Bangkok: Amidst the intensifying election campaign for 2026, with less than 10 days remaining, many political parties are actively campaigning and explaining their policies to the public. One new political party, the New Opportunity Party, led by Mr. Jatuporn Buruspat, a former Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment and former Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Commerce, has emerged. He presents an interesting political perspective with a key concept: using "management to lead politics" to overcome long-standing conflicts in Thai society.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Jatuporn stated that it is time for Thai politics to stop the infighting and factionalism. The New Opportunity Party focuses on resolving long-standing problems using his experience as a high-ranking civil servant, emphasizing four key policy areas that address the quality of life of the people.
The party aims to ensure all Thais have equitable access to the welfare system, shifting the concept from passively receiving "charity" to recognizing it as a "right" that citizens are entitled to at all ages. In addressing economic and debt problems, the policies include reducing expenses, such as providing the first 500 units of electricity free, and a "debt freezing" measure for 3-5 years to temporarily halt principal, interest, and legal proceedings in order to reorganize the financial system. Simultaneously, efforts are being made to find new sources of national income through tourism and exports.
With over 6 years of experience working at the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, Mr. Jatuporn focuses on addressing the PM2.5 problem seriously. His ideas include phasing out all internal combustion engine government vehicles and replacing them with electric vehicles (EVs), as well as negotiating at the regional level to reduce open burning.
The party also aims to reduce inequality and combat corruption, with a focus on resolving issues of agricultural land, drug problems, and decisively suppressing scammer gangs. A key issue is addressing the aging society. The New Opportunity Party proposes reforming merged schools in rural areas into "Retirement Leisure Centers" to care for the elderly nationwide. The focus is on transforming the elderly, who are often viewed as a "burden," into a "strength" for society, by inviting knowledgeable retired civil servants to serve as consultants in local initiatives.
Mr. Jatuporn proposed a complete overhaul of the civil service system by implementing AI and information technology in the approval process to reduce official discretionary power, which is a loophole for corruption. He also emphasized the importance of transparency through public participation in monitoring government procurement projects and suggested adjusting civil servant salaries to reflect the current economic conditions.
Jatuporn's clear stance in this election is stated as, "Whether I win or lose isn't the issue. What Thailand needs is for the country to move forward." He wants to see all politicians who govern the country prioritize national interests and work genuinely to lead Thailand out of its old traps for the lasting happiness of its people.