Anutin Charnvirakul was elected Thailand’s Prime Minister on Friday, defeating Chaikasem Nitisiri with over 247 votes in the 492-member lower house.

His win is a blow to the Pheu Thai party, weakened after Anutin left its coalition and the Constitutional Court dismissed Thaksin Shinawatra’s daughter, Paetongtarn.

Anutin, 58, heads the Bhumjaithai Party and is a former deputy premier, interior minister, and health minister.

He is a conservative royalist known for decriminalising cannabis and handling Thailand’s Covid-19 response.

He secured support from the 143-seat People’s Party on the condition of fresh elections within four months, and will lead a minority government amid economic challenges.