The Pheu Thai Party is awaiting former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra’s sentence suspension scheduled for 11 May. Julapan Amornwiwat has not yet planned to bring him back to assist the party and urges people to follow the situation closely. The party also reaffirmed its decision not to field a candidate for the Bangkok gubernatorial election.
At 3:00 p.m. on 20 April 2026, at the Pheu Thai Party headquarters, Julapan Amornwiwat, Minister of Labour and party leader, said after a meeting with party leaders that they discussed the agenda for the party’s 2026 annual general meeting on 24 April. This includes appointing members to the party executive committee, as some members resigned during the election period and need to be replaced to maintain full operational capacity. They also discussed the candidate selection committee, which all political parties must prepare for in case of by-elections or new elections, to remain ready at any time. Additionally, they reviewed Pheu Thai’s activities, including the customary water-pouring ceremony held annually in April.
When asked if the party leader would present a vision and strategy at the 24 April meeting to restore faith in Pheu Thai, Julapan replied affirmatively. He said they would communicate with the public as usual at the general meeting, outlining the party’s operational direction and how to move forward. This includes restructuring the party to coordinate effectively among its three components: the Pheu Thai Party, the House of Representatives, and the Cabinet. The goal is to drive the party’s growth and prepare for future elections by ensuring the party’s structure supports cohesive work.
Julapan also commented on the case of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who is expected to receive sentence suspension and be released on 11 May. He said everyone in Pheu Thai congratulates the news but must wait for the full process to conclude. He personally is unsure of the legal details but looks forward to the outcome, hoping it becomes a reality and that Thaksin can be released. He expects Thaksin will want time to rest with his family. What happens afterward will depend on the situation. The party has no plans yet and can continue its work, focusing on serving the public through its MPs in parliament and appointed Cabinet ministers. When asked if he would meet Thaksin after his release, Julapan said there might be an opportunity but no plans have been made on timing. He believes they may meet at events, but whether he visits Thaksin’s home depends on various factors and the right timing.
Regarding the Bangkok election, Julapan said Pheu Thai will not field a candidate for governor, just as it did previously. The party is now focused on broader policies at the national level. Since some party members have been appointed ministers, the party aims to develop human capital, including in Bangkok, but local-level efforts are not deeply involved. The party allows the election competition to be free and for voters to decide independently. When asked if Pheu Thai would field candidates for the Bangkok Metropolitan Council, given concerns about losing political ground, Julapan said this issue still needs further discussion and no decision has been made yet.