Former Deputy Finance Minister Julapan Amornvivat was elected as the new leader of the Pheu Thai Party, receiving 354 out of 369 votes at the party’s general assembly today.
He replaces Paetongtarn Shinawatra, who recently stepped down to pave the way for a major party shake-up aimed at restoring public confidence and boosting the party’s popularity ahead of the upcoming general election, tentatively set for March 29 next year.
The general assembly also elected a new executive committee, a new secretary-general, and a screening committee to vet candidates for the next election.
According to a party source, most Pheu Thai MPs supported Julapan’s leadership due to his strong qualifications and background in economics — qualities seen as crucial as the country struggles with an economic slowdown. His main rival was veteran politician Chaturon Chaisaeng.
The source added that Chaturon might be nominated as one of the three prime ministerial candidates the party is eligible to propose to the Election Commission.
As for the new secretary-general, the source said Prasert Chantararuangthong, a former secretary-general and former Minister of Digital Economy and Society, may return to the post, succeeding Sorawong Thienthong.
Sorawong is expected to be appointed as one of about ten deputy leaders, a group that will include both young and veteran members such as Chusak Sirinil, Wisut Chaikaroon, Monporn Charoensri, Sudawan Wangsuphakitkosol, Pongkawin Juangroongruangkit, and Korkaew Pikulthong.
The Pheu Thai Party’s popularity has been severely affected by the controversial phone conversation between then-Prime Minister Paetongtarn and Cambodian leader Hun Sen, which led to a Constitutional Court ruling suspending her from office.
The party has also suffered from defections of several MPs to other parties and resignations by veteran members, including former leader Sompong Amornvivat.
