Modi congratulates Thailand’s new PM Anutin Charnvirakul

Bhumjaithai Party leader and caretaker Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has been voted to be 33rd PM of Thailand and only awaits royal endorsement, which is expected to arrive within a day or two. Once the royal endorsement is in place, PM Anutin will have to present his ‘policy vision’ to the parliament to have full control of running of the government and the policies. He got 293 votes in the 500-seat parliament, comfortably surpassing the 249-vote threshold. His re-election follows support from the Pheu Thai Party, ensuring a parliamentary majority and continuity of conservative leadership amid regional and domestic challenges. He defeated Chaikasem Nitisiri, the candidate nominated by the ruling Pheu Thai Party, to form the next government. The vote came after last week's court ruling that removed Paetongtarn Shinawatra from office over an ethics violation.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday congratulated Anutin Charnvirakul on his election as the Prime Minister of Thailand, expressing confidence in further strengthening bilateral ties between the two countries. In a post on X, the Prime Minister said, “Heartiest congratulations to Anutin Charnvirakul on his election as Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Thailand. I look forward to working closely with him. Together, we will further deepen the multifaceted India-Thailand Strategic Partnership. Our ties are rooted in shared civilisational heritage, close cultural connect and vibrant people-to-people ties. India and Thailand remain united in our shared aspirations for peace, progress and prosperity for our peoples.”
A seasoned political figure, Anutin has previously served as Deputy Prime Minister, Interior Minister and Health Minister, where he led Thailand’s COVID-19 response. Known for his pragmatic approach, he has played a key role in coalition politics and is often seen as a bridge between competing political groups. Anutin began his political career in 1996 as an advisor to the foreign minister. In 2001, he joined the Thai Rak Thai Party, founded by former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, and later served as deputy minister of public health and deputy minister of commerce. However, following the 2006 military coup that ousted Thaksin, Thai Rak Thai lost power and was eventually dissolved in 2007. Anutin was banned from politics for five years, during which he returned to his family's business.