Who is the young billionaire causing a stir in Thai politics?

Previously, few observers believed that billionaire Pita Limjaroenrat had the ability to become prime minister . However, the results of the Thai people's vote - with most of the votes counted on May 15 - showed a different perspective.

Billionaire Pita Limjaroenrat, 42 years old - Photo: REUTERS

According to Bloomberg and ABC News , the 42-year-old leader of the Progressive Party (MFP) was educated in New Zealand and the United States, including a stint at the prestigious Harvard University in the United States on an international scholarship, before becoming a businessman.

According to the latest announcement from the Thai Election Commission on the afternoon of May 15, the MFP party has won the leading position in the general election, with a total of 151 seats in the lower house. It is even more remarkable that the MFP is only a "newbie" compared to other veteran parties.

Mr. Pita Limjaroenrat surrounded by supporters on May 14 - Photo: REUTERS

When Mr. Pita was 25, his father passed away. He returned to his hometown and took over Agrifood - a debt-ridden family rice bran oil company - and quickly turned it around.

The young entrepreneur then became the Thailand regional director of the Grab transportation and delivery app.

In 2012, Mr. Pita married actress and model Chutima Teepanart but the marriage broke down in 2019. Before their separation, they had a daughter together, who is now 7 years old.

The young businessman turned from business to politics and began his role in the MFP at the same time the constitutional court ordered the party to be dissolved for violating funding regulations and banned several leaders from politics for 10 years, including his predecessor Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit.

The incident occurred just one year after the party won more than 6 million votes and 81 seats in the 2019 election, becoming the third largest party in the Thai Parliament.

Mr. Pita then took power and rebuilt the MFP party.

The MFP leader's family is no stranger to politics. Mr. Pita is the nephew of Padung Limjaroenrat, a close aide to former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, while his father was an adviser to the Ministry of Agriculture.

Mr. Pita Limjaroenrat votes at a polling station on May 14 - Photo: REUTERS

Who is the young billionaire causing a stir in Thai politics?

Source: https://nld.com.vn/thoi-su-quoc-te/ti-phu-tre-gay-chan-dong-chinh-truong-thai-lan-la-ai-20230515153524096.htm