Prof. Dr. Kriengsak Introduce 'Sunlight Theory,' Outlines Path for New Political Parties and Warns of Power Monopoly Trap

Photo: Chayanan Deekaew via SAP News

On October 6, 2025, Professor Dr. Kriengsak Chareonwongsak, Chairman of the Nation-Building Institute, IFD Poll & Survey, and Institute of Future Studies for Development, introduced the “Sunlight Theory”, analyzing the prospects of new political parties in Thailand. He observed that the country’s three major parties currently have very limited chances of leading the next government, with the Bhumjaithai Party having the highest probability at just 26%. This, he said, leaves significant room for new political parties to rise. However, the existing new parties that have already declared themselves have not yet gained enough trust or interest from the public.”

According to the Sunlight Theory, for a new political party to succeed, it must have a leader who embodies a “great sun” or “Sunlight figure”, a central source of trust and energy for the nation. Such a leader can attract multiple “spotlights”, experts and specialists in key sectors, as well as hundreds of “light bulbs,” thousands of “candles,” and tens of thousands of “fireflies,” representing grassroots supporters. This constellation of contributors, Dr. Kriengsak said, would generate genuine social power capable of sustainably propelling the country forward.

However, the biggest obstacle to the emergence of such a “Sunlight leader” lies in the lack of financial sacrifice from the people. Dr. Kriengsak pointed out that while many Thais are willing to contribute their time, ideas, and efforts, they are reluctant to contribute financially to support the establishment of honest, well-run political parties, even though funding is essential for managing party operations in a democratic system. This gap, he warned, keeps politics trapped in a cycle dominated by money and power. Unless citizens take up their roles as “national participants” and help recruit and support capable, ethical leaders, Thailand’s politics will remain a “ship circling in a basin,” vulnerable to further crisis.

Photo: Chayanan Deekaew via SAP News

Regarding the current political situation, Dr. Kriengsak analyzed the possibility that Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul’s government may not survive beyond four months. He explained that if the Pheu Thai Party and Move Forward Party collaborate as opposition forces to file a no-confidence motion, the government could easily collapse. Alternatively, the Prime Minister might choose to dissolve parliament early, before the four-month mark, to gain a strategic advantage in the next election. However, once a no-confidence motion is tabled, the Prime Minister loses the power to dissolve parliament. Dr. Kriengsak, therefore, believes there is a high likelihood that “the current government will not last beyond four months.

On the economic front, Dr. Kriengsak commented on government stimulus measures such as the “Half-Half Co-payment Scheme,” acknowledging that while they create “positive sentiment” and boost Bhumjaithai’s popularity, their actual economic impact is minimal, contributing less than 1% to GDP. He concluded that “Thai politics today is largely theatrical, focused on feelings rather than real outcomes,” reflecting deep structural problems in policymaking that fail to address long-term economic challenges.

Finally, when asked about the possibility of a former Prime Minister returning to lead the Democrat Party, Dr. Kriengsak offered a candid response. He noted that this individual has already been “tested” and, under the Sunlight Theory, would be classified only as a “spotlight,” not the sun itself. Although experienced, he said, the person lacks the transformative qualities of a “stellar leader” capable of driving fundamental national change. For true political renewal, Thailand needs a real “Sunlight leader”, one who embodies power, trust, and selflessness to lead the nation out of its entrenched political cycles.

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Source of material: official media /online news