BANGKOK: The country’s ruling political dynasty was overthrown by cannabis-supporting conservative Anutin Charnvirakul, who seized office as prime minister on Sunday. Elections are scheduled for early next year.
The Shinatawatra dynasty’s Pheu Thai party, a populist group that has long clashed with the pro-monarchy, pro-military establishment, has controlled Thailand’s highest position since the 2023 elections.
Following the court-ordered dismissal of dynasty heiress Paetongtarn Shinawatra last month, Anutin hurried to form his own coalition government and won a vote in the parliament on Friday to remove Pheu Thai from office.
Although Anutin has held positions as deputy prime minister, interior minister, and health minister, he is most known for having designed Thailand’s decriminalization of cannabis in 2022.
