Opposition parties, including the Pheu Thai Party loyal to former telecoms tycoon and ousted premier Thaksin Shinawatra, have criticised Bhumjaithai and the ruling coalition for what they see as the rushed and loosely regulated decriminalisation of cannabis.
But Anutin, a former chairman of one of Thailand’s largest construction companies, said opening up the marijuana business was a proven vote winner.
“Last time, Bhumjaithai Party won millions of votes from people who believed in the benefits of marijuana,” he said.
Two opinions polls last month showed Bhumjaithai was the most popular party in the ruling alliance but behind the favourite, the Pheu Thai opposition party that Thaksin’s daughter, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, hopes to lead to victory.
“INSPIRATION”
Political scientist Wanwichit Boonprong of Rangsit University said Anutin could emerge as a king-maker because of his party’s popularity and his relationships across the political divide.
“Bhumjaithai will likely gain the most seats among the parties in the government coalition,” Wanwichit said, predicting it could win more than 70, including from rural strongholds in the lower northeast.
The party has promised debt moratoriums on small loans and improvements to the health system. Anutin said he was open to working with any party and would be prepared to be prime minister if the opportunity arose.
“I am younger, more fresh and I understand politics in a democratic system,” he said.
But the staunch monarchist draws the line at any suggestion of amending a lese majeste law.
A youth-led protest movement that emerged in late 2020 to oppose military involvement in politics called for changing the law that protects the monarchy, which punishes perceived royal insult with up to 15 years in jail.
Some small parties have suggested amending it and Pheu Thai has raised the possibility of discussing it in parliament.
But for Anutin the monarchy is sacrosanct.
“Protecting the monarchy is an inspiration for the party,” Anutin said.