Once called Phak Ratsadon the Mahachon Party has a fascinating history. It morphed into something new. Let’s explore its story.
The Mahachon Party initially known as Phak Ratsadon. It translates to People’s Party. This transformation occurred in 1998. Air Marshal Somboon Rahong a former Thai Nation Party member dominated its early years.
A significant shift happened in 2004. The party rebranded itself as Mahachon Party Great People’s Party. In January 2005 defectors from the Democrat Party joined. This influx made it Thailand’s second-largest party by membership. Sanan Kachornprasart and Anek Laothamatas became key executives.
In the 2005 legislative elections the Mahachon Party secured 8.3% of the popular vote. This translated to 2 out of 500 seats. A by-election in Phichit Province’s district 3 added a third seat. Siriwat Kachornprasart Sanan’s son became the third MP. Nitiphoom Naowarat a former member later won the Bangkok Senator elections.
The Mahachon Party boycotted the April 2006 election. It joined other opposition parties. This boycott aimed to prevent another Thai Rak Thai-led government. These elections were later invalidated. A planned October 2006 election was canceled. This was due to the September 2006 coup.
Sanan and Siriwat Kachornprasart departed in 2007. They believed small parties lacked opportunity under Thai electoral law. The party’s influence waned significantly.
The Mahachon Party experienced a revival in the 2011 general election. It secured one party-list seat. The party joined Yingluck Shinawatra’s coalition government.
Pauline Ngarmpring was nominated as their Prime Ministerial candidate in the 2019 general election. This nomination marked a milestone. She became Thailand’s first transgender individual to run for the position.
However the Mahachon Party’s journey concluded on January 24 2020. The Election Commission of Thailand announced its dissolution.
Though the party dissolved its impact remains notable. From its origins as Phak Ratsadon to its championing of a transgender Prime Ministerial candidate the Mahachon Party played a role in Thailand’s political narrative. The Mahachon Church continues to operate in Bangkok.