BANGKOK, THAILAND – General Prawit Wongsuwan resigned as leader of the Palang Pracharath Party just months before Thailand’s next parliamentary election, triggering a key change at the top of the conservative party.
Leadership change ahead of national vote
The 80-year-old political veteran, widely known by his nickname “Big Pom”, stepped down citing health as the sole reason, according to party officials. His resignation letter was dated 5 January, and the move came as the party prepared for elections expected later in the year.
The decision was announced on 6 January by Paiboon Nititawan, the party’s deputy leader, following a meeting of the PPRP executive committee. The PPRP has been regarded as an influential conservative force in Thailand’s current party landscape.
Treenuch Thienthong unanimously elected party leader
The executive committee voted unanimously to appoint Treenuch Thienthong, previously the party’s secretary-general, as the new leader. She took over the helm of the pro-military party at what was described as a decisive moment ahead of the upcoming national poll.
With the change, Prawit left the party’s operational leadership but remained within its ranks. He was set to serve as chair of an advisory council, supporting the new leadership from behind the scenes.
Health cited as only motive for resignation
Paiboon underlined that there were no other reasons behind the move.
“The decision was taken solely for health reasons and is not connected to any other political factors.”
said Paiboon Nititawan, deputy party leader.
The resignation followed an earlier decision by Prawit at the end of December 2025, when he had already withdrawn his bid to be the party’s lead candidate for prime minister, also citing his health. At that time, Treenuch Thienthong emerged as the PPRP’s main PM candidate for the 2026 election.
Prawit’s role in recent Thai politics
Prawit Wongsuwan, a former army chief, had been one of the most influential figures in governments formed after the 2014 military coup. Under his leadership, the Palang Pracharath Party positioned itself early as a pro-military platform and a pillar of conservative forces.
With the leadership transition, the PPRP began reorganising its top ranks while nationwide elections were expected later in the year. For the party, the shift meant a new line-up at the top, continuity through Prawit’s advisory role, and preparation for an intense election campaign under new leadership.
Uncertain impact of Prawit’s health on future influence
How far Prawit’s health would limit his future political influence remained unclear. What was evident, however, was that the party managed the transition in a united manner and without an open internal power struggle.