Thailand’s newly convened parliament has re-elected Anutin Charnvirakul as prime minister, cementing the dominance of his conservative Bhumjaithai Party after a sweeping electoral victory that sidelined progressive rivals.

House Speaker Sophon Zaram announced the result in a joint sitting of the legislature, declaring that Anutin had secured more than half of all ballots cast. According to the official tally, he received 293 votes from lawmakers, defeating reformist challenger Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut, who garnered 119 votes, while 86 members abstained.

Speaking to reporters before the vote, Anutin signalled his intention to project continuity and decisiveness. “I hope to remain in my position to serve the people for as long as I can,” he said, adding that he would respond “immediately” to any problem affecting the public.

The vote follows Bhumjaithai’s strongest electoral performance to date. The party campaigned on a hard-line security platform after deadly border clashes with Cambodia, promising to fortify the frontier, keep crossings closed and recruit tens of thousands of volunteer soldiers. The message resonated with voters anxious about national security and helped Bhumjaithai win the largest share of seats.

To secure a governing majority, Anutin forged a coalition with the third-placed Pheu Thai Party, linked to jailed former premier Thaksin Shinawatra, and 14 smaller parties. The alliance marks a dramatic reversal of fortunes for Pheu Thai, whose previous government collapsed after Bhumjaithai withdrew its support.

Anutin, a 59-year-old construction tycoon and political veteran, is best known internationally for championing the decriminalisation of cannabis, a move that transformed Thailand into Asia’s most liberal market for the drug and sparked intense domestic debate.

He first rose to the premiership after the ouster of Paetongtarn Shinawatra, Thaksin’s daughter, who was removed by court order over an ethics complaint linked to a leaked phone call referencing former Cambodian leader Hun Sen and a senior Thai general. The controversy fractured the previous coalition and opened the door for Bhumjaithai’s ascent.

The new government faces a daunting agenda: slowing economic growth, a fragile tourism recovery, rising fuel prices and supply disruptions tied to conflict in the Middle East, as well as unresolved border disputes with Cambodia. While analysts note that security concerns helped propel Anutin to power, they say public attention has shifted decisively toward the cost of living and jobs, setting the terms on which his renewed mandate will be judged.