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Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit

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Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit
ธนาธร จึงรุ่งเรืองกิจ
Thanathorn in 2019
Leader of the Future Forward Party
Incumbent
Assumed office
27 May 2018
Preceded byPosition established
Succeeded byPita Limjaroenrat (as Leader of the Move Forward Party)
Member of the House of Representatives
Incumbent
Assumed office
24 March 2019
ConstituencyParty-list
Personal details
Born (1978-11-25) 25 November 1978 (age 45)
Bangkok, Thailand
Political partyFuture Forward (2018)
SpouseRawiphan Daengthongdi
Children4
Parents
RelativesSuriya Juangroongruangkit (uncle)
Education
Signature
NicknameEk (เอก)

Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit (Thai: ธนาธร จึงรุ่งเรืองกิจ, RTGS: Thanathon Chuengrungrueangkit, pronounced [tʰā.nāː.tʰɔ̄ːn tɕɯ̄ŋ.rûŋ.rɯ̄aŋ.kìt] ⓘ; born 25 November 1978) is a Thai businessman, politician and activist who served as Leader of the Future Forward Party from 2018 From 2002 to 2018, Thanathorn was the vice president of the Thai Summit Group, Thailand's largest auto parts manufacturer.[1]

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.[2]

Early life and family

[edit]

Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit was born and raised in Bangkok, within a Thai Chinese family that traces its roots back to Fujian province. His Chinese surname is Zhuang(庄) in Mandarin Chinese. [3] 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.[4]

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.[4] 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.[5]

Education

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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.[6] 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.[7]

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.[8]

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.[7] 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.[6][9]

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.[10] 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.[6]

Business career

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Thanathorn initially aspired to a career with the United Nations and received an offer to work as a development worker in Algeria.[6] 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.[11]

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.[12] Thanathorn was instrumental in expanding the company’s global reach, establishing manufacturing facilities in seven countries and employing over 16,000 people worldwide.[13]

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.[14] 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.[15]

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.[16] 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.[17]

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.[18]

Political career

[edit]
Thanathorn in party meeting in 2019

On 15 March 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.[19]

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.[20]

To maintain its independence and transparency, Future Forward has adopted a funding model that depends solely on contributions from its members and supporters.[21] The party aims to gather 350 million baht from its members and the public to support its campaign in the 2019 general election.[22]

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.[23][24] In Thailand, media often labels him as the "billionaire commoner," highlighting his role in challenging the country's social class system.[25] Additionally, he has gained a unique following among young female supporters, who humorously refer to him as "Daddy."[26][27][28]

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 29 June 2018, allegedly disseminating false information or content detrimental to national stability.[29]

The trio was summoned to the Technology Crime Suppression Division (TCSD) on 24 August 2018, to hear the charges. They requested a postponement to 17 September 2018, due to short notice and prior commitments.[30] Thanathorn had previously attended a session on 31 July 2018, as a witness but chose not to comment on the allegations at that time.[31]

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.[32] Thanathorn contested these allegations, asserting that he had transferred all his shares before registering as a candidate.[33]

On 23 May 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.[34] He was allowed to participate in the opening ceremony and take his oath but was then required to leave.[35][36]

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.[37] In November of the same year, the Constitutional Court ruled against Thanathorn, officially disqualifying him from his MP status.[38]

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.[39]

In October 2019, Thanathorn met with Hong Kong activist Joshua Wong at the Open Future Festival.[40]: 74  Wong tweeted a picture of the two together, writing, "Under the hard-line authoritarian suppression, we stand in solidarity."[40]: 74  The Chinese embassy in Bangkok issued a statement referring to the incident as irresponsible.[40]: 75  Thanathorn issued a statement denying any relationship with Wong and stating that he supports China playing a bigger role both regionally and globally.[40]: 75 

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 18 January 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]

Thanathorn's nickname is Ek (Thai: เอก).[45]

He is married to Rawiphan Juangroongruangkit, they have four children together.[46] Angered by the 2006 coup, Thanathorn gave his son the nickname, Demo (Thai: เดโม่), from the Greek root demos ('people').[47]

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.[48] Thanathorn was the first Asian to complete the 560 km self-supported foot race above the Arctic Circle.[49] 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).[50] 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.[51]

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.[52]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "ประวัติ ธนาธร จึงรุ่งเรืองกิจ กับแนวคิดการเมือง และเหตุที่ไทยต้องมีพรรคหน้าใหม่" (in Thai). Retrieved 20 October 2017.
  2. ^ "Thanathorn elected leader of Future Forward Party". Bangkok Post.[full citation needed]
  3. ^ 'Thailand’s Inconvenient Truth.' Why This Billionaire Is Risking It All to Back Reform of the Monarchy
  4. ^ a b "Thai auto heir launches new party, promises to heal political rift". Reuters. 15 March 2018. Retrieved 5 December 2018.
  5. ^ Wongcha-um, Panu (13 March 2019). "Martial democracy? Some Thais prefer coup-maker for PM". Reuters. Retrieved 5 May 2019.
  6. ^ a b c d "Isaan's future: Thanathorn on moving the region forward". Isaan Record. 8 June 2016. Retrieved 10 September 2018.
  7. ^ a b "A risk-taker billionaire pursuing social justice". The Nation. 8 April 2018. Retrieved 10 September 2018.
  8. ^ ""ไพร่หมื่นล้าน" ธนาธร จึงรุ่งเรืองกิจ กับ "โรดแมป" การเมือง". BBC Thai. 18 February 2018.[full citation needed]
  9. ^ "สัมภาษณ์: ธนาธร จึงรุ่งเรืองกิจ รองประธานกรรมการบริหาร กลุ่มบริษัทไทยซัมมิท "ผมถูกบังคับให้เป็นนายทุน"". Sarakadee Magazine. 14 January 2007. Retrieved 10 September 2018.[full citation needed]
  10. ^ "'สุริยะ' พูดถึง ธนาธร จึงรุ่งเรืองกิจ 'ผมเองยังถูกต่อว่า เขาเป็นคนแบบนี้มาตั้งแต่เรียน'". Matichon Online. 8 August 2018.[full citation needed]
  11. ^ "Thai Autoparts Heir Launches Political Party".[full citation needed]
  12. ^ "ธนาธร จึงรุ่งเรืองกิจ พลิกตำราบริหารความเสี่ยงครั้งใหม่ที่ 'ขั้วโลกใต้'". Forbes Thailand.[full citation needed]
  13. ^ "ธนาธร จึงรุ่งเรืองกิจ ดัน "ไทยซัมมิท" ทะลุเป้าแสนล้าน". Prachachat.net. 12 October 2017.[full citation needed]
  14. ^ "Exclusive ธนาธร จึงรุ่งเรืองกิจ: มองอนาคตยานยนต์ไทย โลกขยับแล้ว แต่เราไม่ขยับ". Voice TV. 4 September 2017. Retrieved 10 September 2018.
  15. ^ "Regarding the partial transfer of share holdings in Ogihara Corporation".[full citation needed]
  16. ^ "Thailand's Focus 2017, Speakers' Profile". The Stock Exchange of Thailand.
  17. ^ "Thailand's Focus 2017, Speakers' Profile". The Stock Exchange of Thailand.
  18. ^ "Thanathorn to hand over reins". Bangkok Post.[full citation needed]
  19. ^ "Thanathorn elected leader of Future Forward Party". Bangkok Post. Retrieved 20 October 2017.[full citation needed]
  20. ^ "Exclusive: "ไพร่หมื่นล้าน" จับมือ สมาชิก "นิติราษฎร์" เปิดตัวพรรคใหม่". BBC Thai. 2 March 2018.[full citation needed]
  21. ^ "ธนาธร-ปิยบุตร ตั้งพรรค "อนาคตใหม่" ประกาศไม่รับทุกส่วนประกอบ "อประชาธิปไตย"". BBC News ไทย.[full citation needed]
  22. ^ ""ธนาธร" จ่อระดมทุน 350 ล้านสู้ศึกลต. ลั่น อีก 10 เดือนขอทำงานหนักไม่ใช้เงินดูดอดีตส.ส." Matichon Online. 27 April 2018.[full citation needed]
  23. ^ "'I might go to jail tomorrow' – Thai tycoon takes on junta". The Guardian. Retrieved 10 September 2018.[full citation needed]
  24. ^ "'Young blood' to shake up Thai politics". Financial Times. Retrieved 10 September 2018.[full citation needed]
  25. ^ "ไพร่หมื่นล้าน! 10 รู้จัก 'เอก ธนาธร จึงรุ่งเรืองกิจ' เขาคือใคร?". Thairath. Retrieved 10 September 2018.[full citation needed]
  26. ^ Thongnoi, Jitsiree; Jaipragas, Bhavan (24 February 2019). "Everyone loves 'Daddy': forget Thaksin, Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit is the Thai junta's new billionaire rival". South China Morning Post. Retrieved 2 April 2019.
  27. ^ Mahtani, Shibani (19 March 2019). "A new political party in Thailand, led by an athletic billionaire, rattles ruling junta". Washington Post. Retrieved 2 April 2019.
  28. ^ Tanakasempipat, Patpicha (26 February 2019). "Thailand's rising political star under fire as election nears". Reuters. Retrieved 2 April 2019.
  29. ^ "Future Forward's Thanathorn charged with computer crime". Bangkok Post.[full citation needed]
  30. ^ "Future Forward Leaders Postpone Police Meeting". Bangkok Post.[full citation needed]
  31. ^ "Thanathorn may face computer crime charges". Bangkok Post.[full citation needed]
  32. ^ "Election Commission Accuses Thanathorn of Breaching Elections Law". Khaosod English. 23 April 2019. Retrieved 25 May 2019.
  33. ^ "EC blow for Thanathorn over media shareholding". The Nation. 24 April 2019. Retrieved 25 May 2019.
  34. ^ "Court suspends Thanathorn from MP". Bangkok Post. 23 May 2019. Retrieved 25 May 2019.
  35. ^ "Thanathorn attends opening of parliament along with other newly-elected members". The Nation. 24 May 2019. Retrieved 25 May 2019.
  36. ^ Bangprapa, Mongkol (26 May 2019). "Thanathorn sworn in then kicked out of parliament". Bangkok Post. Retrieved 27 May 2019.
  37. ^ 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.
  38. ^ "Thanathorn: Thai opposition leader disqualified as MP". BBC. 20 November 2019. Retrieved 21 November 2019.
  39. ^ "Thanathorn richest MP with B5.6bn". Bangkok Post. 20 September 2019. Retrieved 21 September 2019.
  40. ^ a b c d Han, Enze (2024). The Ripple Effect: China's Complex Presence in Southeast Asia. New York, NY: Oxford University Press. ISBN 978-0-19-769659-0.
  41. ^ "Thai police charge politician for insulting king over vaccine remarks". Reuters. 30 March 2021. Retrieved 28 September 2021.
  42. ^ "Thai government foe ordered to erase vaccine supply criticism". Reuters. 31 January 2021. Retrieved 28 September 2021.
  43. ^ "ศาลสั่งลบโพสต์วัคซีนโควิดของคณะก้าวหน้า เหตุผิดกม.คอมพิวเตอร์". BBC News ไทย (in Thai).
  44. ^ "Thanathorn hit with 2 more lese majeste charges". Bangkok Post. Bangkok Post. Retrieved 28 September 2021.
  45. ^ "ไพร่หมื่นล้าน! 10 รู้จัก 'เอก ธนาธร จึงรุ่งเรืองกิจ' เขาคือใคร?". Thairath (in Thai). 5 March 2018. Archived from the original on 21 August 2024.
  46. ^ "'ธนาธร' เปิดภาพครอบครัวอนาคตใหม่ เผยภรรยาท้อง5เดือนเล็งตั้งชื่อ'น้องฟิวเจอร์'". Thaipost. Retrieved 10 September 2018.[full citation needed]
  47. ^ ผู้สื่อข่าวบีบีซีไทย, เรื่องโดย หทัยกาญจน์ ตรีสุวรรณ (15 January 2019). "ธนาธร จึงรุ่งเรืองกิจ : ประชาธิปไตยไม่ใช่แค่ "อุดมการณ์" แต่คือ "ลมหายใจ"". Retrieved 12 March 2019.[full citation needed]
  48. ^ "ผมก็แค่คนธรรมดาคนหนึ่ง : ธนาธร จึงรุ่งเรืองกิจ". Fungjai. 14 May 2018. Retrieved 10 September 2018.
  49. ^ "About TJ: TJ's True South". Retrieved 10 September 2018.[full citation needed]
  50. ^ ""ไพร่หมื่นล้าน" ธนาธร จึงรุ่งเรืองกิจ กับ "โรดแมป" การเมือง". BBC Thai.
  51. ^ "ผมก็แค่คนธรรมดาคนหนึ่ง : ธนาธร จึงรุ่งเรืองกิจ". Fungjai. 14 May 2018. Retrieved 10 September 2018.[full citation needed]
  52. ^ "10 เต็ม 10 'ธนาธร' ให้คะแนนการแต่งกายสไตล์นักการเมืองรุ่นใหม่ของตัวเอง". Voice TV. 30 April 2018.
[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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