"Yotsanan" (Note: This is a personal name.) The Pheu Thai Party's prime ministerial candidate showcased his vision in the debate, confident that choosing the party will lead to economic transformation. "Pheu Thai" to transform the economy and completely overhaul Thailand.
At 17:30 on 23 December 2025 GMT+7, Thairath TV began the first debate ahead of the 2026 election, hosted by Kai Pongsakorn Satyaprasert. The prime ministerial candidates from eight political parties participated: Natthapong Ruangpanyawut, leader of the Prachachon Party and prime ministerial candidate; Yotsanan Wongsawat, Pheu Thai Party candidate; Abhisit Vejjajiva, leader of the Democrat Party and candidate; Theerachai Phuwanatnaranuban, deputy leader and candidate for Palang Pracharath Party; Peeraphan Salirathavibhaga, leader of Ruam Thai Sang Chart Party and candidate; Suchatvee Suwannasawat, leader of Thai Khao Mai Party and candidate; Khunying Sudarat Keyuraphan, leader of Thai Sang Thai Party and candidate; and General Rangsi Kityanansap, leader of the Economic Party and candidate. Meanwhile, the Kla Tham and Bhumjaithai parties did not send prime ministerial candidates to join the debate.
Yotsanan Wongsawat, the Pheu Thai Party's prime ministerial candidate, expressed his vision that choosing Pheu Thai will transform Thailand's economy into a high-value economy driven by science and technology. He said Pheu Thai can achieve this. Currently, the challenges and changes facing Thailand are quite significant, including economic issues, geopolitical problems, technological disruptions, and climate change. These matters are very important, and it is necessary for everyone to unite to address them together.
Pheu Thai plans to focus on four main areas. First, shifting the pyramid must begin from the base; watering should start at the roots. The most important task is to eliminate debt across the system and reduce expenses for grassroots citizens. Second, they aim to support current business operators by enhancing productivity in all forms through science and technology. Key areas include agriculture, industry and manufacturing, and services.
Third, they plan to create new goals and new engines for Thailand in three sectors: high-value agriculture related to herbal products, cosmeceuticals, important manufacturing such as medical equipment, and high-value services. The government’s role is to sustain and advance these efforts with two main pillars: building confidence and ensuring security. Another pillar is upholding the rule of law, which must be adapted to all forms. Additionally, they aim to develop people comprehensively, preparing them to receive modern technology transfers and overhaul Thailand. Pheu Thai can accomplish this.