A look into the biography "Ying Noi" Khunying Sudarat Keyuraphan, a strong woman from the "Thai Sang Thai" party Prime ministerial candidate preparing to contest the 2025 election
On 17 December 2025, after the Election Commission (EC) announced the registration dates for constituency and party-list MPs from 27 to 31 December 2025, and scheduled the election for Sunday, 8 February 2026, various political parties began unveiling their candidates for MP and prime ministerial candidates, including the Ruam Thai Sang Thai Party. Currently, Khunying Sudarat Keyuraphan remains the party leader as well as the prime ministerial candidate.
Khunying Sudarat Keyuraphan, nicknamed Noi, currently serves as leader of the Thai Sang Thai Party. She was born on 1 May 1961, the daughter of Mr. Sompol Keyuraphan, a former Member of Parliament for Nakhon Ratchasima Province, and Mrs. Renu Keyuraphan.
Family life: Khunying Sudarat is married to Mr. Somyot Leelapanya-lert, a Thai businessman. They have two sons and one daughter: Mr. Phumiphat Leelapanya-lert (Boss), Mr. Peeraphat Leelapanya-lert (Best), and Ms. Yotsuda Leelapanya-lert (Jinny).
She graduated from Saint Joseph Convent School (high school), holds a bachelor's degree in Commerce and Accountancy (Marketing) from Chulalongkorn University, an MBA from the Sasin Graduate Institute of Business Administration, Chulalongkorn University (MBA from GIBA), and a Doctorate in Buddhist Studies from the Graduate School of Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University.
Khunying Sudarat Keyuraphan is a former co-founder of the Thai Rak Thai Party and served as a key minister during Dr. Thaksin Shinawatra's government. After the party was dissolved and she was banned from politics, she took a five-year political hiatus. Today, she volunteers to return to politics under the "Thai Sang Thai" Party banner, bringing her professional management experience and a firm stance against all forms of dictatorship.
Khunying Sudarat once shared that her political career began in March 1992, a completely new experience for a 30-year-old female politician. She engaged in campaigning, attending rallies on foot, speaking on campaign vehicles, crafting policies, building community networks, and presenting herself as an option for the people.
Her decision to run for MP for Bangkok Constituency 12 (covering Bang Khen, Lak Si, Don Mueang, Sai Mai, Min Buri, Nong Chok, and Khlong Sam Wa) was challenging since it is one of the largest constituencies, covering one-third of Bangkok. On 22 March 1992, she was trusted and elected to Parliament under the Palang Dharma Party. That marked the start of her political career to this day.
However, for the 2025 election, various old and new parties are competing. Attention will focus on which party will lead government formation and who will become the next prime minister.