Over 40,000 Members and B20 Million in Donations Raised on First Day of People’s Party Membership Drive
PUBLISHED: 10 Aug 2024 at 19:57
UPDATED: 10 Aug 2024 at 22:16
The People’s Party has achieved a significant milestone, amassing over 20 million baht in donations and recruiting nearly 40,000 members since its establishment. The party launched its membership drive on Saturday, opening registration at Stadium One in Bangkok, attracting a substantial crowd of supporters.
As of 8 PM on Saturday, the party reported over 20 million baht in donations and approached the 40,000 membership mark, rapidly exceeding its initial goal of raising 10 million baht in membership fees by August 31, which was realized within just nine hours.
The annual membership fee is set at 50 baht, with an optional 150-baht fee for those desiring a membership card, while lifetime memberships range from 350 to 500 baht.
Party leader Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut aims to register at least 100,000 members within the first month as the party gears up for the 2027 general election.
Natthaphong highlighted the swift influx of donations and strong membership demand as evidence of the party’s growing popularity and deep connections with the public, marking a seamless transition from the dissolved Move Forward Party.
This new party emerged following the Constitutional Court’s recent ruling to dissolve Move Forward due to allegations that its policy undermined the constitutional monarchy.
By-Election Candidate Announced
The People’s Party has also announced its candidate for the upcoming Phitsanulok by-election, aiming to replace Padipat Suntiphada, who has been banned from political activities for 10 years following the court’s dissolution ruling.
Natthaphong is optimistic about vying for the deputy speaker position in the House, given the party’s substantial membership, although it remains uncertain how they will navigate the rules prohibiting an MP from the main opposition party from holding such a role.
Additionally, Natthaphong has reaffirmed the People’s Party’s commitment to advocating for amendments to Section 112 of the Criminal Code, the lese-majeste law, while promising a cautious approach in response to the court’s ruling.
Coalition party leaders have cautioned the People’s Party to reconsider its position on amending Section 112, emphasizing its importance in protecting the monarchy and national security.
Criticism has also emerged regarding the People’s Party’s ambition to secure an outright majority in the next election, with suggestions to focus instead on recent provincial election results where the previous party candidates did not succeed.
