Bangkok, October 22nd, 2025 – Paetongtarn Shinawatra, leader of Thailand’s Pheu Thai Party, announced her resignation from the party leadership in a public letter released today, citing the need for a comprehensive overhaul of the party ahead of the upcoming general election. The move comes as Thailand navigates a critical transitional phase in its political landscape.
In her letter addressed to party members, supporters, and the public, Paetongtarn expressed the necessity for the Pheu Thai Party, one of Thailand’s major political forces, to undergo structural and ideological changes to remain relevant in a rapidly evolving global and national context. “Currently, we are in an era where global society is fragile, complex, sensitive, and difficult to predict,” she wrote. “Thailand is at the most critical transitional phase with the upcoming election. Therefore, the Pheu Thai Party… needs to overhaul, transform, change its structure, process, and entire way of thinking.”
Paetongtarn, the youngest daughter of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, stated that her resignation is intended to provide the party with the “freedom to conduct this overhaul and build a new, perfect party.” She announced her decision to step down effective immediately but affirmed her continued commitment to the party, noting that she will remain a member and the Head of the Pheu Thai Family. “I will join all of us in creating a new era Pheu Thai Party that is ready to stand alongside the people and work strongly for our beloved nation,” she added.
The announcement follows Paetongtarn’s earlier statement on October 7, 2025, where she first hinted at the need for a major transformation within the party. Political analysts view her resignation as a strategic move to allow fresh leadership to steer Pheu Thai toward the next election, expected to be fiercely competitive. The party, which has historically been a dominant force in Thai politics, particularly in rural strongholds, faces challenges from both emerging political movements and established rivals amid growing public demand for reform.
The resignation has sparked speculation about who will succeed Paetongtarn and how the party will redefine itself. Observers note that the upcoming election, likely to occur in early 2026, will be a pivotal moment for Pheu Thai to reclaim its influence in a fragmented political landscape.
Paetongtarn’s letter concluded with a call for unity and renewal, positioning the party to “win the election and then proceed to overhaul and revitalize Thailand.” As the Pheu Thai Party embarks on this transformative journey, all eyes will be on its next steps and the leadership that will guide it into the future.
For the original version of this article, please visit The Pattaya News.
