Anutin Charnvirakul, a veteran politician best known for successfully lobbying to decriminalize cannabis in Thailand, became the country's prime minister after receiving royal endorsement on Sunday, two days after he was chosen by Parliament following a court order that removed his predecessor.

The 58-year-old succeeded Paetongtarn Shinawatra of the Pheu Thai Party, who was dismissed last week after a court found her guilty of ethics violations.

Thailand’s new prime minister had served in Paetongtarn’s Cabinet as a deputy prime minister and an interior minister, but recently resigned his positions and withdrew his party from her coalition government.

Anutin received the letter of appointment in a ceremony at his party Bhumjaithai’s headquarters in Bangkok, attended by senior members of parties expected to join his coalition government.

They wore white civil servants’ uniforms used for royal and state ceremonies.

Speaking to reporters after the ceremony, Anutin said his government will seek to address the country’s urgent problems, including the economy, the border conflict with Cambodia, natural disasters and crimes.

“Although I don't have much time, I'm confident that I'll get support from all sides. I'll work to my fullest capabilities. Four months is short, so I and the Cabinet won't have a day off, a holiday, or if possible we won't get sick,” he said.

He also reiterated his commitment to rewrite the constitution and call an early election.

Anutin won the vote in Parliament on Friday with support from the main opposition People’s Party.

In exchange for their votes, Anutin has promised to dissolve Parliament within four months and organize a referendum on the drafting of a new constitution by an elected constituent assembly.

He successfully petitioned for the decriminalization of cannabis, a policy that is now being more strictly regulated for medical purposes.

He was also a health minister during the COVID-19 pandemic, and was accused of tardiness in obtaining vaccine supplies.

AP video by Jerry Harmer