Anutin Charnvirakul facts for kids

Quick facts for kids His Excellency Anutin Charnvirakul MPCh MVM ThCh RNgBh MP
อนุทิน ชาญวีรกูล
Anutin in 2023
32nd Prime Minister of Thailand
Incumbent
Assumed office 7 September 2025
Monarch	Vajiralongkorn
Preceded by	Paetongtarn Shinawatra Phumtham Wechayachai (acting)
Deputy Prime Minister of Thailand
In office 10 July 2019 – 19 June 2025
Prime Minister	Prayut Chan-o-cha Srettha Thavisin Paetongtarn Shinawatra
Minister of Interior
In office 1 September 2023 – 19 June 2025
Prime Minister	Srettha Thavisin Paetongtarn Shinawatra
Preceded by	Anupong Paochinda
Succeeded by	Phumtham Wechayachai
Minister of Public Health
In office 10 July 2019 – 1 September 2023
Prime Minister	Prayut Chan-o-cha
Preceded by	Piyasakol Sakolsatayadorn
Succeeded by	Cholnan Srikaew
Previous offices 2004–⁠2006 Deputy Minister of Commerce In office 6 October 2004 – 11 March 2005 Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra Preceded by Pongsak Raktapongpaisan Succeeded by Suriya Lapavisutthisin Deputy Minister of Public Health In office 11 March 2005 – 19 September 2006 Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra Preceded by Suchai Charoenratanakul Succeeded by Morakot Kornkasem
Leader of the Bhumjaithai Party
Incumbent
Assumed office 14 October 2012
Preceded by	Chavarat Charnvirakul
Member of the House of Representatives
Incumbent
Assumed office 24 March 2019
Constituency	Party-list
Personal details
Born	(1966-09-13) 13 September 1966 (age 58) Bangkok, Thailand
Political party	Bhumjaithai (since 2012)
Other political affiliations	Thai Rak Thai (2001–2007)
Spouses	Sanongnuch Wattanawarangkul (divorced) Sasithorn Chandrasomboon (divorced)
Domestic partner	Thananont Niramit
Children	2
Parent	Chavarat Charnvirakul (father)
Alma mater	Hofstra University (BEng) Thammasat University (MBA)
Signature
Nickname	Noo (หนู)
Chinese name
Traditional Chinese	陳錫堯
Simplified Chinese	陈锡尧
Transcriptions Standard Mandarin Hanyu Pinyin Chén Xīyáo Yue: Cantonese Jyutping can4 sek3 jiu4

Anutin Charnvirakul is a businessman and politician from Thailand. He became the 32nd Prime Minister of Thailand in September 2025. Before this, he served as the Deputy Prime Minister starting in 2019. He was also the Minister of Interior from 2023 until June 2025. From 2019 to 2023, he was the Minister of Public Health. In this role, he played a key part in managing Thailand's response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Mr. Anutin has been part of different political groups. He is currently the leader of the Bhumjaithai Party. After an agreement on September 3, 2025, Mr. Anutin announced his plan to form a government. He was then voted in as Prime Minister on September 5, 2025.

Anutin Charnvirakul: A Leader in Thailand

Early Life and Family Background

Anutin Charnvirakul was born on September 13, 1966, in Bangkok, Thailand. His nickname is Noo, which means "mouse" in Thai. His father, Chavarat Charnvirakul, was also a politician who served as the Minister of the Interior. Anutin's family has Thai Chinese roots.

He went to Assumption College in Bangkok and Worcester Academy in the United States. He later studied engineering at Hofstra University, finishing in 1989.

Anutin's family owns a large construction company called Sino-Thai Engineering and Construction PCL. This company built many big government projects, including Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport. Anutin worked as the president of this company.

Starting a Career in Politics

Anutin began his political journey in 1996. He worked as an advisor to the Minister of Foreign Affairs. Later, he served as the Deputy Minister of Public Health from 2004 to 2005. He was also the Deputy Minister of Commerce in 2004.

After a political party he was part of, the Thai Rak Thai Party, was dissolved in 2006, Anutin and many other politicians were not allowed to hold political office for five years. This restriction lasted until May 30, 2012. During this time, Anutin returned to his work as an engineer. By 2012, he was the President of Sino-Thai Engineering and Construction again. He also started a country club near Khao Yai National Park in 2010.

Leading the Bhumjaithai Party

In 2012, a politician named Newin Chidchob, who founded the Bhumjaithai Party, decided to retire. Newin, who was close to Anutin, suggested him as a good choice for the party leader. Anutin had already been a major supporter of the party. After his political restriction ended, Anutin joined the party. He was elected as the leader of the Bhumjaithai Party on October 14, 2012.

During a political situation in Thailand from 2013 to 2014, some members of the Bhumjaithai Party supported groups that were against the government. Anutin, however, was not happy with some of these decisions.

Before the 2019 Thai general election, Anutin was re-elected as the party leader in October 2018. He became the party's candidate for Prime Minister. The Bhumjaithai Party grew and became the fifth-largest party, winning 51 seats in the election. Anutin told his supporters that his party was ready to work with any group that wanted to help Thailand and avoid conflict.

In the 2023 Thai general election, Anutin was again the Bhumjaithai Party's candidate for Prime Minister. After this election, he stated that his party would not work with any group that wanted to change a specific law about the monarchy.

Serving in Government (2019-2025)

Anutin served in different important roles in the Thai government.

Minister of Public Health (2019-2023)

Anutin as Minister of Public Health in 2019

As Minister of Public Health, Anutin was in charge during the COVID-19 pandemic in Thailand.

Managing the COVID-19 Pandemic

Thailand reported its first case of COVID-19 in January 2020. Anutin initially expressed confidence that Thailand could control the virus. He later helped make COVID-19 a dangerous communicable disease in Thailand.

In October 2020, Anutin announced plans for vaccinations. Older people would get the vaccine first. Thailand aimed to get vaccines from different sources, including AstraZeneca. Local production of vaccines began in mid-2021. The first vaccine shipments arrived in February 2021, and Thailand started its vaccination program. Anutin was one of the first people to be vaccinated. The goal was to vaccinate 50 million people by the end of 2021.

After the pandemic, Anutin said that the Ministry of Health would issue 'vaccine passports' for people to travel. The quarantine time for vaccinated visitors was also shortened. Despite some areas being hotspots, people could travel for the Songkran festival. New lockdowns happened in Bangkok in July 2021 due due to new virus types. By the end of 2021, Anutin said no new lockdowns would be needed for the omicron variant.

By October 2022, Anutin stated that the pandemic was getting better globally. The government ended the emergency rules for the pandemic. COVID-19 was then seen as a disease that needed to be watched, not an emergency.

Anutin faced some criticism for how he handled the pandemic. He apologized for some comments he made online about foreigners. In April 2021, a group of doctors started an online petition asking him to resign, saying he was not effective. The petition quickly gained many signatures. In August 2021, a motion was made to remove Anutin and other ministers from their positions, but they kept their jobs.

Minister of Interior (2023-2025)

Anutin became the Minister of Interior in September 2023. He held this position until June 2025.

Deputy Prime Minister (2019-2025)

He also served as the Deputy Prime Minister from July 2019 until June 2025.

Becoming Prime Minister (2025)

In August 2025, there were discussions about who would lead the government. Anutin denied having plans to become Prime Minister at first. However, after the previous Prime Minister was removed from office, Anutin became one of the possible candidates.

On September 3, 2025, Anutin made an agreement with the People's Party. This agreement helped him gain support to become Prime Minister. He announced his plan to form a new government. On September 5, 2025, he was voted in as the Prime Minister of Thailand. He then presented his cabinet on September 6, 2025.

Personal Life and Hobbies

Anutin is a Buddhist. He enjoys collecting Buddhist amulets and practices meditation and prayer. He also loves food and trying different dishes. The Bangkok Post newspaper described his lifestyle as enjoying good food and life. He reads many newspapers, especially their restaurant review sections.

Flying is another one of his hobbies. He started this hobby during his time away from politics. He owns several planes and even has a chartered flight business. He also owns a private airport. Anutin uses his plane to visit restaurants in different parts of Thailand with his family. He also flies for the Thai Red Cross Society to help with emergency medical transport, like picking up donated organs.

Despite his love for flying and fine dining, he also enjoys eating at smaller, local places in Bangkok. He likes many types of Asian food. Other hobbies include horse riding at his country club.

Anutin has two children. His daughter, Naiyaphak, is the eldest.

Royal Decorations

Anutin Charnvirakul has received several special honors from the Thai monarchy:

• 2010 – Knight Grand Cordon of the Most Exalted Order of the White Elephant
• 2008 – Knight Grand Cordon of The Most Noble Order of the Crown of Thailand
• 2024 – Knight Commander of the Most Illustrious Order of Chula Chom Klao
• 2025 – Freemen Safeguarding Medal, Second Class 1st Cat
• 2003 – Silver Medalist (Seventh Class) of The Most Admirable Order of the Direkgunabhorn
• 2024 – King Rama X Royal Cypher Medal, Third Class