In a major parliamentary vote on September 5th, 2025, Anutin Charnvirakul was elected as Thailand’s 32nd Prime Minister, marking a big moment in the nation’s political landscape. Securing 311 votes in the House of Representatives, Anutin – the leader of the Bhumjaithai Party – will lead a minority coalition government following an agreement with the opposition People’s Party.
This development comes after the Constitutional Court’s removal of the previous Prime Minister, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, on August 29, 2025, showing Anutin’s influence as a seasoned statesman and coalition builder. At 58 years old, Anutin brings a blend of business acumen, public service experience, and governance to the role, positioning him as a force amid Thailand’s evolving challenges.
Early Life and Education
Anutin Charnvirakul was born on September 13th, 1966, in Bangkok, Thailand, into a prominent family of Thai Chinese descent with roots traced to Guangdong province. As the eldest son of Chavarat Charnvirakul – a respected businessman and former Minister of the Interior under Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva – Anutin grew up in an environment that valued both enterprise and public duty. Nicknamed “Noo” (meaning “mouse” in Thai), he attended Assumption College for his secondary education before pursuing higher studies abroad. In 1989, he graduated with a Bachelor of Engineering from Hofstra University in New York, followed by an MBA from Thammasat University in Thailand. These formative years abroad equipped him with a global perspective on engineering and management, skills that would later define his professional path.
Anutin’s personal life reflects a commitment to family and tradition. He has two children from his first marriage and is currently married to Sasitorn Charnvirakul. A devout Buddhist, he enjoys collecting amulets, meditation, and exploring Thailand’s culinary scene, often describing dining as “a great pleasure” in his life. His passion for aviation, developed during a period away from politics, led him to earn a pilot’s license and establish AC Aviation, a chartered flight service. He has also volunteered his skills for humanitarian efforts, such as transporting organs for the Thai Red Cross Society through the “Wings of Heart” initiative.
Business Career and Accomplishments
Before fully immersing himself in politics, Anutin built a successful career in the construction and engineering sectors, inheriting and expanding his family’s legacy. He served as President of Sino-Thai Engineering and Construction PCL (STECON), a leading firm founded by his father. Under his leadership from 1995 to 2004, the company contributed to many large infrastructure projects, including the construction of Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi International Airport – a mega-project that revolutionized Thailand’s aviation hub and boosted economic connectivity. STECON also played a role in building the Parliament House in Bangkok, symbolizing the family’s deep ties to national development.
Anutin’s entrepreneurial spirit extended beyond construction. During a five-year hiatus from politics (2007–2012), he focused on business innovation, establishing the Rancho Charnvee Country Club near Khao Yai National Park – a resort that promotes eco-tourism and equestrian activities. He also developed a private airport, Khanong Phra, in Pak Chong, Nakhon Ratchasima province. By blending engineering expertise with visionary projects, Anutin established himself as a key player in Thailand’s industrial growth, earning honorary doctorates in fields like Public Administration from Western University (2017), Management from Srinakharinwirot University (2017), and Economics from the University of Thai Chamber of Commerce (2018).
Political Journey and Key Positions
Anutin’s entry into politics in 1996 was a natural progression from his family’s public service tradition. He began as an adviser to Foreign Minister Prachuap Chaiyasan, gaining insights into international relations and governance. By the early 2000s, he aligned with the Thai Rak Thai Party, serving as Deputy Minister of Commerce (2004–2005) and Deputy Minister of Public Health (2004–2005 and 2005–2006) under Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra. In these roles, he contributed to policy initiatives aimed at economic diversification and healthcare improvements.
A temporary setback came in 2007 when he faced a five-year ban from political activities following the dissolution of the Thai Rak Thai political party. Undeterred, Anutin returned in 2012, joining the Bhumjaithai Party – a conservative group with strong roots in northeastern Thailand and especially Buriram– and was elected its leader on October 14th, 2012. Under his stewardship, the party grew into a pivotal force, focusing on loyalty to the monarchy, economic prosperity, and national unity.
His resurgence culminated in the 2019 general election, where he was elected as a party-list MP and nominated as Bhumjaithai’s Prime Ministerial candidate. From 2019 to 2023, Anutin served as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Public Health in Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha’s administration. He later held the same deputy role alongside Minister of Interior from 2023 to June 2025 under Prime Ministers Srettha Thavisin and Paetongtarn Shinawatra. These positions allowed him to oversee critical national portfolios, from local governance to emergency health responses.
Notable Accomplishments
Anutin’s tenure as Minister of Public Health stands out as a cornerstone of his career. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he led Thailand’s response efforts, prioritizing vaccinations for the elderly, issuing vaccine passports to revive tourism, and facilitating the downgrade of COVID-19 to a communicable disease under surveillance by October 2022. These measures helped Thailand navigate the crisis while safeguarding public health and economic recovery, particularly in the tourism sector – a vital pillar of the economy. This period wasn’t without controversy though, as some statements made about foreigners not wearing masks went viral and caused major criticism online from expats, but Anutin stated his comments were taken out of context and misunderstood.
Another major, but somewhat controversial to some people, achievement was his advocacy for medical cannabis. In 2022, Anutin led the decriminalization of cannabis, promoting it for therapeutic and economic benefits. He announced the distribution of 1 million cannabis plants to households for license-free cultivation, aiming to increase innovation in healthcare and agriculture. This policy positioned Thailand as a regional leader in medical research and opened avenues for rural economic empowerment.
As Minister of the Interior, Anutin focused on administrative reforms and regional development, drawing on his business background to streamline local governance. His ability to forge alliances across the political spectrum has been praised as a testament to his leadership, ensuring stability in coalition governments.
A New Chapter as Prime Minister
Anutin’s election as Prime Minister on September 5, 2025, reflects his strategic acumen. Supported by the People’s Party’s 143 MPs, he committed to dissolving Parliament within four months and holding a referendum on constitutional amendments to enhance democratic processes.
As Thailand’s new leader, Anutin inherits a nation poised for growth, with priorities including economic revitalization, infrastructure advancement, and public welfare, although he will also have to focus on the ongoing border conflict between Cambodia and Thailand. His journey from engineer to statesman exemplifies resilience and vision, promising a tenure focused on unity, innovation, and prosperity for all Thais.
