Anutin Charnvirakul, head of the Bhumjaithai Party, has officially taken office as Thailand’s prime minister following a royal endorsement delivered at party headquarters in Bangkok on Sunday.

His appointment follows the Constitutional Court’s removal of former prime minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra over ethical violations related to the handling of border tensions with Cambodia.

At the announcement, Mr Anutin pledged unwavering dedication to overcoming pressing national challenges.

Speaking with resolve, he assured voters that his cabinet would work "tirelessly," utilizing every available resource to address economic hardship, ease the burden on households, and reduce living, energy and transport costs.

He also committed to increasing incomes for individuals, businesses and communities, and tackling debt across sectors—particularly for households and small businesses.

Addressing escalating tensions along the Cambodian border, Mr Anutin emphasised a peaceful, rights‑based approach.

He affirmed that Thailand would not cede “a single square centimetre” of sovereign territory, while pursuing diplomatic solutions that minimise suffering and ensure swift compensation for affected families in border provinces.

His government has identified four core priorities: the economy, border security, natural disaster preparedness and social issues.

On natural disasters, Mr Anutin pledged to expand early warning systems and enhance compensation and rehabilitation schemes—building on policies he initiated as interior minister.

He also vowed to intensify efforts against drug trafficking, human smuggling, scams and illegal gambling.

Mr Anutin acknowledged that his administration’s term would be short.

In exchange for the support of the opposition People’s Party, he agreed to dissolve the House of Representatives within four months and pave the way for a general election.

He vowed there will be "no time for relaxation with families," and that deputies would be selected for their capability to deliver results swiftly, with no probationary grace period.

He also firmly denied gaining the premiership through personal deals.

Instead, he framed his mandate as the will of the people, channelled through their representatives, and vowed to "return that favour to the people" through service and integrity.

In a notable move, Mr Anutin announced the appointment of Vorapak Tanyawong, former chief executive of Krung Thai Bank and adviser to a previous finance minister, as Deputy Minister of Finance.

This marks the fourth appointment from outside the political sphere in recent days.

The remaining cabinet line‑up is nearly finalised, pending royal endorsement, with particular attention focused on the Ministry of Justice.

Anutin Charnvirakul, aged fifty‑eight, is a seasoned politician and heir to a major construction firm.

He previously held posts as health minister, interior minister and deputy prime minister, and led the 2022 campaign to decriminalise cannabis in Thailand—a reform that raised both support and debate.

His appointment brings stability to Thailand’s leadership amid ongoing political turbulence.

With economic pressures mounting and border tensions unresolved, his commitment to rapid action, peaceful diplomacy and public service now faces a critical test in the coming months.