Julapun Amornvivat, a former deputy finance minister, is expected to be elected as the new leader of the Pheu Thai Party on Friday, according to a party source.
This comes after a leadership vote was called following the resignation of former leader Paetongtarn Shinawatra, who stepped down earlier this month.
While some members reportedly supported 69-year-old veteran politician Chaturon Chaisang, others argued that the party needed a younger, reform-minded leader with solid economic expertise to address Thailand’s mounting fiscal and social challenges.
After discussions at a meeting of Pheu Thai MPs on Tuesday, the consensus appeared to shift in favour of Mr Julapun, a 50-year-old Chiang Mai MP known for his calm temperament, economic acumen and ability to bridge the gap between the party’s senior and younger generations.
Party insiders said Mr Julapun’s proven ability to articulate economic policy and debate effectively with rival parties has helped cement his position as the frontrunner. He also represents a balance between experience and renewal, the source said.
According to the source, Mr Chaturon may still be nominated as one of Pheu Thai’s three prime ministerial candidates, while Sorawong Thienthong is expected to stay on as secretary-general.
Pheu Thai spokesman Danuphorn Punnakanta clarified that the party leader does not necessarily have to be its prime ministerial candidate. ‘These are separate decisions,’ he said, adding that the leadership vote will focus on strengthening internal unity and preparing for the next general election, likely to take place on March 29, 2026.
In another development, party-list MP Sutin Klungsang dismissed reports claiming he planned to quit Pheu Thai and form a new political group. He denounced the rumours as a smear campaign by individuals seeking to discredit him and destabilise the party.
‘None of this is true. I remain committed to Pheu Thai and will attend Friday’s general assembly to vote for the new leader,’ Mr Sutin said on Thursday. ‘Those who spread such rumours want to create the impression that the party is losing members. That is not the case.’
Mr Danuphorn said the party had already investigated the rumours and found them baseless. He added that Ratt Klungsang, Mr Sutin’s son, also confirmed that any discussion about forming a new party was an old contingency idea, not an active plan.