An overview of Suchatvee Suwanasawat’s full-scale entry into politics under the New Thai Khao Mai Party banner, serving as the prime ministerial candidate himself, with a flagship policy focused on advancing education reform.
On 17 December 2025 GMT+7, the nationwide election date was confirmed as Sunday, 8 February 2026 GMT+7, prompting many political parties to begin vigorous activities. The newcomer New Thai Khao Mai Party, led by Dr. Ae Suchatvee Suwanasawat, has progressively launched campaigns and nominated candidates continuously, working proactively to gain votes both domestically and abroad. Former Democrat Party deputy leader Khun Ying Kanya Sophonpanich has joined the team, supporting the party’s efforts. The party’s policy platform primarily emphasizes education as its key selling point.
Mr. Suchatvee Suwanasawat, also known as Dr. Ae, was born on 20 April 1972 and is currently 53 years old. He is married for the second time to Mrs. Swita Suwanasawat and has a total of three children, including one from his previous marriage to Kleddao Satjaroen, a faculty member in the Department of IoT and Information Engineering. Professionally, he is an engineer, academic, and professor. He gained fame with the nickname “Pee Ae Ladkrabang” during his tenure as president of King Mongkut’s Institute of Technology Ladkrabang. He became popular for discreetly disguising himself as a first-year student, jumping on stage to rap during orientation, and serving as a master of ceremonies and band conductor at graduation ceremonies. This made him a university president with an approachable image, accessible and relatable to students.
Mr. Suchatvee entered politics for the first time in 2022 when he was recruited to run for Bangkok governor under the Democrat Party banner, competing against Mr. Chadchart Sittipunt. However, his candidacy was immediately challenged by an investigation into his asset declarations, which revealed unusual wealth. Mr. Suchatvee explained that these assets belonged to his wife, who serves as chairperson of MSC International Law Office Co., Ltd.
Although he finished second in the election, he trailed the winner, Mr. Chadchart, by over 1.1 million votes. Despite not winning, Mr. Suchatvee maintained an important role within the Democrat Party, being appointed deputy party leader and chairman of the party’s policy working group for Bangkok. He was also nominated as number 12 on the party’s party-list candidate roster. However, in the 2023 election, the Democrat Party secured only three party-list seats, so he did not become a member of parliament.
On 4 July 2025, Mr. Suchatvee decided to resign from all positions within the Democrat Party and announced his intention to establish the New Thai Khao Mai Party, focusing on education policies.
Mr. Suchatvee was formerly a lecturer in civil engineering at King Mongkut’s Institute of Technology Ladkrabang, later becoming a professor of civil engineering and dean of the Faculty of Engineering at the same institution.
Moreover, Mr. Suchatvee has held several prestigious positions: former president of the Council of Engineers, former chairman of the Southeast Asian Higher Education Associations, former president of the Engineering Institute of Thailand under Royal Patronage, former chairman of the Association of University Presidents of Thailand, former chairman of the National Housing Authority, and currently serves as chairman of the King Mongkut’s Hospital Foundation under the Royal Patronage of the Supreme Patriarch.
