BANGKOK – In a move aimed at reinvigorating the party’s future, former prime minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra announced her resignation as the leader of the Pheu Thai Party on Wednesday. The decision, she stated, is intended to facilitate a comprehensive overhaul of the party, aligning with a pledge for reform she made earlier this month.

Paetongtarn Shinawatra to Remain Pheu Thai Leader Amid Party Restructuring

In a written statement, Ms. Paetongtarn, the daughter of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, explained that her departure from the leadership post is a necessary step to enable significant change. She emphasized that as one of the nation’s major political parties, Pheu Thai must be revamped with a new vision and a commitment to change truly for the sake of the people. She expressed her belief that this transformation must begin immediately and that her resignation would allow the party to be rebuilt freely and effectively.

Despite stepping down as the formal leader, Ms. Paetongtarn affirmed her continued loyalty to the party, stating she remains a member and the “head of the Pheu Thai family.” She pledged to work alongside all members to build a new era for the party.

Former prime minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra announced her resignation from the post of leader of the Pheu Thai Party on Wednesday morning, to facilitate a revamp of the party.

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The political context for this decision was clarified by Sorawong Thienthong, the former Pheu Thai secretary-general. He described the resignation as a sacrificial move to “save the party,” preventing her status from being used as a “political tool” by opponents. He revealed that following her removal from the premiership by the Constitutional Court, there had been petitions for the party’s disbandment, and her resignation was seen as a way to stem potential defections.

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Mr. Sorawong confirmed that the resignation is a key part of the party’s broader revamp as it prepares to compete in the next general election, scheduled for March 2026. He reiterated that Ms. Paetongtarn would remain the “head of the Pheu Thai family,” a central pillar for the party moving forward. The party’s popularity had declined significantly after a controversial phone call between Ms. Paetongtarn and Cambodian strongman Hun Sen was made public, which ultimately led to her dismissal from the premiership in late August for a serious ethics violation.

-Thailand News (TN)