Five Groups Likely to Join Sondhi's New Political Movement: Thepthai

A new political movement spearheaded by Sondhi Limthongkul, former leader of the People’s Alliance for Democracy (PAD), also known as the "Yellow Shirts," and conceptualized as "Taking Back our Thailand," is likely to attract five distinct groups, according to former Democrat MP Thepthai Senapong. In a Facebook post on September 7, Senapong outlined his analysis, as reported by Naewna newspaper, suggesting that Limthongkul is mobilizing public support and escalating political activity to closely monitor the government and independent organizations. A particular focus is on the Election Commission's handling of alleged "senatorial rigging conspiracies" for the 2024 elections, with the agency expected to announce on September 14 whether criminal lawsuits will be filed against suspects. Limthongkul has been critical of the Bhumjaithai Party, a core component of the current coalition government, led by Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul. He accused the party of being "cunning and manipulative" and failing to address critical issues such as energy prices, oil hoarding, flood relief efforts, civil service corruption, land ownership disputes, and foreign business activities. "I want to gauge how dissatisfied the public is with the government’s performance," Limthongkul stated. "This isn’t a boxing match, but a platform where the public can express their desire to see a government upholding morality, honesty, courage, and adherence to the rule of law." He cited the case of the 5,000-rai Khao Kradong land in Buriram, where the Chang International Circuit and Chang Arena are located, as an example of issues needing to be returned to the State Railways of Thailand, the purported owner. Limthongkul emphasized that his movement aims to prompt society to examine the root causes of long-standing problems, arguing that while Thai politics has seen shifts in power, the underlying networks of power and vested interests remain interconnected. He drew parallels to his past opposition against former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra's government, noting the recurrence of similar issues. The movement plans to initiate protests against Israeli groups and Chinese investment in Chonburi province, with the first action scheduled for Thursday, September 10, involving a letter submission to the Israeli embassy and a public statement. Analyzing the potential support base, Thepthai Senapong identified the following five groups likely to join Limthongkul's movement: 1. The Original Alliance (Yellow Shirts): Limthongkul's loyal and consistent core supporters, who enthusiastically participate in his rallies and seminars, forming his stable mass base. 2. People’s Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC) Remnants: While fragmented and ideologically divided, a segment of the former "Whistleblowers" group, particularly those opposing the "blue regime" (associated with Bhumjaithai) and viewing it as opportunistic, are expected to align with Limthongkul. 3. Red Shirt Movement Factions: Despite past opposition, certain factions of the Red Shirts, particularly those loyal to Thaksin Shinawatra, might join the movement to collectively oppose the "blue regime," seeing indirect benefit for their cause. 4. Middle Class Voters: Individuals who previously supported the Democrat Party and have shifted their allegiance to the Move Forward Party (now People's Party). While not necessarily staunch "orange" supporters, this segment of the middle class, disillusioned with the current political landscape, may participate. 5. General Public ("Free Citizens"): Unaffiliated individuals who are politically aware and concerned about the escalating national issues, such as the Senate election and local government exam cheating scandals, are likely to join. Senapong concluded that the actual turnout for Sondhi's movement will depend on his ability to successfully raise issues that resonate with the broader public. Information source: Thai Newsroom