Thananon Niramit, better known as Khun Jaa, is the wife of the 32nd Prime Minister, Anutin Charnvirakul, and a respected businesswoman in her own right.
Born on Jan 14, 1986 in Ranong, Ms Thananon, now 39, is the youngest of four daughters in a family that owns Jin Heng Auto Parts, a car parts business in the province. She was educated at Triam Udom Suksa School and graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Liberal Arts from Thammasat University.
During her student years, she was selected as drum major for the university at the annual Chulalongkorn–Thammasat football match, a role that first brought her public recognition.
She later completed the Mini National Defence College programme at the National Defence College, where her classmates included Paetongtarn Shinawatra, the 31st prime minister.
A long-time entrepreneur, Ms Thananon owns JaJaa Coffee in Ranong, a café she has run for nearly 20 years.
The shop has grown into a well-known spot, frequented by political figures and locals alike. Her career also included serving as an honorary adviser to the Interior Ministry’s Housewives Association when Mr Anutin was Interior Minister.
Her relationship with Mr Anutin began during his tenure as Public Health Minister, when he visited Ranong. Introduced by local Bhumjaithai MP Kongkrit Chatmaleerat, the encounter developed into a partnership that culminated in marriage. In 2022, Mr Anutin formally introduced her as his wife at a Government House ceremony.
Ms Thananon has spoken warmly of her husband’s personality, describing him as humorous, considerate, and grounded.
Committed to social and cultural causes, Ms Thananon actively promotes Thai textiles, which she sees as embodying artistry, heritage, and economic opportunity for rural communities.
According to her 2023 asset declaration to the National Anti-Corruption Commission, she held assets of 39.48 million baht, largely in deposits, a Mercedes-Benz, life insurance policies, and other property, with annual income of around 839,520 baht from her café.
Today, Ms Thananon stands as both a successful entrepreneur and the steadfast partner of the prime minister, often described as his "wind beneath the wings."
