Challenge to Move Forward Party’s Rebirth

In a developing story, the leader of the Thai Pakdee Party has called for an investigation into the status of the People’s Party following the relocation of MPs from the disbanded Move Forward Party (MFP). Concerns have been raised regarding the People’s Party’s eligibility based on its number of regional branches.

Dr. Warong Dechgitvigrom, the Thai Pakdee Party leader, announced on social media his intention to request that the Election Commission (EC) evaluate whether the People’s Party meets the required criteria for political party status.

Dr. Warong expressed skepticism about the People’s Party’s capability to sustain its political standing since it is a rebranded iteration of the former Thinkakhaochaovilai Party. He believes that it lacks sufficient branches throughout Thailand.

According to the regulatory framework governing political parties, a party is automatically disqualified if it does not maintain at least one branch in every region for a duration of one year.

Records from the EC indicate that the Thinkakhaochaovilai Party, established in 2012, had only three branches located in the North and Central Plains, with no representation in the Southern or Northeastern regions.

“In the interest of transparency, the EC must investigate and provide an annual report detailing the status of its branches,” Dr. Warong emphasized.

“If the Thinkakhaochaovilai Party has been without branches in four regions for over a year, it will lose its party status, consequently barring the People’s Party from using it,” he asserted.

Dr. Warong indicated that his party will submit a formal petition to the EC on this matter.

Just days after the Constitutional Court disbanded the successful Move Forward Party, its MPs transitioned to the People’s Party to retain their legislative roles.

The People’s Party reported receiving over 20 million baht in donations within 32 hours and noted that nearly 40,000 individuals applied for membership within the first two days.

As the principal opposition party, the People’s Party has announced intentions to establish a single-party government post the forthcoming general election.