The opposition Palang Pracharath Party is confident that it will win as many parliamentary seats as the Bhumjaithai party, with a modern conservative ideology that corresponds with the aspirations of Thai conservatives, said Sontirat Sontijirawong, chairman of the party’s Policy and Academic Centre.
The former energy minister, in the government of Prime Minister Prayut Cha-o-cha, said that the party will capitalise on the conservative revival in Thailand, as more people become disillusioned with the Pheu Thai-led government’s liberal policies, such as legalisation of casinos and online gambling.
Many people are looking forward to the return of parties and politicians on the right in the next general attention, who will represent them, said Sontirat, adding that the party will try its best to connect with these people and win their support with its ‘neo-conservative’ ideology.
During the government’s remaining two years in office, he said that the party will present its new set of thoughts and working strategies, rebranding itself as a party which people can trust to win the support of conservative groups which, he claims, are growing.
He admits, however, that will not be an easy task and the challenges are formidable, but he believes there are many people out there who still trust and support the Palang Pracharath party.
“Today, I believe the Palang Pracharath still has a chance. For tomorrow, we have a chance to be in the government, to take care of the people once again,” said the former energy minister.
The party, he said, will present General Prawit Wongsuwan, the party leader and former prime minister, as the guardian of the Monarchy, to attract a new generation of Thai people who share their conservative ideology.
