It might be possible to say that Future Forward has one of the most experienced labour network amongst political parties in Thailand. One of the people who contributes to this strength is Sunthon, an officer at the Labour Congress Centre for Labour Union of Thailand (2005 – present), who is also a founding member of Future Forward party.
Despite extensive involvement with labour movements, Sunthorn is no stranger to politics. He has joined multiple political movements, including Black May in 1992, as well as movements against coup d’etat in both 2006 and 2014. From a labour union leader to the world of politics, Sunthon brings with him the strong belief in equality without class discrimination.
Profile
Sunthon was born on 1 January 1956. The 59-year-old father has four sons and three daughters. He studied at Ban Plak Prue School (1970) and Phokiriratseuksa School (1973) in Khok Pho district, Pattani province. He holds a Diploma from Yala Vocational School (1978).
After graduating from vocational school, he bagan working as an auto mechanic for many private companies. These include Wira Konlakan Co., Ltd. (1978 - 1981), Karnasuta General Assembly Company (1981 - 1984), and Summit Autoparts Assembly Company (1991).
At the same time, he also started to take part in mobilising labour movements through the labour union. He was an officer at the Paper and Printing Unions Federation of Thailand (PPFT) from 1984 to 1991, an officer at the Federation of Bank and Financial Worker's Unions of Thailand from 1992 to 2004, and at the Labour Congress Centre for Labour Union of Thailand from 2005 till present.
His most significant contribution is advocating for the social security law and amendments to the labour protection law. He played an important role in representing clients in Labour Court, helping workers who faced wrongful discharge, and is also a lecturer for labour laws. He works in organising private sector labour union, including banks and NGOs. It can be said that Sunthon has dedicated himself to the labour union work and labour rights for over 40 years.
Why Future Forward
Sunthon Bunyod has known Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit since 1999, when Thanathorn was still a student at Thammasat University. Thanathorn was active politically and joined many social and political activities. One of which is the labour network activities, including at the Government House, the Ministry of Labour and in front of one of the factories in Kingkeaw area, protesting the firing of over 8,000 employees.
For almost 20 years of friendship, Sunthon turns from a labour rights activist to a Future Forward member because of trust and confidence he places in his old friend Thanathorn.
Fun Facts
Sunthon spends his free time on books and films, especially history films, including those about China or Korea. Sunthon has an admiration for Jintara Poonlarp, a country singer, and Mor Lam ‘Pin Kan’. Thai Boxing, which requires agiltiy and skills, is also one of his passion.
