Two Thais have been named to the Time100 Next list of the world’s most influential ‘rising stars’: politician Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut and golfer Jeeno Thitikul.
Time magazine divided those chosen into five categories: Artists, Phenoms, Innovators, Advocates and Leaders. Jeeno, the world’s top-ranked female golfer at age 22, was named in the Phenoms category; and Mr Natthaphong, 38, the leader of the People’s Party, in the Leaders group.
A brief article on Mr Natthaphong traced the political circumstances – ‘two steps forward and one step back’ – that led to his ascent to the top position in the country’s largest political party.
The former tech executive was chosen to lead the People’s Party last year after the court-ordered dissolution of two predecessor parties – Future Forward and Move Forward – and the banning of their leaders.
‘The constitutional court’s ousting of [Former prime minister Paethongtarn Shinawatra] in August means fresh elections are looming, and many young Thais hope that Natthaphong can make the leap to the country’s top job,’ the magazine wrote.
‘Our vision is to reform politics, the economy, and reduce social inequality,’ Mr Natthaphong told Time. ‘We have to bring full democracy to our country.’ (Story continues below)
‘Complete’ golfer
Ratchaburi native Jeeno rose to the top spot in the Rolex women’s golf rankings earlier this year and leads in almost every statistical category in the sport this year.
Since joining the LPGA tour in 2022, she has won five tournaments and had a remarkable 52 Top 10 finishes, with nearly $13 million in career earnings to date.
Time magazine enlisted Lydia Ko, herself a member of the LPGA Hall of Fame at just 28 and also ranked third in the world, to write a brief essay about her friend and rival.
‘Most professional golfers are really good at one thing. For some, it’s their long game or iron shot, for others, it’s putting or chipping. But for Jeeno Thitikul, it’s everything,’ Ko wrote.
‘She motivates me to be a better player, and I feel lucky to be able to play alongside her.’