JULAPUN AMORNVIVAT ELECTED NEW PHEU THAI LEADER

By Kenny Teng

BANGKOK, Oct 31 (Bernama) -- Former Thai Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat has been elected as the new leader of the Pheu Thai Party, following the resignation of Paetongtarn Shinawatra on Oct 22.

He received 354 votes out of 369 votes during the party’s general assembly on Thursday, consolidating his position to lead the party into the next general election, expected to be held next year.

Julapun said his election marks a new chapter for the party to continue its mission of serving the people’s interests, adding that the priority would be to strengthen communication with the public, making it faster, clearer, and more direct.

“This mission is not easy, but I am not alone. Everyone in this room is my strength. I also believe there are still more than 10 million citizens who will continue to support Pheu Thai and help us move forward to victory and form the next government.

“I call on everyone to stand together and keep faith in the Pheu Thai Party. With unity and belief in our principles, we will lead both the party and the country towards success and a bright future,” he said in a statement issued here on Thursday.

The general assembly also elected a new executive committee, appointing Prasert Chanruangthong as the party’s secretary-general and Sukit Srichomkwan, former deputy secretary-general to the prime minister for political affairs, as the party’s spokesperson.

Julapun affirmed commitment to drive reforms in the party and work for the people’s welfare and benefits.

“The world changes every day, and so does Thai politics. People’s needs have evolved. Reforming Pheu Thai is not an option – it is a necessity.

We remain steadfast in our commitment to the people, to deliver policies that truly benefit them,” he said.

-- BERNAMA