The political landscape of Thailand has been anything but stable in recent years, witnessing a succession of prime ministers and a persistent tension between democratic ideals and conservative forces. On September 7th, Anutin Charnvirakul, leader of the Bhumjaithai Party, assumed the premiership following royal endorsement. This ascension followed the abrupt removal of former Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, triggered by a controversial leaked phone conversation with former Cambodian leader Hun Sen.

The leaked conversation, in which Paetongtarn reportedly referred to Hun Sen as “uncle” while discussing sensitive border issues, was perceived as undermining Thailand’s national position and disrespecting the military establishment. This prompted the Bhumjaithai Party to withdraw from the governing coalition, ultimately leading to Paetongtarn’s dismissal by the Constitutional Court for breaching ethical standards expected of a prime minister.

A Fragile Mandate and the Path Forward

At 58, Anutin Charnvirakul becomes Thailand’s third prime minister in just two years, a stark illustration of the nation’s political volatility. His path to power was paved by an agreement with the progressive People’s Party (formerly Move Forward), which secured the most parliamentary seats in the 2023 election but was initially blocked from forming a government due to its proposals to amend the lese majeste law. The People’s Party conditionally backed Charnvirakul, demanding the dissolution of parliament and fresh elections within four months, alongside a referendum on a new constitution.

Anutin now leads a minority government operating under a temporary mandate. His immediate task is to demonstrate his ability to deliver stability in a system grappling with deep-seated contradictions. He is not new to power, having previously served as Deputy Prime Minister, Interior Minister, and Health Minister. He gained international recognition for overseeing the decriminalization of cannabis in 2022, a bold move that garnered both praise for its innovative approach and criticism for insufficient regulatory oversight.

In his inaugural address to parliament on September 29th, the Prime Minister outlined his government’s plan for economic recovery and national stability, emphasizing the need for swift, coordinated action and structural reforms. Key priorities include increasing household incomes, reducing the cost of living, and addressing the country’s high levels of household debt. Thailand’s GDP growth, currently hovering around 2.5–3 percent, lags behind regional competitors. While Anutin’s focus on fiscal discipline and rural credit support has resonated with his base in rural areas, it has yet to fully convince investors or the urban middle class.

Recognizing the importance of tourism, a cornerstone of the Thai economy, the cabinet approved a new stimulus package on October 21st, effective from October 29th to December 15th, 2025. This package includes income tax deductions for domestic travel, incentives for visiting lesser-known destinations, and tax benefits for hotel renovations in secondary provinces. It also aims to boost tourism-related demand through increased public-sector spending on seminars and training. Targeted promotional campaigns and partnerships with global travel platforms will be launched to attract international visitors.

Domestically, Anutin has pledged to combat corruption and illegal gambling, reinforcing his commitment to transparency, accountability, and sound fiscal management. But can he truly unite a deeply divided nation and deliver on his promises? What role will the military and the royalist establishment play in shaping his government’s agenda?

Did You Know? Thailand’s household debt is among the highest in Asia, representing a significant challenge to economic stability and growth.

Navigating Regional Tensions and International Relations

On the international stage, Anutin has prioritized resolving the ongoing border dispute with Cambodia through dialogue and peaceful means, while also advocating for a more proactive diplomatic approach to strengthen Thailand’s regional and global standing.

The border dispute with Cambodia, which escalated earlier in the year, remains a key concern. On October 26th, during the 47th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur, Thailand and Cambodia signed a “Joint Declaration” outlining steps towards de-escalation. These include the withdrawal of heavy weapons, landmine clearance, the deployment of an ASEAN observer team, the release of prisoners of war, and the establishment of joint mechanisms to combat cross-border crime, including scam centers. While US President Donald Trump hailed the agreement as a “peace deal,” Thai Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow characterized it as a “pathway to peace.”

Thailand continues to strengthen its relationships with key partners, including the United States, China, and other ASEAN member states. The government is committed to promoting regional cooperation and addressing shared challenges, such as climate change, terrorism, and transnational crime. The Council on Foreign Relations provides further insight into Thailand’s foreign policy priorities and its role in the Indo-Pacific region. Furthermore, Thailand is actively working to enhance its economic ties with regional partners through trade agreements and investment promotion. The official ASEAN website offers detailed information on Thailand’s participation in regional economic initiatives.

Frequently Asked Questions About Thailand’s New Prime Minister

• What is Anutin Charnvirakul’s primary challenge as Thailand’s Prime Minister?

  Anutin Charnvirakul’s biggest challenge is to establish political stability in a country with a history of frequent leadership changes and deep-seated political divisions, while also delivering on economic promises.

• What conditions did the People’s Party set for supporting Anutin Charnvirakul?

  The People’s Party demanded the dissolution of parliament and the calling of fresh elections within four months, as well as a referendum on a new constitution.

• What was the controversy surrounding Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s removal from office?

  Paetongtarn Shinawatra was removed from office after the Constitutional Court ruled that a leaked phone conversation with Hun Sen, in which she reportedly spoke critically of Thai generals, breached ethical standards.

• What is Thailand doing to boost its tourism sector?

  The Thai government has approved a new stimulus package offering tax deductions for domestic travel, incentives for visiting secondary destinations, and tax benefits for hotel renovations, alongside targeted promotional campaigns for international visitors.

• What is Thailand’s current GDP growth rate?

  Thailand’s GDP growth is currently around 2.5–3 percent, which is lower than many of its regional competitors.