Slew of new parties formed
Seven new political parties have been formed this year - including two registered in recent days, with the aim of contesting the next general election.
The Election Commission (EC) said that six parties have registered since the House was dissolved on February 24. The two latest parties are still awaiting EC approval. The Dam Rong Thai Party was the first to register after Parliament was dissolved, with leader Natthawat Nuchanart registering on March 2. The Thai Agriculture Labour Party was registered on March 15 by Warapong Klansuta. Warapong said he formed the party to assist farmers and workers and intends to field candidates in Phayao, Phrae, Kanchanaburi, Buri Ram, Chumphon, Surat Thani and Samut Prakan. But he admitted his party would not be able to compete with the major parties. The Santipab Thai Party, led by Weerasak Uppatham, registered on March 22. Weerasak said he was also ready to field candidates in the next election. The party plans to field 100 party-list candidates, and might field constituency candidates in some provinces. The party plans to target predominantly Muslim constituencies in the South, he said. The Labour Party, led by Techin Tap-plee, registered on April 18. The Strength of the Land Party, led by former party-list Thai Rak Thai MP Likhit Dhiravegin and Sarit Santimethanedol, applied for EC approval last Friday. And Thai Citizen Freedom Party chief Pisal Younfpeasit submitted his group's application on Monday. The Royal People Party, founded by Wang Nam Yen faction leader Snoh Thienthong, registered on January 10, before the House dissolution. Although the party is seen as Snoh's, Thanbunsong Promsutra serves as its leader. - Sucheera Pinijparakarn, The Nation
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