Charupong's father was the politician Charubutr Ruangsuwan, who served as President of the National Assembly in the 1980s[2] and Member of Parliament representing Khon Kaen Province for six terms (he was also a Seri Thai fighter during World War II,[3][4] and a scholar of Isan, i.e. Northeastern Thai, culture).

Coevally, he was the Chairman of the Board of Directors of Bangkok Mass Transit Authority starting from 2003.

When Pheu Thai Party chairman and Minister of Interior Yongyuth Wichaidit had to resign over a corruption scandal in September 2012, Charupong succeeded him in both positions.

[6] The government, that acted only in caretaker capacity after dissolving the House of Representatives in December 2013, was toppled by a military coup on 22 May 2014.

The junta ordered all cabinet members to report to their headquarters, but unlike other politicians Charupong refused to turn himself in.