Biography of Saranwut Saranketu, nicknamed "MP Elvis," a former three-term Member of Parliament for Uttaradit Province before being convicted by the Supreme Court for proxy voting in parliament sessions. Tags: [Politics, Biography, Supreme Court, Proxy Voting, Uttaradit, Parliament]
On 16 Sep 2026 GMT+7, the name "Saran Saranketu" is well known among political enthusiasts, even though he later added "wut" to become "Saranwut Saranketu." His distinctive appearance—unique hairstyle and thick dark beard resembling the legendary singer Elvis Presley—made him stand out to those who met him. His aggressive debating style in the House of Representatives was equally notable.Tags: [Politics, Public Image, Parliament, Debate]
He is also a politician known for creating sensational moments, such as dressing as a warrior companion to Phra Phayapichai Dab Hak, riding a horse while brandishing a sword to register as a candidate for Uttaradit MP; 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 having "demons in the air-conditioned room," which ultimately led to his expulsion from the party.Tags: [Political Stunts, Pheu Thai Party, Uttaradit, Controversy]
Saranwut is currently 68 years old.Tags: [Biography, Age]
• Born: 12 February 1958 (Sampheng area, Yaowarat, Bangkok, in a Teochew Chinese family)Tags: [Biography, Birth, Ethnicity, Bangkok]
• Parents: Mr. Sakon and Mrs. Pannee SaranketuTags: [Family, Biography]
• He has promoted three daughters into political careers across different parties and positions, including:Tags: [Family, Politics, Political Families]
1. Ms. Jaruwan Saranketu: former party-list MP for the Future Forward PartyTags: [Family, Politics, Future Forward Party]
2. Ms. Darika Saranketu: advisor to the Minister of Natural Resources and Environment (Suchart Chomklin)Tags: [Family, Politics, Government Advisor]
3. Ms. Rosarin Saranketu: Uttaradit MP for the New Opportunity Party, elected in 2026Tags: [Family, Politics, Uttaradit, New Opportunity Party]
Education:Tags: [Education]
◦ Bachelor's degree in Political Science from Phetchaburi Rajabhat UniversityTags: [Education, Political Science]
◦ Master's degree in Public and Private Administration from the National Institute of Development Administration (NIDA)Tags: [Education, Public Administration]
Political CareerTags: [Politics, Career]
• Saranwut was first elected as an MP in 2005 (Thai Rak Thai Party) and re-elected in 2011 and 2019 under the Pheu Thai Party.Tags: [Elections, Thai Rak Thai, Pheu Thai, Uttaradit]
• He has been affiliated with several political parties: Thai Rak Thai, Chart Pattana, Pheu Thai, Pheu Chart, Ruam Thai Sang Chart, and New Opportunity Party.Tags: [Political Parties, Affiliations]
- 12 October 2021 (Expulsion from Pheu Thai): The Pheu Thai Party voted to expel him for being antagonistic and favoring another party (Palang Pracharath Party at that time), making damaging public statements harming the party's image, violating party regulations of 2018, and breaching ethical discipline.Tags: [Party Expulsion, Pheu Thai, Discipline]
- 15 October 2021: Saranwut openly challenged the power faction within Pheu Thai by labeling them "demons in the air-conditioned room."Tags: [Political Conflict, Pheu Thai, Controversy]
- 21 November 2021: He was appointed leader of the Pheu Chart Party, replacing Mr. Songkram Kitlertpairot, and announced his goal to lead the party to a landslide victory and form the government.Tags: [Leadership, Pheu Chart, Elections]
- 27 July 2022 (Internal conflict in Pheu Chart): The party spokesperson, Police Major General Chayut Maryat, called for Saranwut to resign as party leader, citing lack of leadership, refusal to sign important documents causing fines from the Election Commission, and prioritizing personal interests.Tags: [Party Conflict, Pheu Chart, Leadership]
- In 2023, he joined the Ruam Thai Sang Chart Party, creating a stir by kneeling in apology to General Prayut Chan-o-cha during his membership registration ceremony.Tags: [Political Move, Ruam Thai Sang Chart, Apology]
- Current role: Although Saranwut failed to secure a party-list MP seat in the 2026 election under the New Opportunity Party, he successfully promoted his daughter, Ms. Rosarin Saranketu, who won the Uttaradit District 2 seat—the party's sole MP. On 16 Sep 2026 GMT+7, he was sentenced by the Supreme Court to eight months in prison for proxy voting during his time as a Pheu Thai MP.Tags: [Elections, New Opportunity Party, Proxy Voting Conviction, Family Politics]
