Pongpol's maternal grandfather Field Marshal Phin Choonhavan was the leader of the 1947 coup d'état and commander-in-chief of the Thai army from 1948 to 1954.

One of his aunts was married to police general Phao Sriyanond who was part of a triumvirate that ruled Thailand from 1952 to 1957.

After the 1973 popular uprising, Pongpol worked in the private sector with such positions as managing director of Royal Mosaic Exports Co., Ltd., president of Thailand Leatherwork Co., Ltd., and president of Express Transport Organization.

From April to June 1992 he also served as Minister of Foreign Affairs in Suchinda Kraprayoon's government.

After the 2006 coup d'état, the Constitutional tribunal dissolved the TRT party and banned all of its leading members, including Pongpol Adireksarn, from political offices for five years.