Pheu Thai Still Searching for PM Candidate as People’s Party to Submit Full Slate of Three Nominees to Avoid Political Vacuum

The race to find Pheu Thai’s prime ministerial candidate for the upcoming general election is intensifying, as political observers keep a close watch on the party’s next move. The current government, led by Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, has just four months left before the House is dissolved and new elections are called, putting pressure on Pheu Thai to settle on a new leader to head its campaign.

Names being floated remain largely within the Shinawatra family network and their close allies. One of the most talked-about figures is Nattapong Kunakornwong, son-in-law of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra and CEO of SC Asset. He recently received public praise from Phumtham Wechayachai, a key Thaksin confidant, who described him as “smart.” Though Nattapong has responded briefly that he has “not thought about it yet,” analysts see this as not an outright refusal, leaving open the possibility that he could be formally approached if public momentum builds.

Another name under discussion is Associate Professor Dr. Yodchanan Wongsawat, reportedly being groomed by former Prime Minister Yingluck “Aunt Pu” Shinawatra to take on a future leadership role in the party. Political analysts remain watchful, though critics argue that these moves reinforce Pheu Thai’s image as a “family-run party.”

Pheu Thai’s Potential Candidates

Nattapong Kunakornwong Photo: มิติหุ้น ชี้ชัดทุกการลงทุน

1. Nattapong Kunakornwong (Pong), 45 – Holds a bachelor’s degree in Architecture from Chulalongkorn University and an MBA from DePaul University, USA. Formerly involved in the garment and real estate sectors, he is now CEO of SC Asset Corporation PCL.

Yodsanan Wongsawat Photo: Thairath Online

2. Asst. Prof. Dr. Yodchanan Wongsawat (Chain), 45 – Holds a bachelor’s degree in engineering from SIIT and a master’s and Ph.D. in Electrical and Brainwave Engineering from the University of Texas at Arlington. A biomedical engineering professor at Mahidol University, he is recognized for his work on Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) technology and has received multiple national research and innovation awards. He previously ran as a Pheu Thai MP candidate and was once considered for the party leadership in 2018.

Despite the buzz, the process remains fraught with challenges. Pheu Thai faces criticism for continuing to push members of the Shinawatra clan into key positions. At the same time, external candidates may hesitate to accept a nomination for fear of being seen as Thaksin’s “nominee” or “puppet.” Additionally, the party must contend with its track record in government, including the underperforming digital wallet scheme and the 20-baht electric train fare policy, both of which could be used by rivals as ammunition in debates and on the campaign trail.

People’s Party Gears Up with Three PM Candidates

Meanwhile, the People’s Party is preparing a new election strategy. Party leader Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut has confirmed that this time, the party will nominate a full slate of three prime ministerial candidates to avoid the risk of a political vacuum, as occurred in the past when only one name was submitted.

The expected nominees are Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut, deputy leader Sirikanya Tansakun, and deputy leader Veerayooth Kanchochat, who is known to be close to Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit. This lineup is seen as a strategic move to strengthen both the party’s image and its policy credibility.

People’s Party’s Potential Candidates

Nattapong Ruengpanyawut Photo: The Momentum

1. Nattapong Ruengpanyawut (Teng), 38 – Chulalongkorn University computer engineering graduate, known for developing the party’s digital data systems. Former MP and now party leader.

Sirikanya Tansakun Photo: Thaipost.net

2. Sirikanya Tansakun (Mai), 44 – Holds a degree in economics from Thammasat University and a master’s from the Toulouse School of Economics in France. Known for her research on inequality, she has served two terms as an MP and is currently a deputy party leader overseeing economic policy.

Veerayooth Kanchoochat Photo: กองทุนเพื่อความเสมอภาคทางการศึกษา

3. Veerayooth Kanchoochat (Ton), 46 – Holds a Ph.D. from the University of Cambridge, UK. An expert in Asian economic development, he has worked with the United Nations on development research and is now deputy party leader, focusing on financial strategy.

However, the party faces ongoing challenges, including the National Anti-Corruption Commission’s (NACC) investigation into 44 former Move Forward MPs, among them Nattapong and Sirikanya, over their motion to amend Section 112 of the Criminal Code. This case could impact their political status. At the same time, Wiroj Lakkhanaadisorn has stressed that the PPC is ready to bring in “outsiders” if necessary to ensure the highest-quality leadership.

Elsewhere, other parties are also drawing attention. The Democrat Party is closely watched amid speculation about a possible political comeback for former Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva, which could reclaim traditional Democrat supporters who had shifted to the Move Forward Party or is now the People’s Party. Meanwhile, analysts suggest that the United Thai Nation Party (UTNP) may face internal conflicts, potentially reshaping the broader political balance ahead of the election.