Thai Times

Covering the Thai Renaissance
Wednesday, Jul 09, 2025

Thailand's Political Landscape: People’s Party and Pheu Thai Party in the Spotlight

Thailand's Political Landscape: People’s Party and Pheu Thai Party in the Spotlight

As Thailand's next election approaches, political dynamics between the People’s Party and Pheu Thai Party intensify, highlighting past local elections and ongoing controversies.
The political arena in Thailand is witnessing intensified competition between two of its major players: the opposition People's Party (PP) and the ruling Pheu Thai Party.

This comes as the country gears up for its next general election, slated to occur in less than two years.

Observers suggest that the cherished alliance between these two parties is faltering, raising questions about future political alignments.

Recent local elections, specifically the chairmanship contests for provincial administrative organizations (PAOs), have become a focal point for both parties.

These elections, which took place following the resignation of several PAO chairmen seeking early reelection, revealed significant insights into the current political climate.

Despite a lack of victories in these elections for the People's Party, and a noted improvement in voter support in some areas like Udon Thani compared to the 2023 general election, their inability to secure local wins has generated discussions about their electoral strategy.

While the People's Party remains focused on urban-centered social media campaigns, Pheu Thai has gained traction in rural areas through policies that resonate with local issues and concerns—areas where social media influence is less pronounced.

These dynamics underscore the distinction between general elections and local PAO contests, with the latter often seen as less indicative of national political trends due to differing voter behaviors and participation levels.

The Pheu Thai Party's strategy has been bolstered by the presence and active involvement of former premier Thaksin Shinawatra, who has been campaigning across provinces to solidify support.

His efforts are a response to Pheu Thai's strong performance in recent PAO elections, attributed in part to reconnecting with influential political families and reigniting its network of red-shirt supporters, which had waned during Thaksin's long absence due to self-imposed exile.

Compounding the political landscape, Thaksin's extended stay at the Police General Hospital instead of serving time in prison remains a contentious issue.

Following his initial eight-year sentence, later commuted to one year, critics question whether his medical conditions justified the preferential treatment he received.

This controversy has grown under the scrutiny of multiple investigations, including those by the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) and the Medical Council of Thailand (MCT), with allegations of ethical breaches by state officials and healthcare professionals.

Observers note that such investigations could have far-reaching implications for those involved.

Jatuporn Prompan, a former leader of the red-shirt movement, has expressed confidence that the ongoing inquiries will uncover any misconduct or leniency shown towards Thaksin.

Concurrently, the People's Party has put forth criticisms towards Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra over transparency and accountability, further inflaming opposition between the two major parties.

With looming elections and deep-seated political rivalries, Thailand’s current political environment remains charged as parties vie for broader support and address long-standing controversies.
Newsletter

Related Articles

Thailand’s Anti-Online Scam Operation Centre Receives WSIS Prizes 2025
0:00
0:00
Open
Thailand’s Anti-Online Scam Operation Centre Receives WSIS Prizes 2025
0:00
0:00
Close
Thailand’s Anti-Online Scam Operation Centre Receives WSIS Prizes 2025
U.S. Implements Comprehensive Travel Ban on Citizens from 12 Countries
United States Expands Visa Waiver Program to Select Asian Nations in 2025
Thailand's Central Bank Initiates Support Plan for Vulnerable Businesses Amid Economic Challenges
Thailand Submits Revised Tariff Proposal to U.S., Open to Further Negotiations
Asian AI Boom: Goldman Sachs Repositions Asian Equity Strategy Amid AI Growth
BRICS Expands Membership with Indonesia and Ten New Partner Countries
Hong Kong Denies Entry to Over 12,000 Visitors in Early 2025
Thailand Positioning for Economic Growth from Aging Population
Thai Finance Minister Refutes US Tariff Rumors and Prepares New Proposal
Thai Leaders to Showcase Soft Power Initiatives at 2025 Forum
U.S. Enacts Sweeping Tax and Spending Legislation Amid Trade Policy Shifts
Football Mourns as Diogo Jota and Brother André Silva Laid to Rest in Portugal
Elon Musk Founds a Party Following a Poll on X: "You Wanted It – You Got It!"
London Stock Exchange Faces Historic Low in Initial Public Offerings
Bangkok Launches New Initiative for HIV and STI Prevention
US Administration Plans to Restrict AI Chip Shipments to Malaysia and Thailand
Tiffany’s Show Pattaya Celebrates 50 Years of Brilliance with a Dazzling New Era
Starbucks Faces New Competition as China’s Top Coffee Chain Enters U.S. Market
Lisa BLACKPINK Recognized Among World's Most Stylish People of 2025
China’s Central Bank Consults European Peers on Low-Rate Strategies
Trump Announces New Trade Agreement Between U.S. and Vietnam
Toyota Industries Faces Backlash Over $33 Billion Buyout Plan
South Korea Signals It May Miss Trump Trade Deal Deadline
Shein Fined €40 Million in France Over Misleading Discounts
Air France-KLM Acquires Majority Stake in Scandinavian Airlines
Thailand's TAT Announces Seven Economic Stimulus Projects Worth 200.50 Billion Baht
Thailand Transfers 'Half-Half Thai Travel' Registration to Thang Rath App Amid Technical Challenges
BRICS to Establish Guarantee Fund Aimed at Boosting Investments
Paetongtarn Assumes Office as Thailand's Culture Minister, Aiming for Cultural Transformation
Surge in Property Demand in Greater Bangkok in Q1 2025
Thailand's Government Revenue Collection Falls Short of Targets
Thai Government Mulls Withdrawal of Entertainment Complex Bill Amid Public Concerns
Wealth of Thailand's Richest Families Surges by 11% in 2025
Thailand Strengthens Partnership with UN Volunteers
Chinese Astronauts Successfully Return from Tiangong Space Station
France Requests Airlines to Cut Flights at Paris Airports Amid Planned Air Traffic Controller Strike
Emirates Airline Expands Market Share with New $20 Million Campaign
Amazon Reaches Milestone with Deployment of One Millionth Robot
Yulia Putintseva Calls for Spectator Ejection at Wimbledon Over Safety Concerns
Thailand's Economic Landscape in May: Tourism Decline and Export Growth
AssetWise Leads Marketing Oops! Summit 2025 with Focus on 'Connected Reality'
Foreign Investment in Thai Lottery: A Guide for Non-Residents
BIGXSHOW LALA Co., Ltd. Partners with Japanese Firms to Advance Influencer Marketing in Asia
Bangkok's City Hall Implements Inclusive Dress Code for Employees
Jury Deliberations in Diddy Trial Yield Partial Verdict in Serious Criminal Charges
Amazon Reaches Major Automation Milestone with Over One Million Robots
Extreme Heat Wave Sweeps Across Europe, Hitting Record Temperatures
Meta Announces Formation of Ambitious AI Unit, Meta Superintelligence Labs
Thailand's Deputy Prime Minister Assumes Acting Role Amid Leadership Suspension
×