An overview of Suriya Juangroongruangkit, one of the Pheu Thai Party's prime ministerial candidates, known for the phrase “I'll make my grandson watch,” who has never lost a ministerial seat—he now serves as Minister of Agriculture in the Anutin 2 Cabinet.
On 31 Mar 2026 GMT+7, reporters reported that the Royal Gazette published the appointment of ministers in the Anutin 2 Cabinet. It was found that Mr. Suriya Juangroongruangkit, election director of the Pheu Thai Party and one of its prime ministerial candidates, was appointed solely as Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives. Although there had been rumors he would also serve as Deputy Prime Minister, that position was ultimately given to Mr. Yossanan Wongsawat, another Pheu Thai prime ministerial candidate.
Mr. Suriya, known for the phrase “ I'll make my grandson watch.” He is the son of Mr. Ahong and Mrs. Somkiat Juangroongruangkit and the uncle of Mr. Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit, former leader of the Future Forward Party.
Education:
• Completed secondary education at Triam Udom Suksa School.
• Holds a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering from the University of California, Berkeley, USA.
Business Background
Before entering politics, Mr. Suriya was a billionaire businessman, co-founding and managing the Thai Summit Group, Thailand's largest auto parts manufacturer. This gave him expertise in industry and large-scale capital management.
20 Years Managing Transport and Industry
His political career earned him the nickname "Minister monopolizing Transport and Industry" because for over 20 years he continuously oversaw the Ministries of Transport and Industry. His first political position was in 1998 under Prime Minister Chuan Leekpai's government as Minister of Industry, representing the Social Action Party quota. In 2001, he joined the Thai Rak Thai Party led by Thaksin Shinawatra and served again as Minister of Industry.
Key Role in Bringing Pheu Thai into Coalition with Bhumjaithai
In 2002, he was appointed Secretary-General of the Thai Rak Thai Party before being moved to Minister of Transport. In 2007, he was banned from politics for five years after the Thai Rak Thai Party was dissolved. He then joined the Bhumjaithai Party. After the 2018 military government led by General Prayut Chan-o-cha, Mr. Suriya, as head of the Sam Mitr group, worked with the Palang Pracharath Party. When General Prayut lost power, Suriya returned to work with Pheu Thai and served as Minister of Transport in the government of Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin. Under the Pakornthar Shinawatra administration, he also held the position of Deputy Prime Minister.
Following the latest general election on 8 Feb 2026 GMT+7, reports stated that Mr. Suriya played a crucial role in bringing Pheu Thai into a coalition government with Bhumjaithai, despite the two parties having severe conflicts late in the Pakornthar government, which led to Anutin and Bhumjaithai MPs withdrawing from the coalition.
Notable Phrase: “I'll make my grandson watch”
On 8 Jan 2026 GMT+7, Mr. Suriya said during his first major Pheu Thai Party rally at the Lan Khon Muang, Bangkok City Hall, that throughout his 25-year political career, he has been a hardworking and challenging politician who avoids easy tasks and never fails in his efforts. Besides working for the nation, he stated, “I'll make my grandson watch,” referring to his grandson, Mr. Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit, former leader of the Future Forward Party, who remains under a three-year political ban.
