People’s Party Backing Anutin for PM Stirs Controversy and Uncertainty

BANGKOK — Thailand’s political scene has seen a big shift as the People’s Party (PP), the largest group in parliament with 143 MPs, announced it will support Anutin Charnvirakul, head of the Bhumjaithai Party (BJT), for prime minister.

People’s Party leader Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut made this surprise reveal on 3 September. The announcement comes with several conditions and has reignited debate, as Anutin is a controversial figure and the country’s politics remain unsettled.

As parliament prepares to vote, there’s fresh scrutiny of Anutin’s past and questions over what his leadership could mean for Thailand. The situation grew more tense after the news broke that former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra had left Thailand, sparking more rumours about his part in the ongoing crisis.

An Unusual Partnership

The People’s Party’s decision to back Anutin, a wealthy businessman and BJT leader, is a break from the usual way deals are made in Thai politics. Despite receiving over 14 million votes in the 2023 election, the People’s Party (a reformist party and the successor to Move Forward) will not join Anutin’s government.

Instead, it will only offer enough support to secure his premiership.

The party’s backing has clear terms: Anutin must dissolve parliament within four months of making his policy statement, calling a new election, and start work on constitutional reform. This may include a referendum to draft a new constitution with an elected assembly.

The People’s Party will stay in opposition and promises to keep a close watch on the minority government.

This approach is seen as a way to break recent political gridlock following Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s removal on 29 August. She was forced out by the Constitutional Court after being found guilty of an ethics violation connected to a border dispute.

The People’s Party’s choice to reject Pheu Thai’s candidate, Chaikasem Nitisiri, and support Anutin instead, leaves Pheu Thai (the Shinawatra family’s party) in opposition after their own failed attempt to hold new elections.

Anutin Charnvirakul: Both Popular and Disliked

Anutin Charnvirakul, 58, is not new to politics. He inherited his family’s construction business and is the son of Chavarat Charnvirakul, a former Interior Minister.

Anutin has served as Deputy Prime Minister, Interior Minister from 2023 to 2025, and Public Health Minister between 2019 and 2023. He drew attention for his role in managing COVID-19 and for pushing to legalize cannabis. These efforts made him well known, but also created critics.

Scandals and Doubts

Anutin’s time in politics has not been smooth. Early in the pandemic, he criticized foreigners, especially those from Western countries, on social media, claiming they were responsible for spreading the virus by not wearing masks. He first denied the posts were his, and later apologized, which left many citizens doubting how he handled the crisis.

There are also concerns about his links to Thaksin Shinawatra. Anutin once belonged to Thaksin’s Thai Rak Thai Party but was banned for five years when the party was dissolved after the 2007 coup. He also helped set up a meeting between Thaksin and the general who overthrew him, which built a reputation for switching sides. The BJT, under Anutin, has faced allegations of corruption, including over a land deal in Buriram and claims of Senate collusion in 2024. None have led to charges, but suspicions remain.

His push to legalize medical marijuana, leading to the decriminalization of cannabis in 2022, gets both praise and criticism. Supporters believe it eased overcrowding in prisons and helped local businesses. Critics say it caused problems through a lack of regulation and sparked social concerns.

Why Anutin Divides Opinion

Supporters praise Anutin for his direct style and approachable manner. Known as “Noo” (meaning “mouse”), he posts videos of himself cooking or playing the saxophone, making him seem relatable. He has gained praise for charitable acts such as flying organ transplants in his own plane.

His cannabis policy drew support from progressive voters, and his ability to work with both elite groups and rural voters has boosted his reputation as a possible dealmaker. Polls in 2018 showed his popularity rising sharply, especially in BJT strongholds like Buriram.

On the other side, critics say Anutin looks out for himself and that his BJT’s conservative politics clash sharply with the People’s Party’s reform push. His party’s previous opposition to changing strict lese-majeste laws and to constitutional reform has upset activists.

The People’s Party’s choice to support him has caused public anger. Activist Parit Chiwarak warned that empowering Anutin could give him unchecked control over the state. Concerns about his connections with both Thaksin and former military leaders continue to worry those wanting real change.

Experts Offer Different Views

Analysts remain split over Anutin’s likely success as prime minister. Thitinan Pongsudhirak, a professor at Chulalongkorn University, thinks Anutin could be a compromise leader, drawing support from both the establishment and Thaksin’s loyalists.

He notes, though, that any minority government needing PP support would be unstable, especially if campaign promises are not kept.

Others are less hopeful. Pravit Rojanaphruk highlighted in Khaosod English that the PP risks harming its reputation by backing a conservative leader, given its progressive identity.

He points out that the People’s Party may not be in a position to make Anutin stick to the deal, as its support lacks real enforcement power. Many question whether Anutin will actually deliver, considering the BJT’s resistance to previous reform attempts.

Thaksin’s Exit Brings More Uncertainty

Former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra left Thailand, just as the People’s Party declared support for Anutin. With legal trouble looming and his daughter’s government collapsing, his departure has led to more speculation.

Some say he left to avoid prison, while others feel it signals Pheu Thai’s fading power.  Without Thaksin’s influence, the People’s Party and BJT may have more room to act, but questions grow about Pheu Thai’s plans as an opposition party.

Thailand faces significant uncertainty. If Anutin is elected as prime minister, his minority government—likely to have 146 BJT-aligned votes plus the PP’s 143—will have to act quickly. The People’s Party’s preference for a minority government stops Anutin from having complete control, but changes in support could tip the scales.

The planned snap election in four months may give the People’s Party a chance to build on its strong showing from 2023. But doubts remain about whether Anutin will keep his promises, considering the BJT’s conservative approach.

Reform of the constitution remains tense. The People’s Party supports starting a new charter, probably through a referendum, to replace the military-backed 2017 constitution. Resistance from conservative groups could slow things down.

Rising economic problems, made worse by ongoing political tension, are another big worry. Acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai has warned that Thailand’s “distorted democracy” is driving down public trust and hurting the economy, which Anutin’s government must fix quickly.

The People’s Party’s move to support Anutin has also split its base, with activists describing the alliance as a betrayal of their reform hopes. Failure to deliver real changes could cost them in the next election while giving Pheu Thai space to return stronger.

Thailand’s history of interventions from courts and the military still casts a shadow, with the People’s Party’s leader, Natthaphong, making clear that they will reject any attempt at an undemocratic power grab.

As the country enters this uncertain time, Anutin’s leadership—both promising and controversial—will be a serious test for Thailand’s democracy. No one can say yet if his term will bring real reform or lock in the old guard, but all eyes are on the next steps in parliament.