The Election Commission (EC) confirmed yesterday that the People’s Party (PP), the reincarnation of the disbanded Move Forward Party (MFP), had successfully established party branches as legally mandated. This confirmation arrives amid allegations from Thai Pakdee Party leader Warong Dechgitvigrom, who is preparing to file a petition against the PP over its predecessor, Thin Kakao Chaovilai, failing to register enough party branches.
It is worth noting that Thin Kakao Chaovilai was taken over by members of the MFP after their party was dissolved by the Constitutional Court last Wednesday for allegedly undermining the constitutional monarchy. The party rebranded itself as People’s Power, officially launching last Friday. However, Dr. Warong contends that Thin Kakao Chaovilai had managed to establish only two branches in the North and one in the Central Plains, leaving the South and Northeast regions unrepresented. According to the law, a political party must maintain at least one branch in each of the four regions for a consecutive year to remain legally valid.
EC secretary-general Sawaeng Boonmee confirmed that Thin Kakao Chaovilai had indeed registered all the required party branches, following legal protocols. The Office of the EC had already completed its inquiry into the matter. “Officials are sent to oversee the proceedings when a party branch is established. Once the meeting to register a branch concludes, the branch’s creation is legally binding,” he assured.
Mr. Sawaeng further explained that the process involves reporting to the political party registrar, who ensures compliance with the law. Although the establishment of the party branches is considered complete, it has yet to be officially acknowledged, and the EC’s database is still pending updates.
On a promising note, Mr. Sawaeng mentioned that the PP is in the midst of setting up a new branch in Phitsanulok. Once operational, this branch will field a candidate for an upcoming by-election necessitated by the political ban on former deputy House speaker Padipat Santipada, following the dissolution of the MFP.
Phakhaon Noon-anant, a PP list-MP, firmly asserted that the party now has branches in every region, urging Dr. Warong to verify his information before taking any drastic measures. She even went a step further, challenging Dr. Warong—a former MP for Phitsanulok—to contest the by-election to ascertain if he still retains voter support.
Amid these affirmations and challenges, Dr. Warong took to Facebook yesterday to announce his intention to move forward with the planned petition, which he aims to submit to the EC today. “We are not discussing the present situation. The EC must investigate whether the Thin Kakao Chaovilai Party had branches in every region for at least one year before it was taken over,” he emphasized.
In this dynamic political landscape, the unfolding events concerning the PP and Dr. Warong’s persistent objections showcase the challenges that political parties in Thailand must navigate to maintain legitimacy and public trust.
This whole situation just shows how corrupt politics is in Thailand. The People’s Party is just Move Forward Party with a new name. How can anyone trust them?
Exactly! If they were truly about the people, they would have done things the right way from the beginning and not cause all this mess.
That’s not fair. The MFP was dissolved for political reasons, and you know it. The new PP is just trying to continue their work under harsh conditions.
Nida, explain to me how undermining the constitutional monarchy is ‘continuing their work’? They knew the rules but still chose to break them.
Hold up! Isn’t it more corrupt for Warong to be moving forward with flimsy allegations to discredit them? Isn’t this just classic political mudslinging?
Peemai has a point. Warong’s just bitter because he can’t seem to get any traction with his own party. Let the EC do their job.
I’m tired of these political games. Both sides need to focus on real issues affecting our country instead of this constant back-and-forth.
Absolutely agree, Suprida. But as long as leaders like Warong keep stirring the pot, it’s hard to see any real change happening.
I think this legal nitpicking is just a distraction. We should be asking why the MFP was dissolved in the first place. Clearly, it wasn’t just about party branches.
Benz, you hit the nail on the head. The problem is much deeper than just following procedural mandates.
But rules are rules. If a party can’t follow the basic procedures, how can they govern the country effectively?
Sakchai, rules are important, but we need to think about the context in which those rules are applied. Sometimes they’re just used to silence opposition.
Warong is making a big fuss over nothing. The EC already confirmed the branches were established legally. Can we move on?
Agreed. This is a waste of time and resources. We should let the EC update their database and get on with more urgent matters.
Why is Warong so obsessed with this? Is he afraid of the competition from the PP in Phitsanulok?
The whole system seems broken to me. If these technicalities can dissolve a party so easily, what’s stopping this from happening again?
Good point, Napapang. It’s almost like they want to keep the playing field uneven.
I think it’s more about ensuring everyone follows the same rules. It’s not fair if some parties get special treatment.
Warong should focus on creating policies that benefit the people instead of wasting time on these allegations. Just participate in the by-election if he’s so confident.
True! If he’s so sure of his popularity, let the voters decide who they support.
Exactly, Rachanee. Let democracy take its course instead of creating unnecessary drama.
I think the new branch in Phitsanulok is a good move by the PP. They are showing they are still active and committed to the political process.
Even if they establish all the branches, does it change the fact that they supposedly undermined the constitutional monarchy? This is about trust and integrity.
Jakapon, it’s tough. Trust takes a long time to build and seconds to destroy. But we need to give them a chance to prove themselves.
Thai politics is becoming too chaotic. Can’t we have a stable government just for once?
I feel the same, Mick. It’s exhausting trying to keep up with all these political sagas.
Dr. Warong seems more interested in creating controversy than finding solutions. Maybe he should consider stepping down for someone more constructive.
Regardless of the outcome, this situation sheds light on the flaws in our electoral system. Major reforms are needed.
Can’t help but feel that this whole scenario is just an attempt to silence opposition voices. Where’s the fairness in that?
Valeen, sometimes it feels like a never-ending cycle of rigged games and political suppression.
So, when will we know for sure if the PP is fully compliant? The uncertainty is frustrating.
Agreed. The EC needs to be more transparent about their timeline and process.
I’m skeptical of both sides at this point. Thai politics needs a complete overhaul to regain public trust.
Indeed, Meth. Our system is long overdue for a change.
Despite the drama, the People’s Party setting up new branches shows they’re determined. Let’s see if they can maintain this momentum.