Anutin Charnvirakul salutes the portrait of Thai King Maha Vajiralongkorn during a ceremony held at the Bhumjaithai Party headquarters in Bangkok, Thailand, on March 20, 2026. Thai King Maha Vajiralongkorn has endorsed Anutin Charnvirakul as the country's prime minister, Secretary-General of the House of Representatives Sirote Paetphan announced on Friday. (Thai Government House/Handout via Xinhua)
BANGKOK, March 20 (Xinhua) -- Thailand's King Maha Vajiralongkorn has endorsed Anutin Charnvirakul as the country's prime minister, Secretary-General of the House of Representatives Sirote Paetphan announced on Friday.
In a ceremony held at the Bhumjaithai Party headquarters, Sirote read out the royal command appointing Anutin to a second term in office, as he received majority support in a vote cast by the House of Representatives on Thursday.
In his address, Anutin pledged to govern with absolute integrity, promising to prioritize the well-being of the Thai people and foster a new, collaborative political atmosphere.
He emphasized the need for all sectors to intensely and seriously scrutinize government work to ensure transparent administration based on the rule of law.
Highlighting the governmental transition, the prime minister expressed his desire for the shift to generate a forward-looking environment in society and cultivate a new, people-centric working culture.
The royal endorsement paves the way for cabinet formation and policy address to parliament, a formality required for the new government to officially assume office.
Under the Thai Constitution, the prime minister will submit the complete list of the cabinet members to the King for endorsement, after which the prime minister will lead the members to take an oath of allegiance before the King and present a policy statement to parliament, the final step before ministers can officially take office. ■
Anutin Charnvirakul gives a speech during a ceremony held at the Bhumjaithai Party headquarters in Bangkok, Thailand, on March 20, 2026. Thai King Maha Vajiralongkorn has endorsed Anutin Charnvirakul as the country's prime minister, Secretary-General of the House of Representatives Sirote Paetphan announced on Friday. (Thai Government House/Handout via Xinhua)
