The Pheu Thai party launched its campaign on 16/12 with the slogan "Restarting Thailand - Pheu Thai Can Do It", signaling a revival of its key economic policies in preparation for the general election scheduled for 2/2026. This event also served as the occasion for Pheu Thai to announce its three candidates for future prime minister, as well as their core policy platforms.

Pheu Thai's most notable candidate is Yodchanan Wongsawat, 46, nephew of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra. He is the eldest son of former prime minister Somchai Wongsawat and Yaowapha Wongsawat, Thaksin's sister.

Yodchanan holds a doctoral degree from the University of Texas at Arlington and is known for his research in brain-computer interface (bci) technology. He previously ran for election in Chiang Mai province and is regarded as a "representative of the new generation" within the party.

Yodchanan Wongsawat is the eldest son of former prime minister Somchai Wongsawat and nephew of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra. Photo: ThaiEnquirer

Pheu Thai's other two candidates are party leader Julapun Amornvivat and former transport minister Suriya Juangroongruangkit. Julapun is considered a "bridge" politician with administrative experience, having served as a minister. Suriya has held positions in several ministries and is currently Pheu Thai's election campaign director.

Suriya's inclusion on the candidate list is reportedly partly due to Pheu Thai's difficulty in attracting economic experts to support its policies.

Pheu Thai has been Thailand's largest party and led ruling coalitions for many years, with leaders such as Thaksin, Yingluck Shinawatra, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, and Srettha Thavisin. They held power through various periods and consistently competed in the political arena. However, after Paetongtarn's removal in 8/2024, Pheu Thai lost power.

During the two years under the governments of Srettha and subsequently Paetongtarn, many of Pheu Thai's 2023 campaign promises were not fully realized due to political barriers and administrative obstruction.

Major policies that encountered difficulties include the 10,000 baht handout program for citizens, a proposed entertainment complex, and a super project for an economic corridor comprising a network of ports and railways connecting the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea.

Pheu Thai believes that in the upcoming general election, voters will continue to support bold economic ideas, which have traditionally been the party's strength. The campaign will highlight both policies implemented when Pheu Thai led the ruling coalition, as well as proposals that were stalled or remain incomplete.

Thanh Danh (according to Thai Enquirer, Nation)