Thailand's parliament has chosen business tycoon Anutin Charnvirakul as the country's prime minister - the third in two years, after yet another leader was removed from office.
Paetongtarn Shinawatra, who belongs to Thailand's most powerful political dynasty, was removed by the constitutional court last week for ethical violations over her handling of a border dispute with Cambodia.
Anutin's Bhumjaithai party severed ties with the coalition led by the Shinawatras' Pheu Thai party and gained sufficient support in parliament to secure the premiership.
This governance shift may not bring absolute stability to Thailand, which has a history of political upheaval, including multiple administrations falling due to court interventions and military coups.
Anutin's ascent is a significant setback for the Shinawatra family, which has had a dominant role in Thai politics since 2001, when Paetongtarn's father, Thaksin, became PM. Following her electoral win, when Paetongtarn took office, it was seen as a comeback for the family, but her subsequent dismissal suggests a rift with the conservative-royalist elite.
Recently, there has been speculation surrounding the departure of Thaksin from Thailand; he was seen leaving for Dubai for medical treatment amidst his daughter's political turmoil.
Paetongtarn’s removal marks her as the fifth prime minister to be ousted by the Constitutional Court, all connected to the Shinawatra legacy. She previously ascended following the ousting of her predecessor by the same judiciary body.
Now, with her party (Pheu Thai) sidelined and losing ground in the political arena, it seems the traditional influence of the Shinawatras is diminishing as newer parties gain a foothold.
Initially, Anutin's party held only 69 out of 500 parliamentary seats but managed to garner enough support, forming an alliance with the progressive People's Party for now. This arrangement is fraught with ideological clashes but serves to provide immediate stability in the volatile political landscape.
His rise is marked by a commitment to governmental reform, including a call for elections within four months, as well as a pledge to amend the military-imposed constitution.
Anutin, hailing from a politically active family, has previously supported unconventional policies, such as the liberalization of marijuana laws, while navigating Thailand's turbulent political waters. His new challenges will require adeptness not only in governance but also in maintaining his precarious coalition to prevent further political instability.
