MFP dissolution leads to new political outfit: The People’s Party
Members of the now-dissolved Move Forward Party (MFP) today launched their new political outfit, the People’s Party. Natthaphong “Teng” Ruengpanyawut, the former MFP Deputy Secretary-General, has been named the new leader of the rebranded party.
The Constitutional Court ordered the dissolution of the MFP on Wednesday, August 7, accusing the party of posing a threat to both the monarchy and the democratic form of government, with the king as head of state, by promoting a campaign to reform Section 112 of the Criminal Code, also known as the lèse-majesté law.
Following the dissolution, 11 leading members of the party, including the former party leader Pita Limjaroenrat and the former Secretary-General Chaithawat Tulathon, were banned from forming a new political party, joining the leadership of any party, or being part of the founding team.
However, the banned members, particularly Pita and Chaithawat, insisted on continuing their work and support to the new political party that the remaining 143 members would join.
MFP members today, August 9, held a press conference at the Thai Summit building to officially reveal the new name of their party.
Before the scheduled press conference, the MFP’s official Facebook page leaked its new name “พรรคประชาชน – People’s Party to its old members.
The People’s Party (พรรคประชาชน) is not new in Thai political history. The name was previously used during the General Election in 1988 under the leadership of Chaloemphan Siwikrom, who had once worked for the Democrat Party. The party managed to secure 19 seats in Parliament before its leader announced its dissolution in 1989 to merge with the Ruam Thai Party.
By people, for people
During today’s press conference, the party announced that their new political journey under the People’s Party would be led by the former MFP Deputy Secretary-General, 37 year old Natthaphong. Party members agreed that Natthapong is a good coordinator and possesses a pleasant nature.
Other members of the executive management team are:
- Sarayut Jailak – Secretary-General of the People’s Party
- Chutima Kotchaphan – Treasurer of the People’s Party
- Nattawut Buaprathum – Member Register of the People’s Party
- Phicharn Chaowapatanawong – Executive Committee Member of the People’s Party
Many expected Sirikunya Tansakun, the former Deputy Leader of the MFP, to take on the role of leader of the new party. However, she clarified that she had no intention of doing so. As a result, she and other party members nominated Natthaphong during their meeting.
Natthaphong also explained the origins of the new party’s name.
“The People’s Party maintains the same ideology as the MFP and its predecessor, the Future Forward Party, advocating that ultimate power belongs to the people. The new party aims to be a political force created by and for the people, with a mission to empower all Thai citizens.”
Natthaphong also explained the new logo of the party, an orange inverted pyramid combined with three hexagons, symbolising the six principles of the Khana Ratsadon.
People’s Party MP Parit Wacharasindhu elaborated on the logo, stating that the inverted triangle symbolises that supreme power belongs to the majority of Thai people, while the three hexagons represent freedom, equality, and fraternity.
Hope 2027 victory
Natthaphong announced the party’s mission under his leadership, stating that they aim to create a government of change in the General Election in 2027.
“Our minimum goal is to win the election and form a one-party government.”
Natthaphong disclosed that he has many tasks ahead, including restructuring the party, finding additional financial supporters, and creating campaigns that win the hearts of the people.
The new party leader also emphasised that he would not abandon an attempt to amend Section 112, as the verdict from the Constitutional Court did not order them to refrain from amending the law. He and the party members would continue their efforts carefully.
The People’s Party will begin accepting new membership applications at the Stadium One building near National Stadium BTS Station tomorrow, August 10.
