pheu Thai party, which seeks to block his rise amid a fracturing political landscape.
- Anutin's chances of becoming prime minister are unclear as he faces opposition, public opinion is split over his management of the COVID-19 crisis, and Bhumjaithai continues to uphold strict royal insult laws, underscoring persistent political friction.
25 Articles
25 Articles
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Sax-playing pilot Anutin plots path to Thai premiership
Saxophonist, occasional pilot and heir to a construction fortune, Anutin Charnvirakul was once banned from politics but is now the leading candidate to become Thailand's next prime minister.
People’s Party backs Anutin for PM, Pheu Thai moves for House dissolution
People's Party (PP) leader Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut announced support for Bhumjaithai Party leader Anutin Charnvirakul as the new prime minister on Wednesday morning, but the caretaker prime minister from the ruling Pheu Thai Party countered with a move for a House dissolution.
Anutin set for a four months’ term as PM
Anutin Charnvirakul, prime minister in waiting, is surrounded by supporters and the Thai media. The last ditch attempt by the ruling caretaker government Pheu Thai to block the ascent of Anutin Charnvirakul appears to have failed. Acting prime minister Phumtam Wechayachai had sought approval to dissolve parliament immediately and call a general election. But The Council of State stated that an acting or caretaker premier lacked the specific powe…
People's Party ready to elect Anutin Charnvirakul Prime Minister on Friday as election call is thwarted - Thai Examiner
People’s Party set to elect Anutin Charnvirakul as PM Friday after the Privy Council blocked caretaker PM Phumtham’s last-ditch bid to dissolve parliament, leaving Pheu… Read More › The post People’s Party ready to elect Anutin Charnvirakul Prime Minister on Friday as election call is thwarted appeared first on Thai Examiner.
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