Global Courant 2023-04-16 11:08:25
NAKHON NAYOK/BANGKOK – The Bhumjaithai Party could prove to be a kingmaker in Thailand’s next government, with rumors of alleged deals with rival parties as the country’s general election approaches.
Led by construction magnate and politician Anutin Charnvirakul, the party faces the May 14 elections with confidence.
It has set its sights on winning at least 100 of the 500 seats up for grabs in the House of Commons of Parliament and, if successful, will solidify its position as kingmaker in a post-election coalition government.
Even the 2023 election slogan – “Said it and did it” – exudes a degree of certainty, especially about his performance over the four years in the incumbent coalition led by the pro-military Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP).
“With our remarkable performance, we have delivered everything we promised our people. This will inspire confidence in our people to elect the Bhumjaithai party, to elect Bhumjaithai back to parliament, in the hope that we can be part of the government,” Mr Anutin told The Straits Times on the sidelines of a meeting in the center. Nakhon Nayok province on April 11.
During the 2019 election, the party campaigned heavily for a pledge to liberalize cannabis in Thailand for medical and economic benefits. Last year, the plant was delisted as a narcotic, opening up a new market for wider cultivation and use.
While the Bhumjaithai sees the policy change as one of its most significant successes, it has also received flak from rival parties and welfare groups criticizing the move as hasty and incomplete.
Currently, a bill to regulate the cannabis industry is awaiting parliamentary approval, and a patchwork of laws is being used to curb sales of the substance to minors and prevent users from smoking it in public.
The Bhumjaithai has pledged to ensure that the bill passes if it returns to government in the upcoming election.
“We were able to deliver every policy we promised our people. It was successful during our term. From now on, there will be a few more new policies that will be very beneficial for the Thai people and Thailand,” said Mr. Anutin, who is also the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Health.
