Thailand is grappling with one of its deadliest school shootings in years after a 14-year-old student opened fire at a school in Nonthaburi province near Bangkok. CCTV footage reportedly shows the teenager firing at classmates at Deepsin Nonthaburi School.

At least nine people have been killed, including school staff and a 12-year-old girl, while more than 30 people were injured. The teenager later died after shooting himself. Authorities are also investigating reports that he allegedly killed his grandparents before going to the school.

Police are investigating how the teenager accessed a registered handgun belonging to his grandfather, while a large quantity of ammunition was reportedly found in his school bag. Investigators are examining his online activity, relationships, possible bullying and reports that he had researched an American school shooting case.

Thailand School Shooting | 14-Year-Old Gunman Kills 9, Injures 30+ | Calls Grow for Tighter Gun Laws

Anutin Charnvirakul, Thailand’s Prime Minister, astonished guests during a lunch organised by Chinese Premier Li Qiang in Beijing by singing “Tian Mi Mi” (Sweet Honey), a famous love story song by the late Taiwanese music icon Teresa Teng. The event occurred at the end of the first official visit of the Thai prime minister to China. During his trip, he also made a visit to Shanghai, where he met Chinese President Xi Jinping. Visuals surfaced on social media from the lunch showing Charnvirakul holding a microphone at a long table. During this, Li and other official members also watched and lauded his performance. In the event, Thai and Chinese flags were displayed in the background. His act was the recent example of what several have described as Charnvirakul’s “musical diplomacy”.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul performs music during an official luncheon hosted by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. Vid via PM&#39;s Press Office <a href="https://x.com/hashtag/Thailand?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Thailand</a> <a href="https://x.com/hashtag/Malaysia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Malaysia</a> <a href="https://x.com/hashtag/%E0%B8%AD%E0%B8%99%E0%B8%B8%E0%B8%97%E0%B8%B4%E0%B8%99?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#อนุทิน</a> <a href="https://t.co/lFYxbKWeVq">pic.twitter.com/lFYxbKWeVq</a>&mdash; Thai Enquirer (@ThaiEnquirer) <a href="https://x.com/ThaiEnquirer/status/2075129121437614426?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 9, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h3>Thailand’s Prime Minister's multiple acts</h3>Earlier this month, while meeting Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, Thailand's PM was seen playing the saxophone as Ibrahim sang “My Way”, the classic tune closely linked with Frank Sinatra. Footage of the performance spread widely online, with one observer likening it to an “ASEAN Idol” episode, in reference to the Southeast Asian nations.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/mystery-of-ancient-burial-archaeologists-uncover-3-000-year-old-skeleton-in-el-salvador-1784717859917">Mystery of ancient burial: Archaeologists uncover 3,000-year-old skeleton in El Salvador</a> On a separate trip to Hanoi in June, Charnvirakul performed alongside local musicians, playing a traditional Vietnamese instrument in the presence of Vietnamese Prime Minister Le Minh Hung. At a dinner hosted by the Vietnamese government, musicians played Thai songs, including Bird Thongchai's "Sabai Sabai", using traditional Vietnamese instruments, with the Thai PM joining in for at least two numbers. Charnvirakul is said to be skilled in multiple instruments, including piano and the Thai flute, and also pilots planes as a hobby. Though he hails from a wealthy family with roots in the construction business, he has sought to cultivate a more down-to-earth public image. On July 14, he also performed a duet of the Thai rock track "Som San" alongside teen star Rattikarn "Praew" Amloy, popularly known as Nene Royal.

Visuals surfaced on social media from the lunch showing Charnvirakul holding a microphone at a long table. During this, Li and other official members also watched and lauded his performance. 

Anutin Charnvirakul, Thailand’s Prime Minister, astonished guests during a lunch organised by Chinese Premier Li Qiang in Beijing by singing “Tian Mi Mi” (Sweet Honey), a famous love story song by the late Taiwanese music icon Teresa Teng. The event occurred at the end of the first official visit of the Thai prime minister to China. During his trip, he also made a visit to Shanghai, where he met Chinese President Xi Jinping. Visuals surfaced on social media from the lunch showing Charnvirakul holding a microphone at a long table. During this, Li and other official members also watched and lauded his performance. In the event, Thai and Chinese flags were displayed in the background. His act was the recent example of what several have described as Charnvirakul’s “musical diplomacy”.

Visuals surfaced on social media from the lunch showing Charnvirakul holding a microphone at a long table. During this, Li and other official members also watched and lauded his performance.&nbsp;

Thai PM stuns Beijing with iconic Teresa Teng song at lunch during historic China visit

Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul added a musical touch to diplomacy during his official visit to Beijing by performing a classic song for Chinese Premier Li Qiang at a formal state lunch. The performance, accompanied by piano, received warm applause from guests and highlighted the Thai leader’s unique approach to cultural diplomacy. The moment follows several of his musical appearances during official visits across Asia, where he has combined music with international engagement.


Thai Prime Minister sings classic song for Chinese Premier Li Qiang during Beijing state lunch

Thailand has ushered in a new political chapter as Anutin Charnvirakul returns to power with broad parliamentary backing. His rise reflects shifting alliances and a growing nationalist push within the country’s political landscape.

With support from key parties, Anutin is expected to focus on economic recovery, domestic stability, and strengthening Thailand’s position in the region. The development marks a significant moment in Thai politics, as the new leadership navigates both internal challenges and global pressures.

Thailand: Anutin Returns to Power with Broad Backing and Nationalist Push

Thailand’s new parliament has elected Anutin Charnvirakul as the Prime Minister, marking his return to power. This historic decision highlights the shifting political landscape in Thailand and the key alliances shaping the government. 


Thailand Elects Anutin as Prime Minister | Anutin Back in Power

Thailand’s Bhumjaithai leader Anutin Charnvirakul says his party performed better than expected as conservative forces surge in the polls. With Bhumjaithai predicted to secure over 200 seats, Charnvirakul has signalled readiness for coalition talks following Sunday’s vote.


Thailand's Charnvirakul Ready For Coalition Talks?

Thailand Elections: PM Anutin Charnvirakul Readies For Coalition Talks?

Thailand Elections: Anutin Charnvirakul Signals Coalition Talks as Conservatives Surge 

Thailand’s conservative Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul appeared set for a decisive win in Sunday’s (February 8) general election, according to early television projections, as his Bhumjaithai Party surged on a platform of nationalism and security. Channel 3 forecasts suggested Bhumjaithai would secure close to 200 seats in the 500-member lower house, making it the dominant force in parliament. The progressive People’s Party was projected to follow with fewer than 100 seats, while Pheu Thai, linked to jailed former PM Thaksin Shinawatra, is expected to finish third.&nbsp;The result marked a dramatic reversal of fortune for Anutin, whose party placed third in the previous election and who only became prime minister last September after courts removed two successive Pheu Thai leaders. People’s Party leader Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut acknowledged defeat, saying his party respected the mandate of the election’s top finisher to attempt to form a government. Voters across the country cited national security as a central concern, particularly tensions along the Cambodian border that escalated into deadly clashes twice last year.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-names-three-suspects-in-shooting-of-senior-gru-officer-vladimir-alexeyev-1770560254250">Russia names three suspects in shooting of senior GRU officer Vladimir Alexeyev</a>&nbsp;After casting his ballot, Anutin, a wealthy construction heir known for promoting cannabis legalization and flying his own jet, urged voters to place their confidence in his leadership. Beyond security concerns, the incoming government faces sluggish economic growth, a tourism industry still recovering from the pandemic, and the rise of large-scale cyber fraud operations operating across Southeast Asia.&nbsp;Although Bhumjaithai was unlikely to win an outright majority, its strong showing positioned it as the central player in coalition talks. Thailand’s electoral system combines constituency seats with party-list allocations. Pheu Thai is widely viewed as the most probable coalition partner despite recent tensions, including a dispute over how the border conflict was handled under former prime minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, Thaksin’s daughter.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/iran-us-tensions-iran-fm-araghchi-says-tehran-would-target-us-base-if-attacked-1770563173982/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/iran-us-tensions-iran-fm-araghchi-says-tehran-would-target-us-base-if-attacked-1770563173982/embed</a>&nbsp;Thaksin, currently serving a one-year sentence for corruption, is widely expected by analysts to be released early as part of a broader political settlement. Thailand’s turbulent political landscape, shaped by coups, court rulings, and party dissolutions, remains under a constitution drafted by a military-backed government after the 2014 coup. The charter grants extensive power to unelected institutions. Alongside the election, voters also participated in a referendum asking whether constitutional reform should be pursued in principle, though no specific changes were proposed.

Thailand elections: Anutin’s party poised for dominant win amid border tensions

Thailand’s conservative Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul appeared set for a decisive win in Sunday’s (February 8) general election, according to early television projections, as his Bhumjaithai Party surged on a platform of nationalism and security. Channel 3 forecasts suggested Bhumjaithai would secure close to 200 seats in the 500-member lower house, making it the dominant force in parliament. The progressive People’s Party was projected to follow with fewer than 100 seats, while Pheu Thai, linked to jailed former PM Thaksin Shinawatra, is expected to finish third. The result marked a dramatic reversal of fortune for Anutin, whose party placed third in the previous election and who only became prime minister last September after courts removed two successive Pheu Thai leaders. People’s Party leader Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut acknowledged defeat, saying his party respected the mandate of the election’s top finisher to attempt to form a government. Voters across the country cited national security as a central concern, particularly tensions along the Cambodian border that escalated into deadly clashes twice last year. Also Read: Russia names three suspects in shooting of senior GRU officer Vladimir Alexeyev After casting his ballot, Anutin, a wealthy construction heir known for promoting cannabis legalization and flying his own jet, urged voters to place their confidence in his leadership. Beyond security concerns, the incoming government faces sluggish economic growth, a tourism industry still recovering from the pandemic, and the rise of large-scale cyber fraud operations operating across Southeast Asia. Although Bhumjaithai was unlikely to win an outright majority, its strong showing positioned it as the central player in coalition talks. Thailand’s electoral system combines constituency seats with party-list allocations. Pheu Thai is widely viewed as the most probable coalition partner despite recent tensions, including a dispute over how the border conflict was handled under former prime minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, Thaksin’s daughter. https://www.wionews.com/videos/iran-us-tensions-iran-fm-araghchi-says-tehran-would-target-us-base-if-attacked-1770563173982/embed Thaksin, currently serving a one-year sentence for corruption, is widely expected by analysts to be released early as part of a broader political settlement. Thailand’s turbulent political landscape, shaped by coups, court rulings, and party dissolutions, remains under a constitution drafted by a military-backed government after the 2014 coup. The charter grants extensive power to unelected institutions. Alongside the election, voters also participated in a referendum asking whether constitutional reform should be pursued in principle, though no specific changes were proposed.

Thailand’s PM Anutin looks set for a strong election win as voters back his nationalist stance amid border tensions and economic challenges

Millions of voters are casting ballots in Thailand in a snap general election held after a period of political instability that has seen three prime ministers in three years. The poll was called by Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, the country’s third leader since 2023. No party is expected to win an outright majority, making the formation of a coalition government likely. Opinion polls show the reformist People’s Party leading ahead of the vote, with its performance closely watched after it secured 151 seats in the 2023 election. Economic concerns have dominated the campaign, including sluggish growth, high household debt and rising living costs. The election also includes a referendum on rewriting Thailand’s military-backed constitution. Unofficial results are expected late Sunday, with vote counting set to conclude by night.


Thailand Votes After 3 Leaders in 2 Years 

Thailand-Cambodia Tensions: Thailand's Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul is set for a snap election on February 8, 2026, after his minority government collapsed amid a no-confidence threat and political maneuvering. The upcoming poll is expected to be heavily influenced by rising nationalist sentiment due to ongoing tensions with Cambodia along the border, which could shape the battle between major parties and determine the country's political direction.

Thailand: Snap Elections in February After Government Collapse in Thailand 

New Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul’s journey from a political outsider to the top of Thailand’s power structure is inseparable from one of the most radical policy experiments in Southeast Asia in which he played a crucial role: cannabis legalisation. The so-called 'Cannabis King' of Thailand was one of the forces behind Thailand's boldest drug reform, which made recreational use of cannabis legal. Anutin leveraged his controversial but popular stance into national prominence. Anutin won 311 parliamentary votes after the ousting of Paetongtarn Shinawatra. In order to get support from the opposition People’s Party, Anutin pledged fresh elections within four months, constitutional reforms, and possibly a referendum.&nbsp;<h2>Anutin Charnvirakul, the new Thailand PM: What you should know</h2>The 58-year-old business executive-turned-politician holds an engineering degree from Hofstra University in New York. Anutin is the major shareholder and former president of Sino-Thai Engineering and Construction, which was involved in major infrastructure projects like Suvarnabhumi Airport.The royalist businessman is a pragmatic conservative. He is a Buddhist amulet collector and a licensed pilot. Anutin once flew organs for emergency transplants.<h2>Anutin Charnvirakul: Political career</h2>Anutin was the deputy health minister under Thaksin Shinawatra in 2004. He was later banned from politics after the Thai Rak Thai party was dissolved by court order. He re-emerged as the leader of the Bhumjaithai Party in 2012, turning it into a power broker through rural support and playing the role of kingmaker in coalition governments. Between 2019 and 2023, Anutin served as health minister, and from 2023 until becoming prime minister, he was interior minister. The savvy politician cultivated strong ties with both military-linked conservatives and local patronage networks.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/thailand-s-new-prime-minister-have-enough-support-anutin-1757053568679/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/thailand-s-new-prime-minister-have-enough-support-anutin-1757053568679/embed</a><h2>How Anutin became the force behind Thailand's cannabis revolution</h2>Anutin was one of the major voices favouring legislation to legalise cannabis. His view was that it could reduce prison overcrowding — over 80 per cent of inmates were jailed for drug-related offences.He argued that legal cannabis would alleviate rural poverty and sought to position cannabis and hemp as “cash crops” that would boost both agriculture and tourism.In a party stunt during the 2022 election campaign, Anutin’s party gave away one million free cannabis plants. He even wore a marijuana-leaf print shirt to vote in the 2023 election.He was mostly proven right. The legalisation of cannabis attracted more foreign tourists and empowered many farmers.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/anutin-charnvirakul-elected-as-new-thailand-pm-amid-political-shake-up-who-is-he-1757066908533">Anutin Charnvirakul elected as new Thailand PM amid political shake-up. Who is he?</a><h2>Cannabis legalisation in Thailand: Major milestones</h2>In 2018, Thailand became the first Southeast Asian nation to legalise medical cannabis. It was decriminalised in 2022, making Thailand the first Asian country to allow recreational use.The legalisation led to a boom, with over 11,200 cannabis dispensaries opened across the country by 2025. Cannabis is projected to become a $9.6 billion industry by 2030. Cannabis tourism surged, especially in hubs like Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Pattaya.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/thousands-gather-to-smoke-up-at-thailands-first-legal-cannabis-festival-487790">Thousands gather to 'smoke up' at Thailand's first fully legal cannabis festival</a><h2>But Thailand's cannabis legalisation faced backlash</h2>In recent years, however, there has been social and political pressure to roll back some of the reforms due to youth misuse, unregulated access, and black market exports.The former prime minister, Srettha Thavisin of the Pheu Thai Party, tried to recriminalise cannabis amid the pressure. Anutin, then still in the ruling coalition, opposed the recriminalisation, instead seeking stricter medical oversight.Some restrictions are in place now: Cannabis buds were reclassified as 'controlled herbs', and medical use is allowed only with a prescription. Recreational use is practically banned, but enforcement remains inconsistent.Anutin has said that his intention was never to allow unregulated recreational use, but to enable "medicinal and economic empowerment".Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/thailand-moves-ahead-to-ban-recreational-marijuana-use-with-draft-bill-687727">Thailand moves ahead to ban recreational marijuana use with draft bill</a><h2>Anutin’s legacy will be linked to cannabis</h2>Anutin has taken over as PM at a time of economic slowdown due to global trade tensions and political instability, which saw five prime ministers removed in 17 years. The cannabis industry he promoted is in limbo, caught between business potential and conservative social backlash.For better or worse, Anutin will be tied to the cannabis revolution which made him a household name.

Anutin Charnvirakul, dubbed Thailand’s “Cannabis King,” rose to power after leading the country’s bold cannabis decriminalisation. The hemp reform boosted tourism and rural income, propelling Anutin to PMamid political turmoil and regulatory backlash.

New Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul’s journey from a political outsider to the top of Thailand’s power structure is inseparable from one of the most radical policy experiments in Southeast Asia in which he played a crucial role: cannabis legalisation. The so-called 'Cannabis King' of Thailand was one of the forces behind Thailand's boldest drug reform, which made recreational use of cannabis legal. Anutin leveraged his controversial but popular stance into national prominence. Anutin won 311 parliamentary votes after the ousting of Paetongtarn Shinawatra. In order to get support from the opposition People’s Party, Anutin pledged fresh elections within four months, constitutional reforms, and possibly a referendum. Anutin Charnvirakul, the new Thailand PM: What you should know The 58-year-old business executive-turned-politician holds an engineering degree from Hofstra University in New York. Anutin is the major shareholder and former president of Sino-Thai Engineering and Construction, which was involved in major infrastructure projects like Suvarnabhumi Airport. The royalist businessman is a pragmatic conservative. He is a Buddhist amulet collector and a licensed pilot. Anutin once flew organs for emergency transplants. Anutin Charnvirakul: Political career Anutin was the deputy health minister under Thaksin Shinawatra in 2004. He was later banned from politics after the Thai Rak Thai party was dissolved by court order. He re-emerged as the leader of the Bhumjaithai Party in 2012, turning it into a power broker through rural support and playing the role of kingmaker in coalition governments. Between 2019 and 2023, Anutin served as health minister, and from 2023 until becoming prime minister, he was interior minister. The savvy politician cultivated strong ties with both military-linked conservatives and local patronage networks. https://www.wionews.com/videos/thailand-s-new-prime-minister-have-enough-support-anutin-1757053568679/embed How Anutin became the force behind Thailand's cannabis revolution Anutin was one of the major voices favouring legislation to legalise cannabis. His view was that it could reduce prison overcrowding — over 80 per cent of inmates were jailed for drug-related offences. He argued that legal cannabis would alleviate rural poverty and sought to position cannabis and hemp as “cash crops” that would boost both agriculture and tourism. In a party stunt during the 2022 election campaign, Anutin’s party gave away one million free cannabis plants. He even wore a marijuana-leaf print shirt to vote in the 2023 election. He was mostly proven right. The legalisation of cannabis attracted more foreign tourists and empowered many farmers. Also read: Anutin Charnvirakul elected as new Thailand PM amid political shake-up. Who is he? Cannabis legalisation in Thailand: Major milestones In 2018, Thailand became the first Southeast Asian nation to legalise medical cannabis. It was decriminalised in 2022, making Thailand the first Asian country to allow recreational use. The legalisation led to a boom, with over 11,200 cannabis dispensaries opened across the country by 2025. Cannabis is projected to become a $9.6 billion industry by 2030. Cannabis tourism surged, especially in hubs like Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Pattaya. Also read: Thousands gather to 'smoke up' at Thailand's first fully legal cannabis festival But Thailand's cannabis legalisation faced backlash In recent years, however, there has been social and political pressure to roll back some of the reforms due to youth misuse, unregulated access, and black market exports. The former prime minister, Srettha Thavisin of the Pheu Thai Party, tried to recriminalise cannabis amid the pressure. Anutin, then still in the ruling coalition, opposed the recriminalisation, instead seeking stricter medical oversight. Some restrictions are in place now: Cannabis buds were reclassified as 'controlled herbs', and medical use is allowed only with a prescription. Recreational use is practically banned, but enforcement remains inconsistent. Anutin has said that his intention was never to allow unregulated recreational use, but to enable "medicinal and economic empowerment". Also read: Thailand moves ahead to ban recreational marijuana use with draft bill Anutin’s legacy will be linked to cannabis Anutin has taken over as PM at a time of economic slowdown due to global trade tensions and political instability, which saw five prime ministers removed in 17 years. The cannabis industry he promoted is in limbo, caught between business potential and conservative social backlash. For better or worse, Anutin will be tied to the cannabis revolution which made him a household name.

Anutin Charnvirakul, dubbed Thailand’s “Cannabis King,” rose to power after leading the country’s bold cannabis decriminalisation. The hemp reform boosted tourism and rural income, propelling Anutin to PMamid political turmoil and regulatory backlash.

'Cannabis king' to Thailand prime minister: Anutin Charnvirakuls' political rise linked to nation's hemp legalisation revolution

Thailand has turned a fresh political page with the election of Anutin Charnvirakul as the country’s new prime minister, ending a turbulent week that saw the abrupt removal of his predecessor Paetongtarn Shinawatra. Anutin, leader of the Bhumjaithai Party, secured a comfortable majority in parliament to claim the top job. His victory followed a dramatic realignment of alliances, with the People’s Party offering its backing in exchange for a commitment to pursue constitutional reforms and call a general election within four months. The arrangement ensures Anutin will head a minority government but with enough support to survive confidence votes.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/thailand-s-new-prime-minister-thaksin-shinawatra-leaves-thailand-1757065268844/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/thailand-s-new-prime-minister-thaksin-shinawatra-leaves-thailand-1757065268844/embed</a><h2>Who is Anutin Charnvirakul?</h2>At 58, Anutin is no stranger to Thai politics. The son of a wealthy construction tycoon, he began his career in the orbit of former premier Thaksin Shinawatra before charting his own course. Over the years, he has served in multiple ministerial positions, including as health minister during the pandemic. He gained international attention in 2022 when he pushed through the legalisation of cannabis, earning both praise as a reformist and criticism for lax regulation.&nbsp;His rise comes at the expense of the Shinawatra family, long dominant in Thai politics. Paetongtarn’s removal by the Constitutional Court over an ethics case, and Thaksin’s sudden departure abroad ahead of a looming court ruling, mark another setback for the dynasty.&nbsp;For many Thais, Anutin represents pragmatism over ideology. His ability to strike deals across the political spectrum has brought him this far, but challenges lie ahead. Economic uncertainty, simmering street protests, and the demand for genuine constitutional change will test his leadership almost immediately. Royal endorsement is expected in the coming days, formally confirming him as Thailand’s 31st prime minister. Whether he becomes a stabilizer or a caretaker on the road to fresh elections will shape Thailand’s political future.

Anutin Charnvirakul elected as new Thailand PM amid political shake-up. Who is he?

Thailand has turned a fresh political page with the election of Anutin Charnvirakul as the country’s new prime minister, ending a turbulent week that saw the abrupt removal of his predecessor Paetongtarn Shinawatra. Anutin, leader of the Bhumjaithai Party, secured a comfortable majority in parliament to claim the top job. His victory followed a dramatic realignment of alliances, with the People’s Party offering its backing in exchange for a commitment to pursue constitutional reforms and call a general election within four months. The arrangement ensures Anutin will head a minority government but with enough support to survive confidence votes. https://www.wionews.com/videos/thailand-s-new-prime-minister-thaksin-shinawatra-leaves-thailand-1757065268844/embed Who is Anutin Charnvirakul? At 58, Anutin is no stranger to Thai politics. The son of a wealthy construction tycoon, he began his career in the orbit of former premier Thaksin Shinawatra before charting his own course. Over the years, he has served in multiple ministerial positions, including as health minister during the pandemic. He gained international attention in 2022 when he pushed through the legalisation of cannabis, earning both praise as a reformist and criticism for lax regulation. His rise comes at the expense of the Shinawatra family, long dominant in Thai politics. Paetongtarn’s removal by the Constitutional Court over an ethics case, and Thaksin’s sudden departure abroad ahead of a looming court ruling, mark another setback for the dynasty. For many Thais, Anutin represents pragmatism over ideology. His ability to strike deals across the political spectrum has brought him this far, but challenges lie ahead. Economic uncertainty, simmering street protests, and the demand for genuine constitutional change will test his leadership almost immediately. Royal endorsement is expected in the coming days, formally confirming him as Thailand’s 31st prime minister. Whether he becomes a stabilizer or a caretaker on the road to fresh elections will shape Thailand’s political future.

Anutin Charnvirakul became the new prime minister of Thailand after he beat Chaikasem Nitisiri in a parliamentary vote. Anutin got 250 votes in the lower house