31 May 1998

Thai Rak Thai Party established, offering ‘new choice’ in politics

The Palang Thai non-profit organisation said it would join forces with telecommunications tycoon Thaksin Shinawatra to form a new political party.

According to a press statement, the group was encouraged by Thaksin’s idea of an alternative party aimed at involving ‘young blood’ politicians and public participation. Thaksin insisted that his new party, Thai Rak Thai, which was formed July 14, would be more than a flash in the pan. Although many people advised him not to make a political comeback, the former Palang Dharma Party member and former foreign minister said he hated the current one-dimensional approach to solving Thailand’s problems, and could not remain idle.

Prime Minister Chuan Leekpai said: ‘I would like to inform all Thais not to be confused and forward cash donations to the wrong place,’ a light-hearted reference to the similarity in names between Thai Rak Thai and Thai Chuay Thai (a coalition-run effort to manage donations raised to pay off foreign debt).

Thaksin was one of Thailand’s wealthiest businessmen. An earlier foray into politics was short-lived. He was forced to resign to avoid conflict-of-interest allegations stemming from his vast business holdings.

31 May 1998

Thai Rak Thai Party established, offering ‘new choice’ in politics

The Palang Thai non-profit organisation said it would join forces with telecommunications tycoon Thaksin Shinawatra to form a new political party.

According to a press statement, the group was encouraged by Thaksin’s idea of an alternative party aimed at involving ‘young blood’ politicians and public participation. Thaksin insisted that his new party, Thai Rak Thai, which was formed July 14, would be more than a flash in the pan. Although many people advised him not to make a political comeback, the former Palang Dharma Party member and former foreign minister said he hated the current one-dimensional approach to solving Thailand’s problems, and could not remain idle.

Prime Minister Chuan Leekpai said: ‘I would like to inform all Thais not to be confused and forward cash donations to the wrong place,’ a light-hearted reference to the similarity in names between Thai Rak Thai and Thai Chuay Thai (a coalition-run effort to manage donations raised to pay off foreign debt).

Thaksin was one of Thailand’s wealthiest businessmen. An earlier foray into politics was short-lived. He was forced to resign to avoid conflict-of-interest allegations stemming from his vast business holdings.