Dark clouds gather over yellow election bid
The People's Alliance for Democracy and its political arm, the New Politics Party, share an ideology but differ in their approach, leaving their presence at the polls in doubt
The New Politics Party's involvement in this year's general election has yet to be confirmed, with dissension between supporters and party executives.
The NPP is the official party representing the interests of the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD), but the two arms of the movement differ in their approach to the election.
The PAD, which ostensibly represents the people though is not a political party, is pushing a "Vote No" campaign, encouraging supporters to demonstrate their lack of confidence in what it calls "old-style politics".
But founding members and executives of the NPP, which was formed two years ago, are resolute in their intention to contest the election, in which victory will, of course, rely on winning votes.
There is particular opposition to the PAD's Vote No campaign among NPP branch representatives in Udon Thani, a provincial stronghold of the opposition Puea Thai Party and its affiliated red shirt protest movement and PAD rival, the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship.
Ill feeling already exists between some NPP members and the PAD, as many party figures are upset that certain PAD members pushed for the formation of the NPP and yet did not join the party once it was established.
But internal yellow shirt rifts are not the only reason that the NPP may choose not to contest the election. Some members have also been disheartened by the crushing defeat inflicted upon the party in last year's Bangkok election.
The matter will be decided on April 24 at the party's annual meeting.
Danuch Tanterdtid, president of the NPP's Udon Thani branch, said the looming election talk was already causing a nuisance to the party, with different members and supporters pitching different strategies, including the Vote No campaign.
"Of course, [these conflicting opinions] are a pity and we will regret if we can't run in this election," he said.
"We believe, despite having lesser funds [than the major parties], we could find a rising star who could tap the imagination of voters and financial supporters and win us a few seats so we can instil our ideology in mainstream politics."
Kunyarat Sae Juang, registrar of the NPP Udon Thani branch, said party membership costs 170 baht, or 80 baht for students.
In Udon Thani, there were only 338 members, but this did not deter her from working for the party.
She pointed out that the Democrat Party is more than 60 years old but has only 2 million members, while the Bhumjaithai Party has 27,000 members and Puea Thai about 20,000.
"If the [claimed] 24 million PAD supporters enrolled for NPP membership, the party would certainly gain more momentum," she said.
Suprawee Singhasuriya, secretary of the NPP Udon Thani branch, said Thailand's "colour politics" should be considered a blessing in disguise.
"It's a socio-political development of our society," she said.
"At least people at all levels can speak their mind."
NPP executive board member Banjong Na Sae said the party has a rule-based structure and the opinions of the few would not dictate its future.
Mr Banjong, a staunch PAD supporter and now also a NPP member, said most of those advocating the Vote No movement were not NPP members, and criticised those PAD members who pushed for the formation of an official party, while being unwilling to invest in its growth.
"We have been doing and are continuing to do our work to build up politics that respond to the real needs of the people, not the politicians, and the politics that care for society and the environment," said Mr Banjong.
Source: http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/politics/230047/dark-clouds-gather-over-yellow-election-bid
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