Bhumjaithai Party leader Anutin Charnvirakul took office today as Thailand’s 32nd prime minister following royal endorsement, marking a new chapter in the kingdom’s political leadership.

The 58-year-old received King Maha Vajiralongkorn’s written royal command at the party’s headquarters.

Images posted on social media show Anutin bowing before a portrait of the king as a symbolic gesture of accepting the royal command to become the prime minister.

In his first address, Anutin pledged that his government would act strictly in accordance with the rule of law and refrain from interfering in the judicial process.

"I will not let the opportunity entrusted to me by the House of Representatives and the Thai people to serve as prime minister go to waste.

"I pledge to work wholeheartedly for every citizen and to uphold the coalition agreement from this moment onward," he told reporters today.

People first

Anutin pledged to devote his utmost effort to addressing the people’s problems and leading the country out of crisis, by focusing on four critical areas - the economy, national security, natural disasters, and social challenges.

“As a minority government, our work may not proceed as smoothly or as quickly as that of a majority government, particularly in Parliament.

“Therefore, I appeal to all members of the House of Representatives to set aside their differences and put the interests of the people first,” he said.

Anutin was elected on Friday after securing a parliamentary majority.

The veteran politician, backed by a Bhumjaithai-led coalition and supported by the opposition People's Party, defeated Pheu Thai candidate Chaikasem Nitisiri in the 490-member ballot after securing 311 votes to 152, with 27 abstentions.

- Bernama

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