Thailand’s health minister, who supported cannabis legalization, hopes to become a coalition government power broker in next month’s election.
Anutin Charnvirakul, 56, believes his Bhumjaithai Party will join the next administration following a close election between pro-military conservatives and populists.
The economy is the key election topic, indicating growth amid inflation and a worldwide recession. Still, last year’s legalization of cannabis has brought Anutin and his party greater attention, both favorable and bad, ahead of the May 14 vote.
“More seats. Because of what we’ve done, we want three-digit parliamentary seats in year, “Anutin said to Reuters.
Bhumjaithai, or Proud to be Thai, gained 51 seats in the 500-member parliament in 2019, joining a pro-military alliance.
New election rules favor bigger parties. Thus Bhumjaithai has increased its list of candidates to fight with larger opponents.
The Pheu Thai Party, linked to former telecommunications billionaire and deposed premier Thaksin Shinawatra, has criticized Bhumjaithai and the government coalition for rushing and loosely regulating cannabis decriminalization.
Anutin, a former chairman of one of Thailand’s top construction businesses, said legalizing marijuana would win votes.
“Bhumjaithai Party earned millions of votes from marijuana supporters last time,” he claimed.
Last month, two surveys revealed Bhumjaithai was the ruling alliance’s most popular party but behind the Pheu Thai opposition party, which Thaksin’s daughter, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, aspires to lead to victory.
Anutin’s popularity and cross-party contacts might make him a king-maker, according to Rangsit University political professor Wanwichit Boonprong.
Wanwichit predicted that Bhumjaithai would win over 70 seats, including from rural areas in the lower northeast.
The party promises modest loan debt moratoriums and health system reforms. Austin claimed he would cooperate with any party and become prime minister.
“I am younger, fresher, and I understand democracy,” he remarked.
The monarchist opposes any lese majeste legal change.
In late 2020, a youth-led protest movement against military participation in politics campaigned for amending the statute that punishes royal insult with up to 15 years in prison.
Pheu Thai and several tiny parties have recommended changing it and discussing it in parliament.
Anutin reveres the monarchy.
“Protecting the monarchy inspires the party,” Austin remarked.
