Profile of Suriya Wongaree, first-term MP for Udon Thani, who voted against the People's Party's decision by supporting Anutin as Prime Minister, highlighting the ongoing People's Party "snake" controversy in the region.
On 19 Mar 2026 GMT+7, after the House of Representatives meeting to approve the Prime Minister nominee under Article 159 of the Constitution of the Kingdom of Thailand, Anutin Charnvirakul, leader of the Bhumjaithai Party, was approved by majority vote, defeating Natthapong Ruangpanyawut, leader of the People's Party, with 293 to 119 votes. It was noted that there was one vote from the People's Party in support of Anutin—namely, Mr. Suriya Wongaree, MP for Udon Thani's 7th constituency from the People's Party. Prior to the vote, rumors circulated about a "snake" defector from the People's Party located in the northeastern region.
Mr. Suriya Wongaree is currently the MP for Udon Thani's 7th constituency representing the People's Party, elected in 2026. This is his first term as MP. He holds a bachelor's degree from the Faculty of Engineering at King Mongkut's University of Technology North Bangkok.
Regarding his career, he worked as an engineer at Sumitomo Rubber (Thailand) Co., Ltd. from 2005 to 2008 before entering politics. In the 2023 election, he ran as a candidate for the Move Forward Party in Udon Thani but was not elected. He later won as a People's Party MP in 2026 for his first term.
Additional reports state that on 2 Mar 2026 GMT+7, Mr. Suriya was the first and only People's Party member to report to the parliament. During an interview on the "Step into Parliament" program, he discussed local issues, highlighting the main concern as farmers' livelihoods. Specifically, he noted the continued decline in agricultural product prices. Most local farmers grow sugarcane and cassava. Currently, some sugar factories buy sugarcane at about 800 baht per ton, while production costs are around 1,000 baht, causing farmers to suffer losses. He reflected that if prices rose to 1,000-1,200 baht per ton, farmers could sustain their living. Cassava is bought at just over 1 baht per kilogram, which is insufficient for farmers to survive.
Mr. Suriya added that production costs are also impacted by rising fertilizer prices and labor costs. Most farmers cannot afford large machinery and must hire external labor, which is expensive and scarce. He expressed that if given the opportunity, he would push for measures to support local farmers.
However, it was found that Mr. Suriya's Facebook account was deactivated since the night of 18 Mar 2026, following rumors about a "snake" defector within the People's Party.
