Wikipedia

Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit

Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit (Thai: ธนาธร จึงรุ่งเรืองกิจ, RTGS: Thanathon Chuengrungrueangkit, pronounced [tʰā.nāː.tʰɔ̄ːn tɕɯ̄ŋ.rûŋ.rɯ̄aŋ.kìt] ⓘ; simplified Chinese: 庄海文; traditional Chinese: 莊海文;[1] born 25 November 1978) is a Thai politician who served as Leader of the Future Forward Party from 2018 until the party dissolved in 2020. From 2002 to 2018, Thanathorn was the vice president of the Thai Summit Group, Thailand's largest auto parts manufacturer.[2]

Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit
ธนาธร จึงรุ่งเรืองกิจ
Thanathorn in 2019
Leader of the Future Forward Party
In office
27 May 2018 – 21 February 2020
Preceded byPosition established
Succeeded byPita Limjaroenrat (as Leader of the Move Forward Party)
Personal details
Born (1978-11-25) 25 November 1978 (age 45)
Bangkok, Thailand
Other political
affiliations		Future Forward (2018–2020)
SpouseRawiphan Daengthongdi
Children4
Parent
RelativesSuriya Juangroongruangkit (uncle)
Education
OccupationPolitician
Signature

In March 2018, Thanathorn co-founded the Future Forward Party and was unanimously elected as the party's leader during its first public meeting in May 2018.[3]

Early life and family edit

Thanathorn Juangroongruangk was born and raised in Bangkok, within a Thai Chinese family that traces its roots back to Fujian province.[4] His family is notable in the Thai business landscape, particularly through their involvement with the Thai Summit Group. This company, founded by Thanathorn's father, Pattana Juangroongruangkit, in 1977, later came under the leadership of his mother, Somporn Juangroongruangkit, following Pattana's death in 2002. Additionally, the Juangroongruangkit family has significant holdings in Matichon Publishing Group, a major Thai media conglomerate.[5]

In the context of Thanathorn's entry into politics, he made significant professional changes to avoid potential conflicts of interest. He stepped down from his positions at the Matichon board and the Thai Summit Group.[5] Concurrently, his mother, Somporn, divested all her shares in Matichon.

Another notable member of the Juangroongruangkit family in Thai politics is Thanathorn's uncle, Suriya Juangroongruangkit. Suriya has a history of political involvement, having served as Thailand's Minister of Transport from 2002 to 2005. He is a key figure in the Palang Pracharat Party, a leading pro-junta political party in Thailand and a major component of the current government coalition.[6]

Education edit

Thanathorn began his education at the Triam Udom Suksa School in Bangkok. Following high school, he pursued higher education, earning a joint-honours Bachelor of Engineering (B.Eng.) in mechanical engineering from Thammasat University and the University of Nottingham.[7] His time at university was marked by significant involvement in student leadership, serving as the President of the Thammasat University Students Union in 1999 and subsequently as the Deputy Secretary-General of the Students Federation of Thailand.[8]

Thanathorn's academic pursuits extended beyond engineering. He obtained three master's degrees, reflecting his growing interest in broader social and economic issues. These degrees include a Master's in Political Economy from Chulalongkorn University, a joint Master's in Global Finance from Stern School of Business at New York University and The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, and a Master's in International Business Law from the University of St. Gallen.[9]

Parallel to his academic journey, Thanathorn was actively engaged in social and economic reform activities in Thailand. He was involved with charities and NGOs such as Friends of the People and the Assembly of the Poor.[8] Notably, he advocated for the rights of villagers in Ubon Ratchathani Province affected by the Pak Mun Dam, campaigning for their land and compensation rights.[7][10]

Thanathorn's involvement in student movements during his academic years was a subject of concern for his family. In various interviews, it has been revealed that Thanathorn experienced disagreements with his uncle, Suriya Juangroongruangkit, from a young age.[11] A key point of contention between them centered around the Trans Thai-Malaysia Gas Pipeline Project. Thanathorn's perspective on this project reflects his broader critique of government practices, which he associates with issues of accountability and what he describes as crony capitalism. He has linked these concerns to broader economic challenges faced by Thailand, notably referencing the 1997 economic crisis.[7]

Business career edit

Thanathorn initially aspired to a career with the United Nations and received an offer to work as a development worker in Algeria.[7] However, his career path took a significant turn due to family circumstances. In 2002, following the diagnosis of his father, Pattana Juangroongruangkit, with cancer and his subsequent passing, Thanathorn returned to Thailand. At the age of 23, he assumed the leadership role of the Thai Summit Group, a major enterprise founded by his father.[12]

During his tenure as the head of Thai Summit Group, the company saw substantial growth. From 2001 to 2017, its revenues increased from 16 billion baht to 80 billion baht.[13] Thanathorn was instrumental in expanding the company’s global reach, establishing manufacturing facilities in seven countries and employing over 16,000 people worldwide.[14]

A notable achievement under Thanathorn's leadership was striking a deal in 2005 with the American auto manufacturer Tesla. This agreement involved supplying 500,000 cars per year, marking a significant milestone for Thai Summit Group with sales totaling 7.9 billion baht and profits of 5.98 billion baht.[15] This deal led to the establishment of factories in the United States. Further expanding the company's global footprint, in 2009, Thanathorn guided Thai Summit Group in acquiring Ogihara, a leading Japanese mould maker.[16]

Thanathorn's professional involvement extended into various significant roles within Thailand's industrial sector. From 2008 to 2012, he served as the President of the Federation of Thai Industry's Nakhon Nayok Chapter, holding this position for two consecutive terms.[17] In addition to this role, Thanathorn was distinguished as the youngest person to be elected as the Secretary-General of the Thai Auto Parts Manufacturers Association, a position he held from 2007 to 2010. His involvement in industry was further underscored by his membership in the Industrial Cluster Development Board of Thailand's National Science and Technology Development Agency.[18]

In a significant career shift, after spending 17 years as Executive Vice-President of the Thai Summit Group, Thanathorn stepped down from this role in May 2018. This decision followed his election as the leader of the Future Forward Party, marking his transition from business to a full-time career in politics.[19]

Political career edit

 
Thanathorn in party meeting in 2019

On March 15, 2018, Thanatorn, together with Piyabutr Saengkanokkul, a former constitutional law professor at Thammasat University, and other individuals with similar views, initiated the establishment of a new political party, named Future Forward (Thai: อนาคตใหม่), registering it with the Election Commission of Thailand. At the party's inaugural public meeting in May 2018, Thanathorn was chosen as the party leader.[20]

Thanathorn's vision for Future Forward includes restoring civilian government and reducing military influence in Thai politics, enhancing political accountability, promoting equitable wealth distribution, and establishing a social welfare system that respects human dignity. He also advocates for increased decentralization of power.[21]

To maintain its independence and transparency, Future Forward has adopted a funding model that depends solely on contributions from its members and supporters.[22] The party aims to gather 350 million baht from its members and the public to support its campaign in the 2019 general election.[23]

Thanathorn, with his business background, youthful image, and political perspectives, has attracted international media attention, drawing comparisons to leaders like French President Emmanuel Macron and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.[24][25] In Thailand, media often labels him as the "billionaire commoner," highlighting his role in challenging the country's social class system.[26] Additionally, he has gained a unique following among young female supporters, who humorously refer to him as "Daddy."[27][28][29]

Regarding legal matters, Thanathorn, along with Jaruwan Sarankate and Klaikong Vaidhyakarn, senior members of his party, faced charges under the Computer Crime Act. This stemmed from a complaint by a member of the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) regarding their Facebook Live broadcast on June 29, 2018, allegedly disseminating false information or content detrimental to national stability.[30]

The trio was summoned to the Technology Crime Suppression Division (TCSD) on August 24, 2018, to hear the charges. They requested a postponement to September 17, 2018, due to short notice and prior commitments.[31] Thanathorn had previously attended a session on July 31, 2018, as a witness but chose not to comment on the allegations at that time.[32]

Thanathorn was elected as a Member of Parliament in the 2019 elections. Subsequently, the Election Commission raised concerns about his eligibility, alleging that he owned shares in a media company, V-Luck Media, at the time of his MP candidacy registration. This ownership, if proven, would contravene election laws and could lead to his disqualification.[33] Thanathorn contested these allegations, asserting that he had transferred all his shares before registering as a candidate.[34]

On May 23, 2019, just before the new parliament's opening, the Constitutional Court agreed to review the case brought against Thanathorn by the Election Commission. In a vote of 8-1, the Court decided to suspend Thanathorn's status as an MP until a final verdict was reached.[35] He was allowed to participate in the opening ceremony and take his oath but was then required to leave.[36][37]

During this period, Thanathorn was proposed as a prime ministerial candidate by a coalition of parties opposed to the military junta. However, he was defeated by the incumbent prime minister and former coup leader, Prayut Chan-o-cha.[38] In November of the same year, the Constitutional Court ruled against Thanathorn, officially disqualifying him from his MP status.[39]

In addition, Thanathorn's declaration of assets to the National Anti-Corruption Commission revealed that he possessed assets totaling 5.6 billion baht, making him the wealthiest member of the Thai parliament at that time.[40]

Progressive Movement edit

Thanathorn founded the Progressive Movement with Piyabutr Saengkanokkul after their party dissolved. In January 2021, he was charged with lèse-majesté after criticizing Prayut Chan-o-cha government mismanagement of COVID-19 vaccination by relying too much on AstraZeneca vaccine which Siam Bioscience, owned by the King, supplies the most. On January 18, 2021, the Royal Thai Police charged him for defaming the government through a live stream on Facebook.[41] Later, Puttipong Punnakanta filed the charge through Technology Crime Suppression Division and the court ordered taking the video down.[42][43]

Later in August 2021, Thanathorn faced two more lèse-majesté charges for the same act.[44]

Personal life edit

The media often referred to him as "Ekk" or "Tee Ekk" (Thai: เอก, cognate with Uni in English; his nickname). He is married to Rawiphan Juangroongruangkit, they have four children together.[45] Angered by the 2006 coup, Thanathorn gave his son the nickname, Demo (Thai: เดโม่), from the Greek root demos ('people').[46]

In his free time, Thanathorn enjoys outdoor activities such as hiking, trekking, climbing, marathons, kayaking, cycling, diving and mountaineering. He has participated in various extreme sports competitions, including the Tor Des Géants and the Sahara Marathon.[47] Thanathorn was the first Asian to complete the 560 km self-supported foot race above the Arctic Circle.[48] Asked about his media diet, Thanathorn says he reads foreign newspapers like The New York Times, The Economist, Financial Times, and Thai newspapers like Matichon and Krungthep Turakij (Bangkok Business).[49] He is a big fan of esports and games such as Minecraft and Arena of Valor, which he cites as one of the tools he uses to connect with his children.[50]

In an interview about his style and grooming, Thanathorn revealed that he doesn't use any facial or hair products, moisturizers, or cosmetics. He also revealed that he wears generic white shirts and pleated khakis as a daily uniform. The only investment he makes into his wardrobe is for his climbing and running clothing for his outdoor hobbies.[51]

References edit

  1. ^ ""有百亿铢的平民" 泰华裔企业家组建"新未来"党". Archived from the original on 25 March 2019.
  2. ^ "ประวัติ ธนาธร จึงรุ่งเรืองกิจ กับแนวคิดการเมือง และเหตุที่ไทยต้องมีพรรคหน้าใหม่" (in Thai). Retrieved 20 October 2017.
  3. ^ "Thanathorn elected leader of Future Forward Party". Bangkok Post.[full citation needed]
  4. ^ 'Thailand’s Inconvenient Truth.' Why This Billionaire Is Risking It All to Back Reform of the Monarchy
  5. ^ a b "Thai auto heir launches new party, promises to heal political rift". Reuters. 15 March 2018. Retrieved 5 December 2018.
  6. ^ Wongcha-um, Panu (13 March 2019). "Martial democracy? Some Thais prefer coup-maker for PM". Reuters. Retrieved 5 May 2019.
  7. ^ a b c d "Isaan's future: Thanathorn on moving the region forward". Isaan Record. 8 June 2016. Retrieved 10 September 2018.
  8. ^ a b "A risk-taker billionaire pursuing social justice". The Nation. 8 April 2018. Retrieved 10 September 2018.
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  21. ^ "Exclusive: "ไพร่หมื่นล้าน" จับมือ สมาชิก "นิติราษฎร์" เปิดตัวพรรคใหม่". BBC Thai. 2 March 2018.[full citation needed]
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  32. ^ "Thanathorn may face computer crime charges". Bangkok Post.[full citation needed]
  33. ^ "Election Commission Accuses Thanathorn of Breaching Elections Law". Khaosod English. 23 April 2019. Retrieved 25 May 2019.
  34. ^ "EC blow for Thanathorn over media shareholding". The Nation. 24 April 2019. Retrieved 25 May 2019.
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  37. ^ Bangprapa, Mongkol (26 May 2019). "Thanathorn sworn in then kicked out of parliament". Bangkok Post. Retrieved 27 May 2019.
  38. ^ Ellis-Petersen, Hannah (5 June 2019). "Thailand's military-backed PM voted in after junta creates loose coalition". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 6 June 2019.
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  40. ^ "Thanathorn richest MP with B5.6bn". Bangkok Post. 20 September 2019. Retrieved 21 September 2019.
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  46. ^ ผู้สื่อข่าวบีบีซีไทย, เรื่องโดย หทัยกาญจน์ ตรีสุวรรณ (15 January 2019). "ธนาธร จึงรุ่งเรืองกิจ : ประชาธิปไตยไม่ใช่แค่ "อุดมการณ์" แต่คือ "ลมหายใจ"". Retrieved 12 March 2019.[full citation needed]
  47. ^ "ผมก็แค่คนธรรมดาคนหนึ่ง : ธนาธร จึงรุ่งเรืองกิจ". Fungjai. 14 May 2018. Retrieved 10 September 2018.
  48. ^ "About TJ: TJ's True South". Retrieved 10 September 2018.[full citation needed]
  49. ^ ""ไพร่หมื่นล้าน" ธนาธร จึงรุ่งเรืองกิจ กับ "โรดแมป" การเมือง". BBC Thai.
  50. ^ "ผมก็แค่คนธรรมดาคนหนึ่ง : ธนาธร จึงรุ่งเรืองกิจ". Fungjai. 14 May 2018. Retrieved 10 September 2018.[full citation needed]
  51. ^ "10 เต็ม 10 'ธนาธร' ให้คะแนนการแต่งกายสไตล์นักการเมืองรุ่นใหม่ของตัวเอง". Voice TV. 30 April 2018.

External links edit

 
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Thanatorn Juangroongruangkit.
Party political offices
New political party Leader of the Future Forward Party
2018–2020 		Succeeded byas Leader of the Move Forward Party
New title President of the Progressive Movement
2020–present 		Incumbent
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