General Prawit Wongsuwan resigned as leader of the Palang Pracharath Party due to health reasons and assumed the role of chairman of the party's advisory board. He passed leadership to Tree-nuch Thianthong to become the new party chief. It was affirmed that this was not a sudden change during a critical time but a planned transition. Paiboon declared this marks a major transformation era for the Palang Pracharath Party and expressed confidence that this is the best direction.
At 10:00 a.m. on 6 Jan 2026, at the Palang Pracharath Party headquarters, Mr. Paiboon Nititawan, deputy leader of the party, chaired the party executive committee meeting.
At 10:45 a.m., Mr. Paiboon announced after the meeting that General Prawit Wongsuwan had submitted his resignation as party leader on 5 Jan. According to party regulations, the entire executive committee is dissolved when the leader resigns. As the first deputy leader, Mr. Paiboon chaired the executive committee meeting to select a new party leader. The meeting resolved to appoint Ms. Tree-nuch Thianthong, Minister of Labour and party secretary-general, as acting leader of the Palang Pracharath Party effective immediately. When General Prawit handed over his resignation letter, he emphasized he would continue supporting the party as chairman of the advisory board, acting as a guiding presence for Ms. Tree-nuch to lead the party steadily and robustly. The current executive committee will remain in place until the next general meeting. However, due to the election period, a meeting cannot be convened now and is planned for about 7 Mar to appoint a new executive committee. Mr. Paiboon expressed confidence that under Ms. Tree-nuch’s leadership, both as acting and confirmed leader, the party will move forward into a new era of significant change.
When asked about General Prawit’s reasons for resigning, Mr. Paiboon said it was due to health issues that recently arose. At age 81, his health is not good, and continuing could cause more problems. Nonetheless, General Prawit still loves and cares for the party deeply. Therefore, appointing Ms. Tree-nuch as party leader is entirely appropriate. General Prawit will support the party as chairman of the advisory board, which is considered his best plan, as working behind the scenes will allow him to contribute more effectively. General Prawit confirmed he will remain with the Palang Pracharath Party and continue full efforts for the party, though no longer as leader.
Asked whether changing leaders during a critical time was a concern, Mr. Paiboon said it was not a sudden change but a planned one. General Prawit had long viewed Ms. Tree-nuch as his successor. This is evident from her appointments to key government positions, demonstrating she has not disappointed. The party’s image will move forward well in its second era, marked by major transformation. He is confident this is the best course, and General Prawit sent New Year greetings to everyone.
