Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut, born in 1987, is the new leader of the People’s Party, formerly known as the Move Forward Party. On August 9, 2024, the Move Forward Party officially changed its name to the People’s Party, continuing its political journey amidst predictions from various political figures, including Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin. This renaming echoes the previous transition from the Future Forward Party to the Move Forward Party in 2020.
Natthaphong, who previously served as the deputy secretary-general of the Move Forward Party, was elected as the leader of the People’s Party. Sarayut Jailak, the former director of the Move Forward Party, was appointed as the new party secretary. Both Natthaphong and Sarayut are known to be close associates of Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit, the chairman of the Progressive Movement and former leader of the Future Forward Party.
The People’s Party executive committee also includes Nattawut Buaprathum as registrar, Chutima Kotchapan as treasurer, and Pijarn Chaowapatthanawong as an executive member. The party’s emblem features an orange six-sided triangle, symbolizing equality, with the party’s name displayed in navy blue. The People’s Party promotes ideals of freedom, equality, and democracy under a constitutional monarchy, advocating for human dignity, political and economic equality, decentralization, and sustainable development.
Natthaphong graduated from Chulalongkorn University with a degree in computer engineering and previously served as an MP for Bangkok in the 2019 elections under the now-dissolved Future Forward Party. Despite the challenges faced due to the Constitutional Court’s dissolution of the Move Forward Party, Natthaphong remains a prominent figure in Thai politics, deeply connected to Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit.
In his new role, Natthaphong has emphasized his commitment to making politics accessible to everyone and expressed his readiness to work hard to lead the party to future victories. He has acknowledged the advice from Thanathorn to develop himself and approach policies from multiple perspectives.
Sarayut Jailak has highlighted his long-standing friendship with Thanathorn, noting their collaborative history since their involvement with the Student Federation in 2000. Despite their close relationship, Sarayut underscored that each organization operates independently with its own decision-making processes.
The rebranding of the Move Forward Party to the People’s Party follows the party's significant performance in the 2023 elections, where it won the most seats, surpassing the Pheu Thai Party. However, Pheu Thai’s ability to form a coalition government, including agreements not to pursue amendments to Article 112, created political tensions. The dissolution of the Move Forward Party and the ongoing debates between supporters of both parties reflect a heated political landscape.
On August 8, 2024, Mongkolkit Suksintharanon, former MP and ex-leader of the Thai Civilized Party, called for an investigation into Chaithawat Tulathon and Pita Limjaroenrat following the Constitutional Court’s ruling that banned Move Forward Party executives from politics for ten years.
As the People’s Party unveils its new identity, the political struggle between parties with shared histories but differing paths is expected to intensify leading up to the next election.
FAQs
1. Who is Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut?
Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut is the newly elected leader of the People’s Party, which was formerly known as the Move Forward Party.
2. What is Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut age?
Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut was born in 1987, making him 37 years old as of 2024.
3. What is Natthaphong educational background?
He graduated from Chulalongkorn University with a degree in computer engineering.
4. What was Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut previous career role?
Before becoming the leader of the People’s Party, Natthaphong served as the deputy secretary-general of the Move Forward Party.
5. What position did Natthaphong hold in the Move Forward Party?
Natthaphong was the deputy secretary-general of the Move Forward Party before it was renamed the People’s Party.
6. What are the core principles of the People’s Party?
The People’s Party emphasizes freedom, equality, and democracy under a constitutional monarchy, advocating for human dignity, political and economic equality, decentralization, and sustainable development.
7. Who are the key members of the People’s Party executive committee?
The executive committee includes Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut as leader, Sarayut Jailak as secretary-general, Nattawut Buaprathum as registrar, Chutima Kotchapan as treasurer, and Pijarn Chaowapatthanawong as an executive member.
8. What is Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut political background?
Natthaphong previously served as an MP for Bangkok in the 2019 elections under the Future Forward Party, which was later dissolved.
9. What is Natthaphong nationality?
Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut is Thai.
10. How does Natthaphong plan to lead the People’s Party?
Natthaphong aims to make politics accessible to everyone, emphasizing hard work and commitment to lead the party to success in future elections.
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