Bangkok: Open support for Anutin Charnvirakul as Thailand’s 32nd Prime Minister has been demonstrated by the Bhumjaithai Party, NCPO, and the People, who maintained unity in the voting process.
According to Thai News Agency, the House of Representatives cast 311 votes in favor of Anutin Charnvirakul, a party-list MP from the Bhumjaithai Party, surpassing the required majority and securing his candidacy as Prime Minister. Chaikasem Nitisiri, the Pheu Thai Party’s candidate, received 152 votes, with 27 abstentions. The Speaker of the House, Wan Muhammad Noor Matha, is set to submit Anutin’s name to His Majesty the King for royal endorsement.
Despite the initial projection of 289 votes, Anutin received 311, highlighting support from various parties. The People’s Party, Bhumjaithai Party, and Kla Tham Party voted cohesively, while Anutin abstained from voting for himself.
The Ruam Thai Sang Chart Party contributed 17 additional votes to Anutin’s tally, including MPs such as Kansinee Opasrangsan and Chuti Krairiksh. Some MPs abstained from voting, including Nitisak Thammapetch and Witthaya Kaewparadai.
Democrat Party MPs, including Sanphet Bunyamanee and Romtham Khamnurak, added support for Anutin, totaling four votes from the party. The Thai Sang Thai Party also backed Anutin with all six votes, marking a shift from their previous support for the Pheu Thai Party.
Other support came from Chart Pattana Party’s Prasat Tanprasert, who opposed his party’s stance on Chaikasem. Pheu Thai Party members, including Sakda Wichiansilp, also backed Anutin, alongside Police Lieutenant Colonel Chalerm Yubamrung.
Chaiya Phromma and Chalat Khamchuang abstained to maintain neutrality. Meanwhile, support for Chaikasem Nitisiri was shown by the Pheu Thai Party, Prachachat Party, and others.
Anan Phonnuay and Parinya Rerkrai from the Palang Pracharath Party voted against their party’s resolution, favoring Anutin. Additionally, Prapa Hengpaiboon from the Bhumjaithai Party reversed her previous stance to support Anutin.
Two MPs, Lt. Col. Yutthakan Rattanamat and Piyanuch Yindeesuk, have yet to cast their votes.