The meeting, chaired by acting party leader Chusak Sirinil, was convened yesterday (Oct 31) at Pheu Thai’s headquarters in Bangkok to elect a new executive committee and a candidate selection committee for future general elections.
Mr Julapun, a Chiang Mai MP, becomes the ninth leader of Pheu Thai, receiving 354 votes in his favour, with 15 abstentions, reports the Bangkok Post.
He replaces former prime minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, Thaksin Shinawatra’s youngest daughter, who recently stepped down to pave the way for a major party shake-up aimed at restoring public confidence and boosting the party’s popularity ahead of the upcoming general election scheduled for Mar 29 next year.
Ms Paetongtarn also attended the party’s general assembly.
Mr Julapun, 50, thanked his party members for entrusting him and the new 29-member executive committee with the responsibility of steering the party forward. He described the appointment as the greatest honour of his political career.
“I have been with Pheu Thai since the Thai Rak Thai era, and over the past 25 years, I’ve worked alongside this political movement through both triumphs and challenges," Mr Julapun said. "It has never been a path paved with roses, but we have endured.”
He pledged to overhaul the party, starting with improving communication with the public and ensuring swift, transparent messaging. He also emphasised the importance of selecting high-quality MP candidates who reflect the needs and aspirations of the people.
“Our policies must directly address the concerns of the public. It is not an easy task, but I believe that with the support of our members and the tens of millions of people who stand behind us, Pheu Thai can win the next election and return to government,” said the new party leader.
Mr Julapun holds a bachelor’s degree in economics from Chulalongkorn University and a master’s degree in business administration (MBA) from Boston College, USA.
He previously served as deputy finance minister under the Srettha Thavisin and Paetongtarn administrations between 2023 and 2025. From 2021 to 2025, he also served as Pheu Thai deputy leader.
The new Pheu Thai leader, who is the son of veteran politician Sompong Amornvivat, has been elected as an MP for Chiang Mai for five consecutive terms since 2005, initially under the now-defunct Thai Rak Thai Party, then the People Power Party and later Pheu Thai.
During the general assembly, veteran politician Prasert Jantararuangtong was appointed party secretary-general, while Suksit Srichomkwan was named party spokesperson.