Conservative Thai tycoon wins parliament vote to become PM

Summary

Right-wing Thai tycoon Anutin Charnvirakul was confirmed by parliament as Thailand's next prime minister, ending the Shinawatra dynasty's dominance in politics since 2023.

Key Points
  • Anutin Charnvirakul won the parliamentary vote with 311 out of 492 votes to become Thailand's new prime minister.
  • Anutin's rise marks the ousting of the populist Shinawatra dynasty which has dominated Thai politics for two decades.
  • Anutin leads the Bhumjaithai Party and is known for legalizing cannabis in 2022 and handling Thailand's Covid-19 response.
  • The largest parliamentary bloc, the People's Party, supported Anutin on the condition that fresh elections be held within four months.
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