Watch the 2026 election battle: Check the names of 7 new parties and familiar candidates entering the major contest for the first time, aiming to establish themselves on the political stage.
The political drums are beating faster than expected as signals for the early 2026 general election emerge, following Prime Minister Anutin's announcement to dissolve the parliament. This political round involves not only "major parties" the usual contenders, but the most notable aspect is the appearance of "new parties" officially entering the general election arena for the first time.
Thairath Online's special news team delves into the movements of two groups comprising seven political parties: the group of "old wine in new bottles" which previously held parliamentary seats, and the group of "new parties" that have just introduced big-name leaders preparing to compete in their first election battle.
Starting with the "Prachachon Party" a third-generation orange party led by Natthapong Ruangpanyawut, the party leader. This leading party, favored by many polls as the likely winner in the upcoming election, was founded during the 26th House of Representatives after the Constitutional Court dissolved the "Move Forward Party."
Prachachon has the most MPs from the previous parliament, playing a significant role in parliamentary affairs, continuing the legacy of the Future Forward and Move Forward parties. It was instrumental in rallying 143 MPs to support Anutin Charnvirakul as the 32nd Prime Minister under a memorandum of agreement lasting four months, aiming to amend the constitution. This also led the Prime Minister to dissolve parliament early due to lost support before the term ended.
It is closely watched whether Prachachon can maintain its established base of both constituency and party-list MPs amid the upcoming election held during the border war, especially as major political factions increasingly unite.
Another party attracting MPs from various groups is the Kla Tham Party, which is also newly established, having never before contested a major election.
Its two key leaders are Dr. Narumon Pinyosinwat, party leader, and Capt. Thammanat Prompao, party advisory chairman, along with secretary-general Pai Lik.
Kla Tham is not a fledgling party but a "vehicle" strongly backed by the "Thammanat faction," which split off and rebranded, restructuring branches nationwide, especially in the northern and central regions under Capt. Thammanat's influence. Originally the Thai Economic Party, it was revamped to prepare for the 2026 election, aiming to be a key player in forming the next government.
The intensity lies in new parties just formed or rebranded from smaller parties to contest the big fight, led by big names from various sectors as party leaders, including:
1. Phalawat Party
Key leader: Kanwee Suebsang, party leader and former Pheu Paetham MP who left due to internal conflicts to start his own party. It uses the letter W and green color as its symbol, representing waves of change, clearly stating it is not a fringe party.
2. Rak Chat Party
The return of Chaiwut Thanakamanusorn, former Minister of Digital Economy, now in a new home. Known for his outspoken nature, he split off to build a new star by taking over the Prachasamakkee Party and renaming it "Rak Chat" in November 2025. He aims to target younger voters, declaring the party has no wealthy backers and owes no favors.
3. New Opportunity Party
Jatuporn Buruspat, party leader and former Minister of Commerce and Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, has fully transitioned into politics. With Thongchai Lueadul as secretary-general, the party’s slogan is “Opportunity for All Thais,” emphasizing professionalism (technocrat), administrative experience, and tangible environmental policies aligned with global trends.
4. Economic Party
Gen. Rangsi Kitiyanantap, party leader and former director-general of Channel 5, well connected in media and business, leads this party. The party's name clearly focuses on solving livelihood issues and linking public and private sectors to stimulate Thailand’s sluggish economy, gaining momentum amid the Thailand-Cambodia border conflict.
5. Thai Kao Mai Party
Dr. Suchatvee Suwansawat, former Democrat Party candidate for Bangkok governor, leads this new party formed by splinters from the Fah Party alongside Khunying Kanlaya Sophonpanich. They have begun announcing candidates for Bangkok and other major cities, focusing on urban and young voters who desire real changes in infrastructure and education, reflecting an engineer’s pragmatic style.
The 2026 election will no longer be a fight between old blocs. The emergence of these new parties led by "authentic leaders" reflects that Thailand’s political equation is about to change. These parties may not be mere side players but "game changers" who will determine who forms the next government.