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Thailand Tycoon leads race to become prime minister
Tycoon-turned-politician Anutin Charnvirakul has taken the lead in Thailand’s chaotic race for the premiership following tense political negotiations. The leader of the conservative Bhumjaithai party, best known for championing medical cannabis legalization, has received conditional support from MPs of the main opposition People’s party to form an interim government.
The People’s party has agreed to provide the necessary votes if Anutin commits to dissolving parliament within four months and to pursuing constitutional reforms, potentially via a referendum. However, the party will not join his government.
Thailand’s political turmoil began last week when the constitutional court removed former prime minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra from office, citing ethical violations related to a border dispute. Shinawatra, daughter of former billionaire leader Thaksin Shinawatra, had served for only a year.
The People’s party, holding the largest number of seats in parliament, has emerged as kingmaker in these negotiations, aiming to secure both a new election and constitutional change. Its leader Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut emphasized that the decision prioritizes national interest over party popularity.
Anutin, a royalist conservative with family ties to one of Thailand’s largest construction companies, previously served as Minister of Public Health during the pandemic. His rise marks a significant shift in the country’s political landscape and could weaken the influence of the Shinawatra family, which has dominated Thai politics for decades.
A parliamentary vote to select a new prime minister could take place as early as Friday.