New Pheu Thai boss Amornwiwat promises political reforms!

New Pheu Thai boss Amornwiwat promises political reforms!

On October 31, 2025, there was an important change at the top of the Pheu Thai Party when นายจุลพันธ์ อมรวิวัฒน์ (Julaporn Amornwiwat) was elected as the new leader. He received an overwhelming 354 out of 369 votes during the party's extraordinary general meeting. He succeeds น.ส.แพทองธาร ชินวัตร (Phaethongtharn Shinawatra), who resigned from her post on October 22, 2025. Mr. Amornwiwat brings a remarkable 25 years of experience in politics, including as a five-time MP for Chiang Mai.

In his inaugural speech he announced that he would adapt the party to the changing needs of the population. This is seen as a necessary step to address the political challenges that continue to develop in Thailand. He emphasizes the importance of quick and direct communication with the population and the selection of qualified candidates for the upcoming elections.

Today and the future

With the next general election on the horizon in less than two years, the Pheu Thai Party must act strategically. Observations show that the once valued alliance between the People’s Party (PP) and the Pheu Thai Party is losing influence. Local elections, particularly those for the leadership of Provincial Administrative Organizations (PAOs), are crucial for both parties. These elections took place after the resignation of some PAO leaders who sought early re-election.

While the People's Party did not achieve any victories, it did gain support in certain regions such as Udon Thani compared to the 2023 election. Discussions about its electoral strategy are increasingly coming into focus, especially due to previous local failures and the focus on urban social media campaigns. In contrast, the Pheu Thai Party has gained additional support in rural areas through relevant policies.

Political clientele and Thaksin Shinawatra

Thaksin Shinawatra, the former prime minister, plays a central role in the current political landscape and its campaigns, particularly in consolidating support for the Pheu Thai Party. His return and commitment comes as a response to Pheu Thai's strong performance in the PAO elections. Thaksin's long absence due to self-exile and his current treatment at the Police General Hospital have sparked various controversies.

Critics question the medical reasons for the preferential treatment, particularly after his original eight-year sentence was reduced to one year. Multiple investigations, including by the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) and the Medical Council of Thailand (MCT), are examining possible ethical violations by state officials and health professionals. Jatuporn Prompan, a former leader of the Red Shirt Movement, expresses confidence that any wrongdoing will be uncovered during these reviews.

The political climate remains tense and is largely characterized by rivalries and controversies as parties try to reposition themselves. In this dynamic situation, the influence of figures like Thaksin and the Pheu Thai Party's responses to voters' needs is crucial to meeting the challenges ahead. According to BBC Thailand, TTS Reader and Thai Times, it remains to be seen how these developments will impact the political landscape in Thailand become.