As Thailand approaches a pivotal general election, the pro-democracy People's Party, led by prime ministerial candidate Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut, is emerging as a frontrunner in opinion polls. However, the political landscape remains fraught with uncertainty, as the party navigates legal challenges and coalition-building obstacles in a nation familiar with political upheaval.
A Youthful Movement Seeking Democratic Change
At a recent rally in Udon Thani, north-eastern Thailand, enthusiastic supporters, many of them young students, showered 38-year-old Natthaphong with gifts, including orange garlands and fresh fruit, symbolising the party's trademark colour. Natthaphong, a former software engineer who became the youngest opposition leader in 2024, urged the crowd to support democracy, stating, "If you define yourselves ... as being on the side of democracy, give us a chance. This party loves democracy."
The People's Party, which has been dissolved twice by Thailand's constitutional court and forced to regroup under new names, is fuelled by support from young and urban voters. It promises reforms to democratise the country and break up economic monopolies, resonating with those seeking structural change. Supporter Rattanakorn Boonchi, 46, expressed a common sentiment: "I've lived through so many elections in my life, I don't want to see the same system again. I want equality for the people, and for young people to be able to express their opinions freely."
Legal Battles and Coalition Hurdles
Despite leading in polls, the People's Party is not expected to win an outright majority, setting the stage for a complex coalition-building process. It faces opposition from incumbent Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul of Bhumjaithai, who has royalist military conservative backing, and Pheu Thai, the party associated with jailed former leader Thaksin Shinawatra, which remains a powerful force despite declining support.
Legal issues also loom large. The party's predecessor, Move Forward, was dissolved by the constitutional court in 2023 after winning the most votes, blocked by military-appointed senators from taking power due to its pledge to reform the lese-majesty law. Natthaphong is among 44 former Move Forward lawmakers under investigation by the National Anti-Corruption Commission for ethics breaches related to this policy, which the party has since dropped. He maintains the case is "very low risk" and asserts, "it is the right of the MPs to propose law amendments in the parliament."
Economic Priorities and Voter Sentiments
Natthaphong identifies tackling corruption as the party's top priority, aiming to attract investment and revive Thailand's stagnating economy. This message strikes a chord with supporters like first-time voter Khatawut Sukmarach, 18, who says, "Corruption is the first priority and if we solve that, the rest will follow." He emphasises the need for decentralised job opportunities away from Bangkok, a view echoed by others seeking economic equality.
Dr Napon Jatusripitak, a visiting fellow at ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute, notes that the People's Party's critique of patronage politics, which it claims breeds corruption, may appeal to some voters. However, in a slow-growth economy, it faces a tough sell against parties offering more immediate, constituency-based solutions. "It's really uncertain whether voters would prefer a candidate from a party that has performed strong constituency service ... or whether they would prefer a party that has proposed to engage in a more structural reform," he explains.
Election Dynamics and Regional Challenges
On election day, voters will elect 400 constituency seats and 100 party-list seats, while also being asked if they support drafting a new constitution—a process backed by the People's Party to make the charter more democratic. The party is likely to perform well in urban centres like Bangkok and Chiang Mai but must gain traction in rural areas such as Udon Thani, a stronghold for Thaksin Shinawatra's Pheu Thai.
Local market seller Kamjan Pohsaeng, about 50, reflects lingering loyalty to Pheu Thai, saying, "I have been voting Pheu Thai since I was 18." Despite weariness over political instability—this could be the fourth prime ministerial change since 2023—she plans to vote, highlighting the high stakes.
Natthaphong remains optimistic, telling the Guardian after taking selfies with supporters, "I truly believe that if we have a turnout of more than 80% in this election, we can bring real change to bring back the politics in Thailand to belong to the people." As Thailand stands at a crossroads, the People's Party's bid for power underscores a broader struggle for democratic renewal amid entrenched political forces.
