Thailand's Latest Royalist Prime Minister

Anutin Charnvirakul’s got it | Photo from Reuters

In an article by Asia Sentinel, John Berthelsen provides an update on transformations in Thai politics, particularly the election of Anutin Charnvirakul as Prime Minister. While Thailand’s politics may still struggle with months of instability as contending forces jockey for positions, it may put an end to former PM Thaksin’s (and his relatives and associates) two decades outsized role in government.

The election of Anutin Charnvirakul, the Bhumjaithai Party leader, as Thailand’s Prime Minister is a transformation away from the forces controlled by Thaksin Shinawatra to a government in favor with Thailand’s royalty – Anutin is said to be close to King Maha Vajiralongkorn – and the urban elites.

The prognosis is for Thailand’s comic-opera politics, which have seen three prime ministers dumped in five months, to nonetheless endure additional months of instability as contending forces jockey for position in the run-up to national polls demanded by its coalition partner sometime shortly after the new year.

It may actually put an end for good, however, to the two decades during which Thaksin, his relatives and associates played an outsize role in Thailand’s politics. The 75-year-old telecommunications tycoon flew out to Dubai on September 4, ostensibly to seek medical care. But with his coalition ousted and facing a September 9 hearing that could put him in prison, many think he won’t return. It also likely means the end of a years-long attempt, spearheaded by Thaksin with the backing of international gaming interests to open the kingdom to the introduction of opulent gaming resorts.