The Move Forward Party (MFP), Thailand’s leading opposition party, is currently in the middle of a serious crisis. Despite its swift rise as a political force with progressive views, the party is currently involved in a series of internal disputes that seem to be harming its reputation.
The MFP has been generally applauded for its commitment to core ethical values, standing firm in the face of challenges and promoting equality and respect, particularly regarding gender. But it is on this very principle that they have entered choppy waters. The party consistently finds itself battling allegations of misconduct from within its ranks.
The storm erupted when an anti-MFP webpage named ‘Wannee Kao Klai Kohok Arai’ (What Lies Have the Move Forward Party Been Telling Today?) brought to public attention the indiscreet behaviors of two MFP constituency MPs.The implicated lawmakers, Wittiphong Thonglour of Prachin Buri and Chaiyamphawan Manpianjit of Bangkok, were hence caught in a whirlwind of controversy.
With the party being pushed into conducting a probe into the allegations at a snail’s pace, an increasing number of supporters started voicing their frustration over the slow progress. The MFP, previously known for its moral high ground, was accused of protecting its members.
Finally succumbing to mounting pressure, MFP released a decision on Nov 1st, declaring both Mr. Wittiphong and Mr. Chaiyamphawan guilty of sexual harassment. Still, the party’s treatment of the two guilty parties was questioned, as Mr. Wittiphong was expelled while Mr. Chaiyamphawan was only given an ultimatum to apologize to his victims and cease all communications that could damage their reputation.
Subsequently, it was discovered that despite publicly accepting the party’s resolution, Mr. Chaiyamphawan had continued to smear his victims, prompting a second meeting on Nov 7th to strip him of his membership. These series of events led critics to observe that the party had snared itself in its own trap.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin’s announcement on Nov 10 about the government’s plan to borrow 500 billion baht to finance digital money handouts sparked widespread criticism. Doubts over the legality of the loan bill and the potential for increased national debt were raised by observers, making things more challenging for the prime minister.
However, Mr. Srettha remains confident in the government’s support, stating that the bill will surely get the backing of 320 votes in parliament. Still, with the digital wallet policy being closely watched by the National Anti-Corruption Commission and many complaints being filed, it remains uncertain whether the coalition will give the policy the green light.
Some political analysts opine that Mr. Srettha’s time as PM may be running out, given his handling of the loan bill. If the bill fails, he must take the tough call of either resigning or dissolving the House. However, this might open the door for Pheu Thai leader Paetongtarn Shinawatra who has already shown signs of her readiness to take the helm should the time come.
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