Mahachon Party

Dear Nation Readers,

Judging from what you read in the newspapers and from political critics, the next general election seems to be a foregone conclusion, especially in Bangkok. If you listen to the government and the opposition, this election is between the Thai Rak Thai and Democrat parties.

But, recent surveys show that more than 50 per cent of Bangkokians are still undecided.

Looking back in history, before elections became compulsory, turnout in Bangkok was always low because most people were “bored” with politics.

History also suggests that Bangkokians are “late deciders”. Many times in the past, they voted with emotion. A “love-hate relationship” was quite common and vote swings regular.

Nothing has changed! There is no argument that Thai Rak Thai won the last election convincingly in Bangkok.

But four years on, sentiments are not the same. A lot of people are talking about CEO-style leadership, which leads to what has been branded as a “modern dictatorship”. Conflicts of interest and corruption have surfaced in many sectors. Populist policies spend taxpayers’ money like there is no tomorrow, just to win votes and secure another term. Many have demanded a change and vow to cast an anti-government vote.

Mahachon Party understands people’s sentiments and needs. But as a new party, communicating our policies has not been easy. We placed TV commercials, which were banned two weeks later. Then the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration took down our campaign billboards.

We are determined to be a “real choice”, with different policies, highlighting the “sufficient economy”, social security, better education, power distribution and fairness to do business so that wealth is not amassed by a privileged few.

Mahachon believes asking Bangkokians for power to perform checks and balances is not enough. We believe that this is really the “time for a change”.

Smita Sorasuchart
Party treasurer and candidate for Bangkok constituency 24