ANUTIN Charnvirakul has begun forming Thailand’s new government after securing 311 parliamentary votes to become the country's 32nd prime minister, surpassing the required 247-vote threshold with ease.
The Bhumjaithai Party leader defeated his sole rival, Pheu Thai Party candidate Chaikasem Nitisiri, who received 152 votes. Twenty-seven MPs abstained.
In his remarks following the vote, Anutin expressed his commitment to serve the country without pause. "There will be no holidays. Every working day must be used to the fullest," he said, adding his gratitude to the People's Party (PP) and all supporters. He noted that he would first visit his ailing father before resuming parliamentary duties.
The parliamentary vote took place after a procedural motion, pushed forward by Bhumjaithai MP Nan Boonthida Somchai, was approved to expedite the selection of the prime minister. The session, chaired by Deputy House Speaker Chaiya Promma, was marked by a spirited debate over the agenda reshuffle before the motion passed.
Anutin was formally nominated by Bhumjaithai secretary-general Chaichanok Chidchob. Chaikasem was nominated by Sorawong Thienthong, Pheu Thai’s secretary-general.
Anutin’s victory was bolstered by votes from a number of political factions outside his own party, including nine MPs who defected from Pheu Thai — among them seasoned politician Chalerm Ubumrung — as well as six from Thai Sang Thai, four Democrats, and one MP from Chartpattana. Meanwhile, Mr Chaikasem drew support from Pheu Thai, Prachachat, Chartthaipattana, Thai Ruamphalang, and two MPs from Palang Pracharath.
Among the 27 abstentions were 20 Democrat MPs, Mr Anutin himself, the House Speaker and deputy speakers, and three MPs from the United Thai Nation (UTN) Party.
With the premiership confirmed, Bhumjaithai is expected to secure 12 cabinet portfolios, with five reportedly earmarked for external appointments.
Among the technocrats tipped for senior roles are Sethaput Suthiwartnarueput, the outgoing Bank of Thailand governor, as finance minister; Supattanapong Punmeechaow, a former energy minister under the Prayut government, to return to the energy ministry; and veteran diplomat Sihasak Phuangketkeow for the foreign affairs portfolio.
Jatuporn Buruspat is likely to retain his role as commerce minister, while the candidate for justice minister remains undecided.
Coalition partners in the incoming government include the Klatham Party, the Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP), a UTN faction led by Suchart Chomklin, a group of Pheu Thai defectors headed by Sakda Wichiensilp, and another aligned with Niphon Boonyamanee.
Reports suggest that both Klatham and PPRP are seeking the defence ministry, with potential candidates being Capt Thamanat Prompow, Klatham’s chief adviser, and Gen Nat Intaracharoen, a former permanent secretary at the Ministry of Defence.
In a statement on social media, the Pheu Thai Party acknowledged its new role in opposition, saying it remains committed to its mission.
"Many policies that remain unfinished will await the day we return to carry them through successfully, for all Thai people… always," the party said. - Sept 6, 2025
