Thailand's New Prime Minister

a { color: #880000 !important; background: #ffeeee !important; } Latest News from NourishThe Nourish Mission (formerly OneSub)Get answers to today's big questionsThailand's New Prime MinisterAsia Politics > politicsAnutin, leader of Bhumjaithai, is set to become Thailand's next prime minister after Parliament elected him last month. His government, formed with coalition partners, promises to dissolve Parliament and draft a new constitution, amid ongoing political instability and recent electoral shifts.

What's happened

Anutin, leader of Bhumjaithai, is set to become Thailand's next prime minister after Parliament elected him last month. His government, formed with coalition partners, promises to dissolve Parliament and draft a new constitution, amid ongoing political instability and recent electoral shifts.

What's behind the headline?

The rise of Anutin as Thailand's prime minister signals a pragmatic shift in Thai politics, moving away from the dominance of traditional parties linked to Thaksin Shinawatra. His coalition, including military-backed and regional parties, indicates a compromise aimed at stabilizing a fractured political landscape. The promise to dissolve Parliament and draft a new constitution suggests a strategic move to appease reformist demands while maintaining conservative influence. This approach will likely lead to a period of political uncertainty, as the government balances reform promises with entrenched power structures. The recent electoral results and coalition dynamics reveal a country still deeply divided along generational and ideological lines, with youth support for progressive parties contrasting with the old guard's influence. Anutin's government may serve as a transitional phase, but lasting stability will depend on how effectively it manages reform commitments and regional interests. The ongoing border tensions with Cambodia and internal political disputes underscore the fragile state of Thai governance, which will be tested in the coming months.

What the papers say

The Independent and AP News both report on Anutin's election as prime minister and the formation of his coalition government, emphasizing his promise to dissolve Parliament and draft a new constitution. The South China Morning Post provides detailed background on the recent political upheavals, including Thaksin Shinawatra's return and the decline of Pheu Thai, highlighting the shifting alliances and the pragmatic nature of Anutin's rise. While The Independent and AP focus on the immediate political transition, SCMP offers a broader context of Thailand's electoral history and the deep-rooted divisions that continue to shape its politics. The contrasting perspectives underscore the complexity of Thailand's current political landscape, with some emphasizing the stability brought by Anutin's coalition, and others warning of ongoing instability and unresolved tensions.

How we got here

Thailand's political landscape has been turbulent since the 2023 elections, where progressive parties like Move Forward gained significant support, especially among youth. The conservative establishment, including military-backed parties, initially resisted reforms. Recent events include the ousting of Pheu Thai's leaders and Thaksin Shinawatra's return from exile, which further complicated the political scene. Anutin's rise reflects a pragmatic shift, with coalition-building and promises of constitutional reform aiming to stabilize governance amid ongoing unrest.

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