BANGKOK, Thailand: Thailand's Pheu Thai party has elected former Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat as its new leader, a strategic move to stabilize the party after its leader, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, was sensationally disqualified from the premiership by the courts.
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| Former Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra (center) presents flowers to congratulate new Pheu Thai leader Julapun Amornvivat (right) (Photo: Bangkok Post). |
In a general assembly on Thursday (Oct 31), the 50-year-old technocrat was chosen to head the new 29-member executive committee, securing an overwhelming 354 out of 369 possible votes.
The change in leadership is not a routine reshuffle but a necessary reaction to a profound political crisis. Pheu Thai, the dominant force in the ruling coalition, is scrambling to "restore public trust" and restructure before a critical general election, which is anticipated for March 29 of next year.
A "Safe Pair of Hands" in a Crisis
Mr. Julapun, a party veteran, takes the helm at one of the most turbulent moments in Pheu Thai's history. He replaces Paetongtarn Shinawatra, the youngest daughter of party patriarch Thaksin Shinawatra, who was forced to resign as party leader on October 22.
Her resignation was a formality that came just weeks after the Constitutional Court removed her from the office of Prime Minister over an alleged "public service ethics violation." Her ouster marked the third time a Shinawatra-linked prime minister has been removed from office by the judiciary or military.
Mr. Julapun, who has a long history with the party stretching back to its original Thai Rak Thai incarnation 25 years ago, is seen as a stabilizing, non-dynastic figure. He holds a bachelor's degree in economics from Chulalongkorn University and an MBA from Boston College.
He previously served as Deputy Finance Minister under both the Srettha Thavisin and Paetongtarn administrations (2023-2025) and has been a deputy party leader since 2021.
"I have been with Pheu Thai since the Thai Rak Thai era, and for 25 years, I have walked with this political movement through both success and challenges," Mr. Julapun said in his acceptance speech. "It has never been a path strewn with roses, but we remain steadfast."
He described the appointment as the "greatest honor" of his political career and pledged to lead the party to victory.
The Reform Agenda
The new leader immediately committed to a reform agenda focused on mending the party's image and operational strength.
"Our policies must directly address the public's concerns," Mr. Julapun stated. "It is not an easy task, but I believe that with the support of party members and the tens of millions of people behind us, Pheu Thai can win the next election and return to power."
His immediate priorities include:
Reforming Communications: Ensuring all party messaging is "clear, transparent," and effective at reaching the public.
Selecting Quality Candidates: Emphasizing the selection of high-caliber MP candidates who reflect the needs and expectations of the people.
Paetongtarn's Lingering Influence
While Ms. Paetongtarn has stepped down from all official leadership roles, she is not disappearing from politics. She attended the general assembly to witness the vote.
In her resignation announcement on October 22, she stressed the move was necessary to "comprehensively restructure" the party to build a "completely new, complete, and stronger" organization.
Crucially, she confirmed she will remain a party member and will continue to lead the "Pheu Thai Family," the party's broader grassroots political movement. This signals that while the Shinawatra family has tactically retreated from the official party leadership—likely to shield it from further legal attacks they intend to maintain ultimate control over the political machine.
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