Yodchanan satisfied with Pheu Thai effort despite setbacks

Pheu Thai Party prime ministerial candidate Yodchanan Wongsawat insists he remains undiscouraged by the outcome of Sunday’s election, adding that it is now up to the party’s executive committee to decide whether to join a coalition government or serve in opposition.

Speaking at Pheu Thai headquarters in Bangkok on Thursday, Mr Yodchanan explained his absence from the public eye since Feb 9, saying he had fallen seriously ill, but had recovered sufficiently to return to party activities, despite lingering issues with his voice.

He thanked voters for their support, saying that from the first day on the campaign trail until now, he had no regrets because both he and the party had done their utmost.

Many candidates succeeded in winning seats, he said, while those who did not should be encouraged, as the voice of the people was meaningful.

He added that the party stood ready to take on other roles, including parliamentary oversight, and that he was personally satisfied with the effort made.

Unofficial results as of Thursday put Pheu Thai in third place behind Bhumjaithai and the People’s Party, securing just 74 seats in the House of Representatives — 58 constituency and 16 party-list — down dramatically from 141 in 2023.

Asked whether the outcome marked Pheu Thai’s lowest point since the Thai Rak Thai Party era, Mr Yodchanan acknowledged that some might see it that way, but said the party was satisfied with its efforts throughout the campaign.

Party seat totals and standings are not expected to change significantly once the results are made official, even though the number of allegations of irregularities has been much higher than in previous votes.

Over the past three days, Mr Yodchanan said, Pheu Thai has studied various figures that differed from expectations, adding that all constituency data would be gathered and submitted to the Election Commission.

Public confidence crucial

He said Pheu Thai stood ready to fully cooperate to ensure the election was conducted honestly, impartially and transparently, stressing that national progress depended on public confidence in electoral mechanisms and that every vote must be cast legitimately.

There were several constituencies where irregularities were suspected, Mr Yodchanan said, adding that the party has opened a special Election Integrity Watch website to receive complaints.

He reaffirmed his commitment to stand with the people to ensure the election outcome was clear and legally accepted.

Responding to those expressing concern that Pheu Thai could follow other parties whose support dwindled to worrying levels, he said such an assessment was possible, but the party would continue to evaluate itself based on its performance and public expectations.

Mr Yodchanan said the party would issue a statement on Friday outlining areas for improvement, based on its initial assessment of its electoral performance.

He told supporters that he would not lose heart, saying that the experience has strengthened him and offered valuable lessons. He remained committed to delivering on promises made to voters, regardless of his future political role, and urged Pheu Thai candidates to stay resilient and ready to continue the fight together.

“With four years ahead, the party has time to rebuild, but the immediate priority is ensuring the election outcome is honest. If it is proven so, Pheu Thai is to accept the results, whatever role it may play,” said Mr Yodchanan.

As the party’s top-ranked candidate on the party-list ballot, Mr Yodchanan said he would continue performing his duties as an MP, stressing respect for the people’s mandate and the importance of every vote.

As for whether Pheu Thai would join the government or sit in opposition, he said the party has not yet been contacted by other parties, and the decision rests with the executive board.

Chiang Mai disappointment

When asked about the election outcome in Chiang Mai, where Pheu Thai won two seats in the 2023 election but failed to secure any this time, he said it was too early to draw conclusions.

The People’s Party won six of the 10 seats in the northern province, with Klatham winning the other four.

Political pundits said Sunday’s result — especially in Chiang Mai — marked a historic turning point for the party and the Shinawatra political dynasty.

Mr Yodchanan, 46, is the son of Somchai Wongsawat, Thailand’s 26th prime minister, and Yaowapha Wongsawat, the younger sister of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who founded Thai Rak Thai — the first iteration of what is now Pheu Thai — nearly 30 years ago.

Source – Bangkok News