Six weeks after his party won the most votes in the national elections, Anutin Charnvirakul was formally elected Thailand’s 32nd Prime Minister by securing a majority of 293 votes in the country’s 499-seat parliament, a result many analysts said would provide the Kingdom with continuity in leadership and policies.

The 59-year-old Anutin takes the reins of power during a time of global conflict and domestic economic challenges. He pledged to work with opposition parties, as well as the 16 parties in his coalition government.

“I will be a Prime Minister who works with every representative of the Thai people to the fullest extent of my ability, so as to bring the greatest possible benefit and well-being to Thailand and its people,” Anutin said upon accepting the premiership.

A former construction magnate who has held several cabinet posts, Anutin first landed Thailand’s top job in September 2025, when his predecessor resigned as a result of ethics violations. To gain the support of parliament at that time, he promised to hold elections within six months if elevated to the premiership.

He was true to his word, and national elections were held on February 8, 2026. While campaigning, Anutin told voters he “would safeguard Thailand with my life.”

At the time, hostilities had broken out once again with neighboring Cambodia, and many commentators said that a wave of nationalist sentiment worked to Anutin’s advantage. “Nationalism is in the heart of everybody in [my] party,” Anutin said on the campaign trail.

His Bhumjaithai (Thai Pride) Party won a plurality of 191 votes and gained the majority in parliament by assembling a coalition government. Parliament formally elected him Prime Minister on March 19, 2026.

His main challenger was Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut of the youth-oriented reformist People’s Party, who finished second with 119 votes.