One of Thailand’s biggest political parties, founded by former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, elected a new leader on Friday after his daughter, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, resigned. Paetongtarn, 39, stepped down as head of the Pheu Thai party last week following her removal as prime minister in August due to an ethics violation related to a border dispute with Cambodia.
The party chose Julapun Amornvivat, a former deputy finance minister, as their new leader in a vote livestreamed on the party’s official Facebook page. Julapun, 50, is the son of seasoned politician Sompong Amornvivat, who served as deputy prime minister and led Pheu Thai in 2019.
“I am honored and grateful for the trust the party members have placed in me,” Julapun told reporters after his election. He represents the northern Chiang Mai province, a key Pheu Thai base. Julapun was part of the team advocating the party’s major campaign policies ahead of the 2023 elections, including a proposed 10,000-baht stimulus and legalizing casinos.
Despite the leadership change, analysts say Thaksin Shinawatra and his political dynasty will heavily influence Pheu Thai. The Shinawatra family has long been a central figure in Thai politics, often clashing with the country’s pro-military and pro-monarchy establishment.
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