Bangkok: "Thanaporn" analyzes the PPhN (People's Power Party) strategy after bringing "Munin" into the party, expecting it to attract the existing voter base, especially since there's a condition that he won't participate in debates. Associate Professor Dr. Thanaporn Sriyakul, Director of the Institute for Political and Policy Analysis, gave an interview on the "Share the News" program on MCOT NEWS FM 100.5 regarding the increasingly vibrant political developments in preparation for the upcoming election. Most recently, the People's Party unveiled its prospective ministers to provide the public with information to aid their decision-making. They introduced Dr. Munin Pongsapan, former Dean of the Faculty of Law, Thammasat University, as the prospective Minister of Justice, and today, Mr. Pisal Manavanavapat, former Senator and former Thai Ambassador to several countries, as the prospective Minister of Foreign Affairs.
According to Thai News Agency, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Thanaporn further stated that the unveiling of this management team is seen as a new dimension in politics in demonstrating readiness before assuming state power, which is the same standard that the Bhumjaithai Party has previously followed. However, it has been noted that the qualifications of the two prospective ministers are not a new approach, as in the past, academics and professional diplomats have served as ministers in such ministries, such as Mr. Anand Panyarachun and Mr. Asa Sarasin, as well as many others who previously held diplomatic positions.
While policy and political aspects differ from those of the Bhumjaithai and Pheu Thai parties, which focus on economic policies addressing people's livelihoods, the inclusion of Dr. Munin is analyzed as an attempt to attract existing voter bases prioritizing legal reform. This is because Dr. Munin has a clear role in criticizing Article 112 of the Criminal Code, which creates confusion given the People's Party leader's earlier declaration of avoiding involvement with that article, amidst public demands for the party to prioritize economic solutions.
Furthermore, questions remain about the background and political stance of Mr. Pisarn Manavapat, and whether he can work smoothly with the party's approach, as well as his readiness to campaign in the field. Reports indicate that some prospective ministers from the party have stipulated that they will not participate in debates or assist in campaigning, which has been criticized as being no different from ministers during the NCPO era and could negatively impact their popularity among farmers and people in remote areas.
The latest polls indicate that the People's Party has less than 5 percent support from this group because it has not been able to clearly explain how technocratic knowledge can concretely solve the problem of poverty.