Politics Economic Party Advocates Capital Punishment for Corrupt Officials in Thailand

[snoop1130]

Picture courtesy of Thai PBS

 

Recently rebranded as the Economic Party, this Thai political faction is making waves by proposing capital punishment for state officials found guilty of corruption, marking a bold strategy to combat the country's persistent graft issues. Formerly known as Zendai, the party has undergone significant changes, including a fresh executive board and a set of new policies aimed at addressing Thailand's economic woes.

 

Despite the renaming, the Election Commission’s website still lists the party under its previous name, Zendai. Analysts describe the Economic Party as "neoconservative," reflecting a blend of both youthful and veteran perspectives, traditional values, and modern economic and technological strategies. The party is seen as a monarchy-friendly alternative appealing to young voters, potentially countering the influence of the liberal People’s Party.

 

The People’s Party, regarded by some conservatives as a threat to the monarchy and other traditional institutions, has seen its past incarnations, Move Forward and Future Forward, dissolved by court orders. Move Forward was disbanded for its stance on amending the lese majeste law, while Future Forward faced dissolution due to illegal financial contributions.

 

General Rangsee Kitiyanasap, the leader of the Economic Party, unveiled its "zero corruption" policy along with other key initiatives in late April. Emphasising capital punishment for severe corruption cases, Rangsee argues this measure is critical to restoring public trust, enhancing transparency, and stabilising the economy. According to Rangsee, Thailand's current economic troubles, driven by global trade tensions and geopolitical conflicts, are far more severe than the 1997 Asian financial crisis.

 

Rangsee also announced plans for infrastructure advancement, including transforming Thailand into a logistics hub, constructing a land-bridge connecting the Indian and Pacific oceans, and reforming the justice system. He dismissed claims that the party serves as a military tool, asserting that while he is a former military officer, the party consists predominantly of civilians from diverse generations.

 

Rangsee's political journey began when he joined forces with Zendai leader Chris Potranandana during his tenure at Army-run Channel 5. Chris, a co-founder of Future Forward, collaborated with Rangsee on volunteer efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic, eventually leading to the formation of the Economic Party. Zendai competed in the 2023 general election but did not win any seats.

 

Rangsee resigned from his role at Channel 5 in March 2022, following controversies over the station’s handling of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, signalling his transition from military to political realms. The Economic Party's dramatic stance on tackling corruption reflects its ambition to reshape Thailand’s political and economic landscape.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Thai PBS 2025-05-27

 

 

[JoePai]

Now there's a party to vote for - keep it up chaps    👍

[Mavideol]

there is no corruption in Thailand, these people are wasting time and energy, they will not find one corrupted member

 

P.S=== SARCASM intended

[liddelljohn]

The executioner would have to work 24/7/365 to even make a small dent  in the corrupt officials numbers ,,,,,,,,,

[ikke1959]

That is a good idea.. I know already a few that could be sentenced

[bannork]

It could only work if you had a super clean police force and judiciary, otherwise suspects could be threatened with death unless they handed over brown envelopes.

[French mate]

I think its a good idea. Of course in case (of miracle) its would become a law  no one "important" would be sentenced to death. Also its would be surely used to con and make shut-up the most dangerous opposant.

That say the simple idea that a capital punishment exist, its will certainly make think twice a fair number of officials, specialy the one who arent well connected engough and will be prime target for a show of virtue.