Anutin Charnvirakul appeared poised to lead the next government in Thailand, with the conservative politician promising to call elections within months to end political uncertainty caused by the sacking of Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra.
Anutin, whose father briefly served as Thailand’s caretaker leader in 2008, said late Friday he had support of enough lawmakers to become prime minister. Much will depend on the main opposition People’s Party — the largest bloc in the 500-member House of Representatives — which has yet to declare its stance although it’s made clear that any support will be conditional.
Anutin was a deputy prime minister in Paetongtarn’s government until his Bhumjaithai Party exited the coalition following the controversy over her leaked phone call with former Cambodian leader Hun Sen, which eventually led to her sacking by the Constitutional Court. His party is also known for championing the liberalization of cannabis in Thailand.
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