The new Prime Minister of Thailand faces the daunting challenge of overcoming political instability and economic turmoil while working to unite a divided government, experts in the country said.
Thailand's King Maha Vajiralongkorn endorsed Anutin Charnvirakul as the country's new prime minister on Sunday, Secretary-General of the House of Representatives Arpath Sukhanunth has announced.
In a ceremony held at the Bhumjaithai Party headquarters, Arpath read out the royal command appointing Anutin as premier, as he received majority support in the parliamentary vote on Friday.
The country has seen three governments in just two years, leaving many weary of constant political change. His administration is short-term by design, with snap elections already promised for next year, as no party currently holds a majority.
"It's quite weird, to have what we call minority government. We haven't seen this for the past many, many years. But we have to understand that in Thai politics, it's not only what we see there, as a normal political construction plays the game. There's always something else behind, supporting those who are in power as well. So, it's not only about what's minority government or the parliament or the senators. It's not that particularly simple in Thai politics," said Virot Ali, a political analyst at Thammasat University.
The leader of the Bhumjaithai Party, the third-largest in parliament, now finds himself at the helm of a country weary of power struggles.
"The turmoil in the past 20 years have, I think, disrupted that, and everyone just wants the power. In two years, we have already changed three prime ministers, it means that there is a policy disruption. And changes that happen create political instability. So I think that is the main key issues with Thailand, is the stability and the continuity of the policies that have suffered, which also means that people have suffered as well," said Ali.
Experts said that Thailand is currently facing profound challenges characterized by deep-seated fissures, including significant wealth disparities, a generational divide, and a fervent desire for democratic reform among the youth. The Thai economy continues to grapple with high levels of household debt, investor apprehension, and sluggish growth. Moreover, the tourism sector, which serves as a critical pillar of the economy, is struggling to regain its vitality.
Meanwhile the new PM's promise to dissolve the House of Representatives within four months after taking office to pave the way for a general election is expected to keep the political climate highly volatile.
"The first challenge is the economy. Second challenge is much more serious also, security challenges on the borders with Cambodia. And lastly, of course, I think Bhumjaithai is facing its own political challenges. All of that, within only four months. No government in the world can overcome that in four months. The roadblocks are tremendous," said Panitan Wattanayagorn, an independent political scientist.
New Thai PM faces challenges amid political, economic turmoil: experts
