Wealth inequality becomes a focus of the election campaign
GRAPHICS: Karnjana Lao – The Nation
Thailand is among the countries with the largest gap between the rich and the poor, with a disproportionate slice of the national wealth and income going to the wealthiest 1 per cent of the population.
Meanwhile, the Pheu Thai and Democrats have been focussing on the ‘wealth gap’ as a theme in their electioneering, leading up to the February 24 poll next year. Both parties, traditionally political rivals, are slamming the current Thai government for economic shortfalls and accuse it of widening the national income gap.
The Democrat and Pheu Thai parties both unveiled their election platforms and key candidates for the national elections, with a focus on economic issues and state welfare.
Former PM and Democrat leader Abhisit Vejjajiva says his party had six policies to help low-income citizens, while Pheu Thai’s top candidates – Chatchart Sitthiphan and Khunying Sudarat Keyuraphan – slammed the outgoing military government’s economic policies, saying they had badly hurt middle- and low-income groups.
Both parties’ events were broadcast live on Facebook and other social-media platforms, which have become popular channels to reach voters.
SOURCES: The Nation, The Thaiger
