Legality of People’s Party Donations Questioned Following Financial Gains

A constitutional court judge has raised concerns regarding the legality of fundraising conducted by the newly formed People’s Party (PP).

Judge Udom Sittiwirattham highlighted legal ambiguities following an event where the PP garnered over 17 million baht in donations from supporters.

During a seminar discussing the Constitutional Court’s role in safeguarding citizens’ rights, Judge Udom questioned whether the PP, which emerged from the dissolved Move Forward Party (MFP), had the legal authority to collect donations prior to its official registration.

The judge stated, “It remains uncertain if the PP is allowed to receive donations before it is formally registered.”

Although the PP has begun soliciting donations, it is unclear under which party name the donation receipts were issued, as the party was formerly known as the Thin Kakao Chaovilai Party.

Judge Udom further remarked that the PP was reportedly using an old bank account associated with the Thin Kakao Chaovilai Party to process donations, suggesting this information requires verification.

The PP has submitted paperwork for its official name change to the Election Commission but is still awaiting approval. Following approval, the PP’s establishment must be published in the Royal Gazette for the registration to be considered legal.

Since its inception on August 9, the PP has claimed over 33,000 members and raised significant funds within a short period.

The MPs from the dissolved MFP transitioned to the Thin Kakao Chaovilai Party, rebranding it as the PP.

Judge Udom noted that the MFP’s dissolution had some silver linings, citing the swift fundraising success of the new party. “They’ve managed to collect millions in just days,” he commented lightheartedly.

Despite the initial turmoil surrounding the dissolution, MFP supporters expressed both discontent and elation following the PP’s rapid rise and fundraising achievements.

The Election Commission has pledged to investigate claims that the PP may have acted unlawfully by operating as a political party prior to formal recognition.

This situation underscores the complexities associated with political party registrations and fundraising regulations in Thailand as the PP seeks to solidify its standing.