Asian Angle | How to win an election in Thailand: stage a rebrand, rely on rural votes

Tailored to project an image of professionalism, signal managerial competence and court the votes of Thailand’s urban middle class, the poster featured party leader and current Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul fronted by three recently recruited technocrats: Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow, Commerce Minister Suphajee Suthumpun and Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas – all of whom Anutin pledged to reinstate should he return to office.

None had been associated with the party before Anutin’s surprise ascent to the premiership, following the collapse of the previous Pheu Thai-led government coalition in September 2025.

During Bhumjaithai’s final evening rally at Bangkok’s Queen Sirikit Convention Centre on February 6, these three ministers were not just centre stage: they were the stage.