Parit Wacharasindhu
Parit Wacharasindhu | |
|---|---|
| File:Parit .jpg | |
| Born | Parit Wacharasindhu 10 December 1992 Bangkok, Thailand |
| Other names | Itim |
| Education | St John's College, University of Oxford |
| Occupation(s) | politician, TV host |
| Years active | 2018–present |
| Political party | Democrat Party |
Parit Wacharasindhu (Template:Lang-th; born: December 10, 1992) a Thai politician, usually known by his nickname Itim (ไอติม).
Early Life
Parit was born into a prominent Thai family. Both his parents are doctors and his mother, Prof. Dr. Alisa Wacharasindhu (née Vejjajiva), is also the eldest sister of former prime minister, Abhisit Vejjajiva and former Democrat Party leader.[1]
Education
Parit graduated from Chulalongkorn University Demonstration Elementary School. When he was nine years old, he traveled to study in England at Preparatory School and Eton College (including Shrewsbury International School in Thailand). He received a Bachelor's degree in Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PPE), from St John's College, University of Oxford like his uncle Abhisit.
During his studies at the Oxford in 2014, he was elected president of the Oxford Union, the largest student society at Oxford University, and one of the oldest debating societies in the world. He is the first Thai to take this role.[2]
He is widely known in Thai society from being a trainee at the Office of the Prime Minister in 2009 while Abhisit was Prime Minister.[3]
Early Career
After graduating from Oxford, Parit wanted to work in Thai politics. However, the country was still under military rule and there were no planned elections. Instead, he became a consultant for the firm McKinsey, working on various projects in the Southeast Asia region.[4]
Political Career
In 2018, Parit left his job at McKinsey and returned to Thailand to start his career in Thai politics. He joined the Democrat Party and affirmed his desire to run for office to become a member of the House of Representatives.
While waiting for the military junta to declare elections, Parit hosted and co-produced a TV series "Hen Kub Ta" (เห็นกับตา; lit: "see with eyes") on PPTV HD, starting May 4, 2018.[5] The show consisted of him trying out different jobs (such as garbage collector) in each episode.
He also co-founded the "New Dem" group within the Democrat Party, with the goals of ushering in a new generation of Democrat politicians.
On December 26, 2018 he was assigned to be a candidate in Bangkok's 13rd constituency, consisting of Bang Kapi and Wang Thonglang (only Phlabphla) in the 2019 general election.[6] The seat was previously held by Nat Bantadtan (son of previous Democrat leader, Bunyat Bantadtan) and is considered a strong Democrat constituency. Generally, first time candidates like Parit are not assigned to run in safe seats as these seats are reserved for incumbents or more senior party members.
However, the Democrat Party faced a devastating defeat in the 2019 election, losing all its seats in Bangkok, which is traditionally a Democrat stronghold. Parit, who ran in Bangkok's 13th constituency, came in 4th place.[7]
Post 2019 election
After news reports that senior members of the party planned to join Palang Pracharath's, the pro-junta party, coalition, Parit and his New Dem colleagues came out against this move, citing the party's campaign promise that it won't back Gen. Prayut and support the junta's continuation of power. Instead, Parit urged the party to organize an open primary where the party's members and non-members could vote on the party's future.
Parit stated in interviews that he remains committed to working in politics as a part of the Democrat Party.
Personal Life
Parit is known for his relationship with the Channel 3's actress Nuttanicha "Nychaa" Dungwattanawanich. They were together for three years before they broke up in 2017.[8]
References
- ^ "10 รู้จัก ไอติม พริษฐ์ ไฮโซหนุ่มไฟแรง ถอดแบบน้ามาเป๊ะๆ". Thai Rath (in Thai). 2018-04-10.
- ^ BUDSARAKHAM SINLAPALAVAN, KOR (2014-04-28). "Abhisit's nephew 'Itim' first Thai to lead top Oxford society". The Nation.
- ^ "ทำเนียบคึกคัก ไอติม หลานนายกฯ หวนฝึกงานรอบ 2". Kapook.com (in Thai). 2009-07-14.
- ^ Countdown 11: Itim Parit Wacharasindhu, retrieved 2019-03-16
- ^ ""ไอติม พริษฐ์" นั่งแท่นพิธีกร "เห็นกับตา" เจาะลึกอาชีพในมุมที่คุณไม่เคยรู้". PPTV HD (in Thai). 2018-05-03.
- ^ "รับฟังทำได้จริง 'ไอติม' ขันอาสา!ปชป.ไฟเขียวลงเขตบางกะปิ-วังทองหลาง". Thaipost (in Thai). 2018-12-26.
- ^ Thaitrakulpanich, Asaree; Reporter, Staff (2019-03-25). "Surprises, Snubs of Thailand's 2019 Election". Khaosod English. Retrieved 2019-04-11.
- ^ "'ณิชา'น้ำตาคลอเบ้า ยอมรับเลิก'ไอติม'แล้ว". Daily News (in Thai). 2017-09-12.