"Premier Anutin Charnvirakul set to assume the role, possibly on a temporary basis"

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul assumes temporary leadership

New Prime Minister Appointed in Thailand: Anutin Charnvirakul Takes Office

Thailand has a new Prime Minister, following the removal of Paetongtarn Shinawatra from office by the Constitutional Court. The Constitutional Court ruled that Shinawatra violated "the good of the country" with a controversial phone call with Cambodia's former prime minister Hun Sen.

The new Prime Minister, Anutin Charnvirakul, was appointed by King Maha Vajiralongkorn after receiving a comfortable majority in the Thai House of Representatives, with 311 votes in his favour. Charnvirakul is the head of the Bhumjaithai Party, the third-largest party in the Thai House of Representatives.

Anutin Charnvirakul is a wealthy businessman with a background in Thai politics. He is best known for the far-reaching legalization of cannabis in 2022. However, he also gained notoriety as Health Minister with a tirade against foreign tourists.

Charnvirakul's appointment as Prime Minister poses "significant risks" for the already weakened democratic youth movement, according to political scientist Titipol Phakdeewanich. Phakdeewanich suggests that Charnvirakul's government may ensure a "more conservative Thailand."

The opposition in Thailand has tied its approval to swift new elections. The largest opposition party, the People's Party (PPLE), has set a condition that the parliament must be dissolved within four months and new elections held in order to support the new Prime Minister.

Anutin Charnvirakul, affectionately known as "The Smile" in Thailand due to his cheerful and down-to-earth demeanor, has previously served as Deputy Prime Minister, Interior Minister, and Health Minister. His family owns the large construction company Sino-Thai Engineering, which has secured lucrative state construction contracts over the decades, including building Bangkok's main airport and the parliamentary building.

Charnvirakul's assumption of office occurred in Bangkok, Thailand. His tenure as Prime Minister begins at a critical juncture for the country, as it navigates political and economic challenges. As he takes office, the hopes and concerns of the Thai people will be closely watched.