Yotsanan Vongsawat emphasized that if the Pheu Thai Party leads the formation of the government, he will serve as prime minister himself, volunteering to work for the country. He acknowledged that the Shinawatra-Vongsawat family background is an advantage, saying, "Having help is always better than being alone." ,
At 15:30 on 18 Dec 2025 GMT+7, Professor Dr. Yotsanan Vongsawat, also known as Dr. Chen, the Pheu Thai Party’s number one prime ministerial candidate, revealed through the program “Open Up with Pakpoom” on Thairath TV Channel 32, hosted by Pakpoom Phansathit. He began by introducing himself: Professor Dr. Yotsanan said he graduated in electrical engineering at bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels, specializing in communications engineering. During his PhD, he worked on medical technology related to neuroengineering, developing devices connecting the brain to computers, integrating study and research.
Along the way, from 2008 he served as a lecturer at Mahidol University while managing university affairs, starting as deputy dean for research overseeing graduate studies and international relations related to diplomacy. Later, he became director of the Institute for Technology and Innovation Management (iNT) at Mahidol University, focusing on startups, spin-offs, and SME incubation, linking research and innovation with industry and commerce, and promoting international collaboration. Before resigning, he was vice president for research at Mahidol University. His work involved managing research and innovation, starting his own startup, deepening research, and ending as a professor in biomedical engineering.
When asked why, at age 46, he decided to enter politics, Professor Dr. Yotsanan explained that in 2014, over ten years ago, he ran for Member of Parliament in Chiang Mai’s 3rd constituency, but the election was annulled. He then returned to academia. Although he won the election for several months, the Election Commission did not certify it due to voting irregularities and failure to hold elections simultaneously at all polling stations, leading to annulment. He expected a new election but it was prevented by a coup, so he did not continue in politics then. Later, he helped brainstorm policy and became closely involved with the party behind the scenes. In 2023, during Prime Minister Paethongtarn Shinawatra’s government, he helped with policy development at the Phitsanulok residence as an advisor, focusing on innovation ecosystems. This experience prepared him before becoming a prime ministerial candidate.
When asked if he feels burdened by being the Pheu Thai Party’s prime ministerial candidate, given his prior statement that he would serve as prime minister if Pheu Thai led the government, Professor Dr. Yotsanan answered clearly. “If the Pheu Thai Party leads the government formation, yes, I will be prime minister. My answer remains the same.”
Regarding family ties to the Shinawatra clan, despite having the surname Vongsawat, and whether his political involvement is genuine or compelled by family, Professor Dr. Yotsanan clarified by explaining the party’s stance. The core philosophy of Pheu Thai centers on policy debates and discussions about whether current policies truly serve the people. This is fundamental. He noted that in the late 1990s, during economic challenges, Thailand’s economy and the global economy were relatively stable. Thus, policies targeting grassroots revitalization could help recovery more easily as exports remained viable.
However, since 2023 and worsening into 2025, the economy faces problems, alongside environmental issues like disasters and flooding, all stemming from global warming. Geopolitical factors involving China and the United States also contribute significantly.
Ultimately, what some see as problems can be opportunities. He called this a lever of national transformation, known as technological disruption. He gave the example of shifting from internal combustion engines to electric vehicles, which disrupts technology. Components and vehicle structures, some made in Thailand, differ greatly in electric cars. This sudden change affects not just Thailand but the entire world.
“Therefore, we stand at a crossroads where, if we can choose to apply science and technology in every form to transform the country, we can do it—and only now is the time. I have discussed this with party executives regarding policy, and though I am shortlisted as a candidate, the final choice rests with the party’s executives. Ultimately, they gave me the opportunity, seeing that I align with what Pheu Thai can currently do to drive Thailand forward. This is our direction. I am very pleased and volunteer to take on this work fully.”
When pressed whether his volunteering to serve the country is unrelated to the fact that no one from the Shinawatra family remains to lead, thus he must as the nephew of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra step forward, Professor Dr. Yotsanan responded that this is not the case. Many people link him to the Shinawatra family, but he likened it to the saying, “Having help is always better than being alone. When you aim higher, you often stand on the shoulders of a kind giant, enabling you to see more clearly. What I want to emphasize is that solving current problems involves multiple intertwined issues—four or five at once. Therefore, economic policy must be linked with environmental issues. Implementing policies through ministries involves many laws and mechanisms. Without experience, it is difficult. If we fail to achieve certain goals within one or two years, it may be too late as everything could be damaged irreversibly.” He acknowledged that having four former prime ministers in his family to consult with is an advantage.