Pheu Thai announces its policy platform

The meeting, or the so-called Khao Yai Communiqué, resulted in nine key policy points for the new party, which was formed to serve as a new home for MPs from the disbanded People Power Party.

Former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra had a hand in the policy points, especially those with regards to people in rural areas, deputy party leader Plodprasop Suraswadi said.

Plodprasop said the nine policy points included upholding the nation, religion, His Majesty the King and a democratic Constitution. He added that the party was also going to protect the constitutional monarchy.

In its policy platform, Pheu Thai also promises to respect decisions made by the public and stick to the principles of law and a legal state. It also plans to ensure a strict enforcement of laws.

He said the party would promote a liberal, fair economic system and would adopt His Majesty's sufficiency theory. In addition, grassroots people would be given opportunities that improve their standard of living.

Another party leader, Panpree Phahithanukorn, described the seminar as a success.

"It shows that Pheu Thai is determined to become a strong opposing side in the House. It's also a step towards preparing for the next elections with quality policies," Panpree said.

Deputy party leader Chalerm Yoobamrung, who also acts as the chief Pheu Thai MP in the House, heavily criticised the current government's policies at the party seminar. He said Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva's government was wasting the state budget on populist policies that would only benefit a small fraction of the population.