Amidst the bustling polling unit in Bang Kapi district on May 14, 2023, where citizens queued up in cubicles to cast their votes, an intriguing political narrative has emerged. (Photo: Varuth Hirunyatheb)
The ruling Pheu Thai Party has found itself at the center of a whirlwind rumor suggesting a seismic shift in electoral strategy. The buzz? Allegations that they aim to dismantle the party-list electoral system to outmaneuver the burgeoning Move Forward Party (MFP) in the next election. Dramatic, right?
To dispel the speculation, enter Noppadon Pattama, a Pheu Thai list MP, who promptly stated that the notion was purely fictitious. “I’ve never heard of such a plan,” he proclaimed, brushing off the idea as nothing more than a figment of someone’s imagination.
The rumor mill got another spin from none other than Khunying Sudarat Keyuraphan, who claimed she received intel from a Pheu Thai insider. According to her, the whispers suggested that Pheu Thai’s charter amendment proposals involve scrapping the party-list system. This would make way for electing 500 MPs based solely on constituencies—a cunning tactical move to challenge MFP’s ascendancy, or so the story goes.
Taking a glance at the latest opinion poll by the National Institute of Development Administration (Nida), MFP appears to be riding a wave of popularity. Their chief adviser, Pita Limjaroenrat, is leading the crowd as the preferred candidate for the premiership, garnering 42.75% of the votes, up from 39.4%. Following him in the ranks is Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin of Pheu Thai, who saw a slight dip to 17.75% from 22.35% in December.
“Honestly, this rumor surprises me,” remarked Mr. Noppadon, a former foreign affairs minister. He seemed skeptical about the possibility of Pheu Thai proposing such a targeted charter amendment. “The party is concentrated on amending the charter to form a charter drafting assembly for a new constitution, not on axing the party-list system,” he clarified.
Moreover, Noppadon pointed out that any attempt to abolish the party-list system would likely ignite fierce opposition from MPs across the aisle and the caretaker senators. “Let’s not bother with this unfounded proposal. It doesn’t exist,” he firmly added.
Adding his voice to dispel the rumor, Nikorn Chamnong, director of the Chartthaipattana Party and secretary to a committee studying the charter referendum, dismissed the speculation as baseless. He emphasized that the existing electoral systems were quite adequate.
For a bit of context, last year’s general election saw the MFP clinch a whopping 151 MPs—112 from constituencies and 39 from the party list. In contrast, Pheu Thai secured 141 House seats—112 from constituencies and 29 from the party list. In a nationwide party-list race, MFP amassed over 14 million votes, charting victories in nearly all of the 77 provinces.
As the political landscape continues to evolve, one thing is clear—rumors, strategies, and counter-strategies will persist. Whether these whispers hold a grain of truth or are merely the stuff of political folklore, the electoral battleground remains a captivating spectacle, drawing the gaze of an intrigued electorate.
This seems like typical political maneuvering. Pheu Thai probably wants to protect their seats however they can.
But isn’t that what all political parties do? They try to stay in power.
Sure, but dismantling the party-list system sounds extreme. It would dismantle a significant part of representative democracy.
I think the rumor is just that, a rumor. Pheu Thai has denied it, so why should we believe otherwise?
Because political parties have a history of not always being transparent. Denial is an easy first response.
MFP’s rise in popularity is a good thing. It means people want change and are tired of the same old politics.
Or it means people are just hopping on the latest trend without understanding the implications.
That’s a cynical view. People are more informed now than ever before.
Informed, maybe. But are they critical? There’s a difference.
Why do we need 500 MPs anyway? Maybe we should streamline the system itself.
That’s an interesting point. But fewer MPs could mean less representation for smaller communities.
True, but it’s not like the current system is perfect. More doesn’t always mean better.
What a mess! Just proves how desperate some parties can get.
Electoral reforms are necessary, but not if they’re just about power grabs.
This rumor, if it were true, would change the entire dynamic of the election. It’s worth watching closely.
Credibility is everything. Rumors like these make it hard to trust any party.
It’s hard to believe anything in politics nowadays. Everyone has an agenda.
I don’t understand why Pheu Thai is so fixated on MFP. Worry about your own policies!
Isn’t it funny how these rumors always come up before an election? Coincidence? I think not.
I think most people just want stability. Drastic changes like this rumor suggests won’t be welcomed.
The political drama never ends. It’s like watching a soap opera.
Except this soap opera affects all of our lives.
I’m more interested in Pita’s rise. MFP’s popularity should be a wake-up call for traditional parties.
We need more transparency in politics. Rumors wouldn’t spread as much if we had that.
If Pheu Thai were really planning this, they’d be shooting themselves in the foot long term.
Unless they have a long-term game plan we’re not seeing.
The real question is, why are rumors like this so easy to believe? What does that say about the trust we have in our politicians?
I think it says a lot about the current political climate. Distrust and speculation are rampant.
It’s funny how people get worked up over unverified rumors. Focus on facts, folks.
True, but even rumors have a basis in reality sometimes.
Whether true or not, this rumor adds another layer of intrigue to an already complex political landscape.