Organizer: NYSEAN
Type/Location: In Person / New York, NY
Description:
Join NYSEAN for a Thai Election Watch Party on February 8, 2026, as Thailand heads into one of the most consequential elections in recent history. The event will be held at NYU Wagner from 9:30–11:00 AM, with breakfast provided.
We are honored to welcome Ms. Kunthida Rungruengkiat, former Deputy Leader of the Future Forward Party, the predecessor of today’s People’s Party, as our special guest.
Three years ago, Thailand’s progressive democratic movement achieved a historic breakthrough with the victory of the Move Forward Party, raising hopes for meaningful political change. Yet the years that followed were marked by political instability and judicial interventions. Party dissolution, leadership disqualifications, and rapid changes in government have reshaped Thailand’s political landscape, alongside growing challenges in governance, public infrastructure, and regional tensions.
As votes are counted live, this watch party offers a space to follow the results together, reflect on Thailand’s political trajectory, and discuss what the outcome may mean for the country’s future.
Join us for a morning of live coverage, discussion, and community as this critical moment in Thai politics unfolds.
Schedule:
9:00 - 9:30 AM: Doors open; breakfast is served.
9:30 - 10:30 AM: Global Town Hall
10:30 - 11:00 AM: Reception
About the Speaker:
Kunthida Rungruengkiat is an academic and politician in Thailand. She previously served as a Member of Parliament and Deputy Leader of the Future Forward Party. Her policy focus included education reform and the improvement of early childhood education. Following the disbandment of the Future Forward Party by the Constitutional Court, she received a 10-year ban from contesting in any election. She is currently the Director of the Progressive Movement Foundation, a political organization operating primarily outside of Parliament, working to empower citizens to engage in politics, and the MPP candidate at School of Public Policy and International Affairs, Princeton University.
Registration:
To attend the event in person, please register here.