Thailand's parliament confirmed 58-year-old Anutin Charnvirakul as prime minister on Friday, highlighting his adept navigation of the nation's polarised politics between Thaksin Shinawatra's supporters and the royalist-military establishment. Backed by family wealth from construction tycoon father Chavarat Charnvirakul and a strong base in northeastern Isan via his Bhumjaithai party, Anutin has built a reputation as a cautious pragmatist and "quintessential power broker", per scholars Napon Jatusripitak and Suthikarn Meechan.

Born in Bangkok in 1966, Anutin studied engineering at Hofstra University before leading Sino-Thai Engineering and Construction PCL, involved in projects like Suvarnabhumi Airport. His political journey began in 1996, aligning with Thaksin's Thai Rak Thai party, serving in deputy roles until the 2006 coup led to a five-year ban. He revived his career in 2012 as a Bhumjaithai leader, leveraging its northeastern influence.

Anutin's versatility shone in roles: health minister under Prayuth Chan-ocha (2019) and then deputy PM and interior minister in a Thaksin-backed coalition (2023). His ascent followed predecessor Paetongtarn Shinawatra's ethics dismissal after a leaked call with Cambodia's Hun Sen sparked uproar, prompting Bhumjaithai's coalition exit.

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Best known for 2022's cannabis decriminalisation—promising medical and economic benefits and projecting billions in revenue—it faced criticism for lax regulations, leading to recent tightening efforts. Anutin also managed Thailand's COVID-19 response as health minister. Personally, he enjoys flying private aircraft and gourmet dining, from street food to luxury cuisine.

Bhumjaithai's ideological flexibility, MP poaching, and pro-monarchy shift have enabled alliances across divides, positioning Anutin to lead amid ongoing tensions. 

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