Thai cannabis champion eyes bigger role after May election

Anutin Charnvirakul, Bhumjaithai Party's leader and prime ministerial candidate, speaks during an interview with Reuters in Bangkok, Thailand, April 10, 2023. REUTERS/Athit Perawongmetha

The country’s health minister who championed the legalisation of cannabis is hoping the reform will help deliver gains in next month’s election, with expectations he could emerge as a power broker who can stitch together a coalition government.

Autinn Charnvirakul (pic), 56, is confident his Bhumjaithai Party will be part of the next government after an election that is shaping up to be a tight contest between pro-military conservatives and their populist opponents.