The Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP) is shaken by internal conflict after "Uncle Pom" withdrew, leaving only one candidate. Scholars view that "Trinuch" may not be able to manage alone, and without new candidates, it could signal the party's end.
Previously, the Palang Pracharath Party announced three prime ministerial candidates for the 2026 election, scheduled for 8 Feb 2026 GMT+7, namely General Prawit Wongsuwan, Theerachai Phuvanatnaranubala, and Trinuch Thienthong. Official registration was set to begin on 28 Dec 2025 GMT+7.
However, on 24 Dec 2025 GMT+7, Paiboon Nititawan, deputy party leader, revealed after an executive meeting that the party reconsidered the candidate list, noting that General Prawit requested to withdraw from the prime ministerial candidate list. The primary reason was his declining health, prompting adjustments for the upcoming election battle.
Most recently, on 25 Dec 2025 GMT+7, Theerachai Phuvanatnaranubala, deputy leader of PPRP and one of the candidates, posted on Facebook announcing his resignation from all party positions to return to being an independent academic, stating
“I have resigned from being a prime ministerial candidate following General Prawit's withdrawal yesterday (24 Dec). Today, I also resign from the candidate list, deputy leader position, and executive committee.
My main motivation to join the party was personal trust in the leader. Under current circumstances, it is time for me to step back from politics.
I thank the party leader and colleagues for the opportunity to serve fully and wish the party success in the election to benefit the nation. I will return to being an independent academic.”
These events have drawn public attention to the PPRP, as the party now has only one candidate remaining, “Trinuch Thienthong.” Many wonder whether she can manage the party alone or if she might also withdraw, leaving PPRP without any candidates.
Thairath Online's special news team discussed this issue with Dr. Satithorn Thananitichot, political science professor at Chulalongkorn University. He views that the party's survival has partly depended on "Uncle Pom" (General Prawit Wongsuwan). With his withdrawal as a candidate, the PPRP may be approaching its end. Fortunately, neither General Prawit nor Theerachai have been officially registered with the Election Commission, which requires candidate submission during the MP registration period.
Still, the party's prospects depend on remaining or new members who might be promoted as candidates. There are still several good options within the party.
Regarding Trinuch Thienthong, the sole remaining candidate, public sentiment suggests she might also resign, leaving the party without any candidate for the 2026 election. Dr. Satithorn believes that if Trinuch is truly the only candidate, she might be overwhelmed, possibly leading to the party's absence in the upcoming election. However, her final decision remains to be seen.
As for General Prawit, it seems he lost hope of becoming prime minister since the 2023 election. His party's situation worsened after Captain Thammanat Prompao left to establish the Kla Party, changing PPRP fundamentally. The party appears destined to end as its lifespan is tied to its key figures—just as the Ruam Jai Sang Chart Party faded with General Prayut, PPRP may fade with General Prawit.
