Charnvirakul, the leader of the Bhumjaithai Party easily defeated his main challenger, Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut of the People’s Party, during the parliamentary vote, as per Reuters.
The People’s Party had surprised observers by finishing as runner-up in last month’s election despite earlier expectations that it might secure victory.
The 59-year-old leader’s return to office is historically significant. He became the first Thai prime minister in nearly two decades to win re-election through a parliamentary vote, highlighting the political instability that has frequently reshaped governments in Thailand.
Bhumjaithai capitalises on political shifts
Bhumjaithai’s strong performance in the recent election followed a surge of nationalist sentiment after military tensions with Cambodia last year. The party also benefited from the weakening of the once-dominant Pheu Thai Party.
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Anutin played a strategic role in reshaping the political landscape. He withdrew Bhumjaithai from a coalition government and quickly assembled a new alliance after a court removed another prime minister, marking the second leadership change within just over a year, as per Reuters.
The coalition between Bhumjaithai, the politically weakened Pheu Thai Party and several smaller groups held firm during Thursday’s vote. Reuters reported that Anutin secured the 251 votes required for re-election, with the alliance expected to command about 292 seats in the 499-member parliament.
PM Modi extends wishes to Thai PM Charnvirakul
India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his wishes to Charnvirakul on his reelection.
“Heartiest congratulations to Mr 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,” PM Modi said in a statement on X (formerly Twitter) on March 20.
“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,” he added.
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