Conservative Bhumjaithai party leader Anutin Charnvirakul gets main opposition party’s conditional backing to form interim government
Tycoon-turned-politician Anutin Charnvirakul appears to have taken the lead in a chaotic race to become Thailand’s next prime minister, after days of tense negotiations.
Anutin, who is leader of the conservative Bhumjaithai party and perhaps best known for championing medical cannabis legalisation, has received the backing of MPs from the main opposition party People’s party to form an interim government, provided he signs an agreement laid out by its leaders.
The People’s party said its lawmakers would supply the votes needed for Anutin to become prime minister, as long as he agrees to dissolve parliament within four months and commits to changing Thailand’s constitution, possibly through holding a referendum – a step the People’s party hopes will make the country’s system more democratic. The People’s party will not join his government.
The Bhumjaithai party is due to hold a press conference later on Wednesday morning.
