New Thai PM Anutin emerges from political maelstrom, while Shinawatra dynasty lies in tatters

BANGKOK – True to form, given the transactional fluidity of contemporary Thai politics, there were twists and high intrigue up to the last moment before a parliamentary vote on Sept 5 installed

Anutin Charnvirakul of the conservative Bhumjaithai Party

as the country’s third prime minister in two years – for now.

A key term in a deal wrangled with the progressive opposition People’s Party is that in exchange for their support while his minority government rules, Mr Anutin has pledged to call a general election within the next four months, and to push for constitutional reform.