"Dr. Kriengsak" analyzed Thais are tired of old politics - Hope new parties will bring the change

Photo: Chayanan Deekaew via SAP News

SAP News had the opportunity to interview Professor Dr. Kriengsak Chareonwongsak, Chairman of the Nation-Building Institute and the Institute of Future Studies for Development, regarding his views on the three main political parties in the current Thai political landscape.

This discussion was based on the results of the IFD Poll & Survey, under the topic “Which party do people want – not want to lead the formation of the next government?”

The survey, conducted from 2 to 5 October 2025, sampled 1,230 participants and reflected the public’s preferences regarding which party should lead the next government:

1.Do not want any political party (23.82%)

2. Still unsure (21.87%)

3. Bhumjaithai Party (20.57%)

4. People’s Party (16.91%)

5. New alternative party (7.40%)

6. Pheu Thai Party (5.28%)

7. Other parties (4.15%)

Based on this data, Prof. Dr. Kriengsak stated, “The results reflect the public’s sentiment, which is a rejection of existing political parties as leaders of the next government (Pheu Thai, Bhumjaithai, People’s Party). However, among the traditional parties, Bhumjaithai still has the highest level of support.”

He further analyzed that the approval ratings for each party indicate that all three major parties have “failed” in the eyes of the public. The data clearly shows a growing frustration with traditional politics and a demand for a “new political player.” However, in the absence of such new characters entering the race, these three parties still have a chance to be elected.

Perspectives on the new political party "Thai Kao Mai": A fresh political choice for Thailand?

Prof. Dr. Kriangsak feels that all new political parties are excellent, regardless of their potential. However, based on the poll results, this is definitely not the solution for the country. The election results will most certainly result in a limited number of MPs, but they will still be unable to play an important role when forming a government.

The Role of the Shinawatra Family in the Pheu Thai Party

Prof. Dr. Kriengsak addressed the issue of the Shinawatra family’s role in the Pheu Thai Party, particularly in terms of decision-making power and influence over the party's direction. He stated, “Pheu Thai has been under the Shinawatra family from the very beginning. There have been attempts to appoint outsiders to leadership roles, but those efforts were unsuccessful. In the end, the party’s spiritual leader, Thaksin Shinawatra, decided to appoint Paetongtarn Shinawatra as party leader. So, having a core leader from the Shinawatra family makes it clear that the party’s direction continues to follow the Shinawatra line.”

Beyond internal party operations, Prof. Dr. Kriengsak also commented on the family’s role in maintaining the party’s support base, “Pheu Thai will likely continue trying to retain its voter base through the Shinawatra family’s influence. However, it will be difficult for the party to regain its former popularity. If you look at the most recent election, Pheu Thai only came in second, and in the next round, their support may decline even further.”

He added, “They’ve lost their old base, and they haven’t gained a new one. Therefore, all the party can do is try to retain as much of its original base as possible. Importantly, there is a real risk that Pheu Thai could vanish entirely. That’s why the party is likely to rely heavily on its spiritual leadership and the Shinawatra family to preserve what it can.”

Photo: Chayanan Deekaew via SAP News

"Quick Big Win" Policy: Boosting Electoral Support or Building a Long-Term Foundation for Thailand?

In the government’s recent policy announcements, the slogan “Quick Big Win” has been frequently used by Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and several Cabinet members. This slogan reflects a style of populist policy, which Prof. Dr. Kriengsak refers to “fast food policies.”

Prof. Dr. Kriengsak explained, “Mr. Anutin doesn’t have many options other than pursuing short-term policies in hopes of achieving long-term goals, namely, winning the next election and attracting politicians from other parties to join his party.”

He analyzed the current government’s populist approach as one that has not yielded significant tangible outcomes, despite Prime Minister Anutin’s claims that these policies are meant to lay the groundwork for Thailand’s long-term development.

He further commented, “These policies provide more of an emotional impact than tangible results. Therefore, the Bhumjaithai Party’s chances in future elections will depend on how effectively these short-term populist policies can generate public momentum. Additionally, given Bhumjaithai’s stronghold in local political bases or political clans, this strategy may help the party increase its share of party-list MPs.”

When the Orange and Blue join hands, the People's Party risks losing its young voter base. What will happen in the next election?

Prof. Dr. Kriangsak stated the People’s party arose as a strong political platform, distinguishing itself from other parties.   This includes avoiding usual political games, refraining from vote buying, and working to reform the military and institutions.   This has created an opportunity for the next generation to become the primary supporter of the People’s party.   They must continue their political game. However, the major issue is that the People party's present support base is insufficient to serve as the foundation for its development. The 141 seats in parliament were won in the final eight days by individuals who moved from red to orange under the simple slogan "With Uncle, No Us." They voted because people have no choice.   They voted not because they liked the opposing side, but because they loathed it.

He believes that this occurrence is intended to boost support for the Prachachon Party.   However, given the current political context, it is becoming increasingly difficult for the party to get new adherents.   This is particularly significant given the party's alleged coordination or relations with the Bhumjaithai Party.   To gain even a minor advantage, given the Blue Party's involvement in administration, they were obligated to dissolve parliament and modify the constitution as soon as possible, which we knew would be too late.   However, we should stick with the procedure and see if it succeeds.   "When they raised their hands, they became the opponents.   The general public did not understand.   The Orange voter base was astonished," he added, "You say you don't play a political game, but in reality, you're performing a political farce.”   The public is now wondering where the party's leader will take it.   In addition to their lack of faith, the public is fearful and uncertain.   This is a disgraceful political setback that I do not believe should be tolerated.   However, which were expected to be least negative are even more negative.

Hence, some of the voter base is certain to be lost. The nationalist attitude resulting from the Thai-Cambodian border issue, in which the military had a part in resolving the matter, has prompted the younger generation to view the military more positively.   Even though Gen Boonsin Phadklang was only a short conservative figure, it had a negative impact on the People party's standing.   "From today until the election, if we do something that resonates, it might be just as good as before, but the chances may be slim."   "The People Party is on the decline, which may not be what the party's core leaders hoped for," Prof. Dr. Kriangsak explained.

Prof. Dr. Kriangsak believes that if the "Sunlight Theory" is used to introduce the People's Party's prime ministerial candidate and cabinet members before next year's election, the question must be raised: who will be the sunlight, the spotlight, the candle, the lightbulb or the firefly?   If these people are just flies, it may be tough to reclaim their support.   Most MPs have never been in government, have no experience which concerns the people. But that remains to be seen. From the Future Forward and Move Forward Party recognized as stars?, Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit plays an important role in the party's system.   He may be in the spotlight, but he is not a star.   No other party has accomplished what the People's Party has.   He went on to say that if the next person introduced is an outsider, they may be seen as a swindler.

The Sunlight Theory: Guiding Thai politics must be led by Light...A Beautiful Light That Brings Both Skill and Courage

He mentioned that a Sunlight Leader must shine for oneself and not rely on others.   This requires performing long-standing excellent deeds in society and being well-known both domestically and globally.   To earn the public's respect and adoration, they must understand how to align people's feelings and thoughts.   They must have the necessary knowledge and skills to run the country in all aspects.   They must also combine various ministries rather than just specializing in particular.   This is what a spotlight is for in economics and education. Instead, sunlight must shine in all directions to move the country forward.

Prof. Dr. Kriangsak said, when someone is in the spotlight, they must have a name that everyone recognizes.   Furthermore, a Sunlight Leader must become more well-known in order to win public trust.   This kind of person is unusual.   Due to Lee Kuan Yew, Singapore has come a long way, and it is difficult to find someone to bring to Thailand.   He has been looking for someone like him in Thailand because resolving a few difficulties doesn't provide immediate benefits.   It requires short, medium and long-term outcomes.   Without a Sunlight Leader, it is tough.   However, with the Sunlight, the spotlight will follow, attracting additional lights to continue working as a team.

Therefore, it is up to Thailand's fate whether it can secure sunlight and whether they will participate.   It's not a personal choice, but rather an environment that supports the balance that individuals want.   The regulations require that a party leader be in charge, and the party leader is chosen by collaborating with capitalists to share profits.   Most parties have a price and cost to run, regardless of their integrity.   Most political parties hire people based on their earnings rather than their political beliefs. "You must buy MPs.   Except for a few party-list MPs, the political clans won the majority of the votes.

Given this, Thailand's chances of having a party with more than half of the votes to create a government are slim, since the major houses continue to hold power," stated Prof. Dr. Kriangsak. He highlighted that an honest sunshine party cannot do so because where will the funds come from?   This is difficult, not simple, Thais must unite to help secure sunlight.   We must have the strength, knowledge, and resources to keep the party honest.   However, the majority of individuals paying for politics are a few capitalists, who will have to repay.   So, how can we be completely honest about sunshine?

Expectations for the Next Election

Prof. Dr. Kriengsak stated, “What I hope for and what will actually happen are two different things. If you ask what I hope for, it’s a political landscape led by a 'sunlight leader’, one who can attract spotlights, light bulbs, candles, fireflies, and an army of ants to create a landslide victory. A leader who can put an end to the old ways of politics and truly transform Thailand.”

He views the upcoming election as Thailand’s last opportunity. If the country cannot regain its footing within the next five years, it will go downhill.

However, in reality, the likely outcome is a return to “the same cycle of corrupt politics.” Without collective effort, Thailand risks falling into the abyss, driven by a political system dominated by interests.

Therefore, Prof. Dr. Kriengsak hopes for the emergence of a new political party led by a “sun”, a true leader, with people of all generations working together with integrity, committed to fighting corruption, improving governance, and leading Thailand toward its full potential.

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