Ex-Police Chief Rewat Launches 'Rak Muang Thai' Party to Combat Graft and Drug Trafficking

Retired Police General Rewat Klinkesorn, formerly the commissioner of the Narcotics Suppression Bureau, has officially established his own political party, named 'Rak Muang Thai,' which translates to 'Love Thailand.' The party's primary objectives are to combat corruption within the government and wage war against drug dealers, alongside other crime-fighting initiatives. Rewat confirmed on September 3rd that he has formed this new political entity by rebranding the 'Thai Counties,' a party with no elected Members of Parliament, and has brought approximately 13,000 members into the fold. He has declared himself the leader of Rak Muang Thai, with ambitions to contest the upcoming general election and secure at least a dozen MP seats. He suggested that the national race to parliament could occur as early as the next few months, contingent on a ruling by the Constitutional Court later this month. This ruling concerns the validity of the previous election, which may be declared null and void due to the Election Commission's use of QR codes and barcodes on ballots, potentially compromising ballot confidentiality and legitimacy. The retired police general strongly criticized the current Bhumjaithai-led government, citing numerous corruption scandals. These include alleged senatorial rigging conspiracies, government examination fraud plots, and the ongoing Khao Kradong land dispute, which involves de facto Bhumjaithai party boss Newin Chidchob and local villagers. Rewat asserted that the prime minister, in his concurrent role as interior minister, has failed to take legal action against those illegally occupying land. Ironically, Anutin Charnvirakul, a prominent figure in the Bhumjaithai party and currently Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Public Health, is registered as an inhabitant of a residence within the disputed area where Newin Chidchob developed the Chang International Circuit for auto racing and the Chang Arena for soccer games. Rewat's move signals a direct challenge to the existing political establishment, focusing on a platform of clean governance and law enforcement. His background as a high-ranking police official known for his tough stance on crime is expected to resonate with a segment of the electorate disillusioned with current political leadership and persistent corruption issues.