Lamphun Vote: People’s Party’s Future Hinges on Thailand’s Election
Thailand’s political landscape is rife with intrigue. The main opposition People’s Party (PP) is navigating its first foray into local administration following a landmark victory in Lamphun province, while simultaneously facing obstacles in its push for national charter reform. The PP’s recent win of the provincial administrative organization (PAO) presidency in Lamphun, a small northern province bordering Chiang Mai, is touted by the party as a crucial experiment—the «Lamphun model»—and a potential springboard for success in the 2027 general election. However, critics question the party’s preparedness and strategic vision, highlighting the challenges of translating national political aspirations into effective local governance.
The February 2 PAO election marked a significant breakthrough for the PP after a series of defeats in similar contests nationwide. Despite significant resource deployment and prominent figures, the party had failed to secure a PAO chief position until its Lamphun triumph. This victory, achieved with a notable 73% voter turnout, has reinvigorated the PP, prompting party leader Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut to quickly unveil the «Lamphun model.» This initiative aims to showcase the party’s administrative capabilities by prioritizing projects such as province-wide potable water access. Critics, however, argue this focus might be misaligned with the predominantly rural needs of the Lamphun community, suggesting the PP’s urban-centric approach needs recalibration to effectively address rural challenges.
Adding complexity, the PP’s narrative—portraying its candidate, Weeradej Pupisit, as a lone warrior triumphing over a local political dynasty—has been challenged. Mr. Weeradej’s family, the Pupisits, are themselves a recognized political force in Lamphun, with his father, Prasert, a former PAO president. The defeat of the incumbent, four-time winner Anusorn Wongwan of the ruling Pheu Thai Party, may be attributed to complacency or underestimation of the opposition, rather than solely the PP’s popularity.
The Lamphun PAO now serves as a litmus test for the PP’s governance capabilities. This «lab test,» as some call it, will be closely scrutinized, offering voters a preview of the party’s potential performance in the next general election. A successful Lamphun model could propel the PP to national prominence, validating their claims and potentially leading to a landslide victory in 2027. Conversely, failure could severely damage the party’s image and credibility, raising concerns about its readiness for national leadership given its lack of prior governmental experience.
Simultaneously, on the national stage, the PP’s charter reform efforts have hit significant roadblocks. Two proposals to establish a charter drafting assembly—one from Pheu Thai and one from the PP—have stalled due to parliamentary maneuvering. The Bhumjaithai Party, a member of the ruling coalition, boycotted two consecutive parliamentary meetings, citing constitutional concerns based on a 2021 Constitutional Court ruling. This prevented the achievement of a quorum, leaving the amendment proposals in limbo.
While Pheu Thai MP Sutin Klungsang maintains the proposals remain viable, political observers express skepticism about the ruling party’s genuine commitment to reform. Some suggest Pheu Thai is delaying the process, prioritizing other political agendas and avoiding confrontation with the conservative camp, which opposes charter revision. The situation is further complicated by the complex relationship between the government and the Senate, with Bhumjaithai holding significant influence within the latter.
The stalled reform efforts highlight the challenging dynamics of Thai politics. While the PP and Pheu Thai theoretically share a common goal of amending the charter, political maneuvering and strategic considerations have hindered progress. The current situation contrasts sharply with the successful 1997 charter reform movement, where public awareness played a crucial role in overcoming political resistance. The future of charter reform, and the People’s Party’s role within it, remains uncertain, adding another layer of complexity to Thailand’s evolving political landscape. The outcome of the «Lamphun experiment» and the future of charter reform will undoubtedly shape the 2027 general election and the direction of Thai politics in the years to come.
