The Legalization Figure Of Kasino Becomes The Chairman Of Thailand's Largest Party, Overshadowed By The Political Dynasty Of Thaksin

Illustration of the Thai flag. (Unsplash-Markuscurer)

JAKARTA - One of the largest political parties (political parties) in Thailand, Pheu Thai, is undergoing a congress to determine today's new leader, Friday, October 31.

This election was held following the vacant chair of general chairman (ketum) following the resignation of Paetongtarn Shinawatra (39), daughter of political party founder Pheu Thai and former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

Paetongtarn, whose father's successor to the Thai PM, was involved in a case of ethical violations, decided to resign from the PM's seat and the Head of Political Parties, Pheu Thai, in August 2025.

Based on the party's official Facebook quoted by AFP, Julapun Amornvivat, a shareholder of Pheu Thai was elected as the new chairman of Pheu Thai.

Julapun, 50 years old, is the son of veteran Sompong politician Amornvivat, who served as deputy prime minister and led Pheu Thai in 2019.

He was among those promoting the party's flagship campaign policy ahead of the 2023 election, including proposals for a stimulus of 10,000 baht or about 300 US dollars and legalizing casinos.

Analysts say Paetongtarn's resignation from the post of Chairman of Pheu Thai to protect the party from potential lawsuits and could mark the end of the dominance of the Shinawatra family for decades in Thai politics.

However, observers say whoever replaces Paetongtarn leading Pheu Thai will remain under the influence of the political dynasty of Thaksin.