Biography of Saranyawut Saranyaket, nicknamed "Elvis MP," former three-term Member of Parliament for Uttaradit Province, before being convicted by the Supreme Court in a vote-rigging case.
On 16 Sep 2026 GMT+7, mentioning the name "Saran Saranyaket" is well known among political enthusiasts, even though he later added "Wut" to become "Saranyawut Saranyaket." His distinctive appearance, including his hairstyle and thick dark mustache resembling the legendary singer Elvis Presley, made him stand out to observers. His fierce debating style in the House of Representatives matched that of other politicians.
He was also one of the politicians known for sensational acts, such as dressing as a loyal warrior of Phra Phaya Phichai Da Hak, riding a horse brandishing a sword when registering to run for MP in Uttaradit; challenging "Uncle Tu" (Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha) to a gun duel in front of Wat Phra Kaew; and openly confronting the power faction within the Pheu Thai Party by accusing them of being "demons in the air-conditioned room," which ultimately led to his expulsion from the party.
Saranyawut is currently 68 years old.
• Born on 12 February 1958 CE (in the Sampeng, Yaowarat area of Bangkok, into a Teochew Chinese family).
• Parents: Mr. Sakon and Mrs. Pannee Saranyaket.
• He has promoted his three daughters into politics across different parties and positions, including:
1. Ms. Jaruwan Saranyaket: Former party-list MP for the Future Forward Party.
2. Ms. Darika Saranyaket: Advisor to the Minister of Natural Resources and Environment (Suchat Chomklin).
3. Ms. Rosarin Saranyaket: MP for Uttaradit, New Opportunity Party, in 2026.
Education:
◦ Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Phetchaburi Rajabhat University.
◦ Master’s degree in Public and Private Administration from the National Institute of Development Administration (NIDA).
Political career
• Saranyawut was first elected as an MP in 2005 (affiliated with the Thai Rak Thai Party) and was re-elected in 2011 and 2019 under the Pheu Thai Party.
• He has been affiliated with several political parties including Thai Rak Thai, Chart Pattana, Pheu Thai, Pheu Chart, Ruam Thai Sang Chart, and the New Opportunity Party.
- On 12 October 2021, he was expelled from the Pheu Thai Party for acting antagonistically and showing allegiance to another party (Palang Pracharath at that time), as well as for making damaging public statements that seriously harmed the party’s image, violating the 2018 party regulations and ethical standards.
- On 15 October 2021, Saranyawut openly challenged the power holders within the Pheu Thai Party, calling them "demons in the air-conditioned room."
- On 21 November 2021, he was elected by the party congress to become the leader of the Pheu Chart Party, replacing Mr. Songkram Kitlertpairot, and announced the goal of leading the party to a landslide victory to head the government formation.
- On 27 July 2022, amid internal conflicts in the Pheu Chart Party, party spokesperson Police Major General Chayut Marayat called for Saranyawut to resign as party leader, citing lack of leadership, failure to sign important documents resulting in the party being fined by the Election Commission, and prioritizing personal interests.
- In 2023, he joined the Ruam Thai Sang Chart Party, creating a stir by kneeling to apologize to General Prayut Chan-o-cha.
- Current role: Although Saranyawut was not elected as a party-list MP in the most recent 2026 general election representing the New Opportunity Party, he successfully promoted his daughter Rosarin Saranyaket to be elected MP for Uttaradit District 2, becoming the sole MP from the New Opportunity Party. On this day (16 Sep 2026), he was sentenced by the Supreme Court to 8 months imprisonment for vote-rigging during his tenure as a Pheu Thai MP.
