Anutin, 58, secured a clear majority in Friday’s parliamentary vote, surpassing the 247-vote threshold required for victory in the lower house.
His triumph was bolstered by the unexpected support of the opposition People’s Party, which holds the largest bloc of seats in parliament. The party threw its weight behind Anutin after extracting a commitment that he would call a snap general election within months.
A three-time cabinet minister best known as the architect of Thailand’s cannabis decriminalisation policy, Anutin defeated Chaikasem Nitisiri of the Pheu Thai party. Pheu Thai will now relinquish power after a tumultuous two-year tenure marred by internal strife and mounting public frustration.
15:27
How Thailand’s political dynasty shaped the country for the last 25 years
How Thailand’s political dynasty shaped the country for the last 25 years
