Core Points - Anutin from the Bhumjaithai Party has been elected as Thailand's new Prime Minister, receiving 311 votes in the lower house, supported by the People's Party [1][3][5] - The new government is expected to be a minority government, facing challenges in policy-making due to the opposition status of the People's Party [1][4][8] - Anutin has committed to dissolve the parliament within four months, leading to new elections in February [1][4][5] Political Context - The election of Anutin follows a period of political instability, with the previous Prime Minister, Prayuth, being ousted due to a constitutional court ruling [4][6] - The People's Party, which controls nearly one-third of the lower house, has agreed to support Anutin in exchange for a commitment to constitutional reform and a quick dissolution of parliament [4][5][6] - Former Prime Minister Thaksin's recent departure to Dubai adds uncertainty to the political landscape, as his potential return could impact the stability of the Bhumjaithai Party [6][7] Economic Implications - Thailand's economy is under pressure from external factors, including U.S. tariff policies and border conflicts with Cambodia, with growth projected at only 2% by 2025 [9] - The passage of the 2026 fiscal budget by the lower house is seen as a positive step to alleviate investor concerns [9]

Core Points - The Thai Constitutional Court ruled on August 29 that suspended Prime Minister Pita Limjaroenrat's actions during a phone call with Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen violated constitutional provisions, leading to his immediate removal from office [1][5] - Pita Limjaroenrat, who recently turned 39 and had only served as Prime Minister for a year, is the second female and youngest Prime Minister in Thai history, and her removal indicates potential government restructuring or early elections, creating political uncertainty in Thailand [1][3] Summary by Sections Political Background - Pita Limjaroenrat was elected Prime Minister on August 16, 2022, and is the daughter of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, making her the fourth member of the Shinawatra family to hold the position [3][5] - She transitioned from a wealthy background to politics in 2021, becoming the chair of the "Participation and Innovation Advisory Group" for the Thai Party, and later leading the party [3][5] Recent Developments - Following the May 2023 elections, the Thai Party became the second-largest party in the House of Representatives, leading to the formation of the current ruling coalition after the first party failed to form a government [5] - Pita was nominated as Prime Minister candidate by the Thai Party after the previous Prime Minister was removed due to a constitutional ruling [5] Controversial Phone Call - A border conflict between Thailand and Cambodia escalated in May 2023, leading to a controversial phone call between Pita and Hun Sen, where she referred to him as "uncle" and criticized a Thai military commander [5][7] - The leaked recording of this conversation sparked public outrage in Thailand, with accusations of harming national interests, prompting 36 senators to request a constitutional court investigation [7] Court Ruling and Implications - The Constitutional Court accepted the petition on July 1, suspending Pita from her duties, and she later faced questioning in court [7] - Following her removal, the Thai political landscape is expected to face potential restructuring or early elections, which could exacerbate social divisions and political instability, impacting economic recovery and foreign investment confidence [7]