#thailand-politics

#thailand-politics

I am returning power to the people, Anutin said on social media late on Thursday. He is Thailand's third prime minister since August 2023, and political instability is taking a toll on south-east Asia's second-largest economy, which is grappling with US tariffs, high household debt and weak consumption. In September, Anutin said he planned to dissolve parliament by the end of January, with a general election to be held in March or early April, but this move would accelerate that timeline.

Anutin, 58, is heir to Sino-Thai, one of Thailand's largest construction firms, where he served as president before entering politics in the 1990s. His political career has spanned nearly 30 years. Anutin has served in a variety of high-profile positions, including as deputy prime minister for the past six years, health minister from 2019 to 2023, and then as interior minister until this year. His time as health minister coincided with the COVID-19 pandemic.

The latest move to restrict cannabis use comes amid wider political turmoil in Thailand. Last week the Bhumjaithai Party withdrew from the government's ruling coalition due to its mishandling of a border conflict with Cambodia.

The urgent concern surrounding Iran's nuclear program persists, reflecting the complex geopolitical tensions and the fears of potential escalation in the region.