Exploiting technicalities
With the regime’s ban on political activities in place, political parties and their members continue to tread carefully when engaging in public events to avoid drawing unnecessary attention.
Parties like the Democrats and Pheu Thai have managed to steer clear of trouble so far and their gatherings have not been without the regime’s permission.
Newly registered parties have had stern warnings when appearing to skate on thin ice with their political activities. The Ruamphalang Prachachartthai Party, or the Action Coalition for Thailand (ACT), for example, was told to stay put when its co-founder Suthep Thaugsuban was said to be organising a “caravan” to meet supporters in the provinces.
While others seem to be operating with one hand tied behind their back, there is one group that is not bothered by the political ban at all.
Led by veteran former MPs such as former transport minister Suriya Jungrungreangkij and former industry minister Somsak Thepsuthin, the Sam Mitr (Three Allies) group members have been turning up here, there and everywhere to meet politicians in the provinces to “hear” people’s problems.
The group is not coy and has made it known that it will rally behind Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha if he bids to return to power after the general election tentatively scheduled to take place early next year.
Initially known as a recruiting arm for a pro-regime party, the group is apparently expanding its role from poaching politicians, which it is accused of doing, to gathering issues for the regime so it can respond better to the needs of people.
Its members have also shown up in the provinces set to host mobile cabinet meetings. According to critics and political observers, they are part of the “advance team” scouring for information about people’s plights to present to the government.
While standing accused of siphoning former MPs from other political parties to the pro-military party, known to be Phalang Pracharat, Sam Mitr has been causing a stir.
Democrat leader Abhisit Vejjajiva has criticised the regime’s inaction over Sam Mitr’s alleged MP poaching and its problem-hearing activity, saying it will affect fairness in the general election.
However, the Sam Mitr group seems to be getting away with it, according to political observers.
According to Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwon, the Sam Mitr group is not a political party, so the ban on political activities does not apply to them.
Gen Prawit’s view appears to be shared by former Election Commission (EC) chairman Supachai Somcharoen who responded to Sam Mitr’s activities with: “It’s illegal if they
act as a political party.”
The group is absolutely aware that it is exploiting a technical loophole, according to observers.
Mr Somsak, the group’s key figure, has denied the group is looking to establish its own party to contest the next election.
He is quoted as saying that Sam Mitr is not taking advantage of anyone and it is simply playing by the regime’s rules.
He even suggested that those who feel at a disadvantage should resign as members of political parties and form a group like his to engage in political activities.
In an attempt to keep the critics at bay, Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has insisted the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) is keeping an eye on every group and not favouring anyone in particular.
But, according to political observers, with Gen Prawit’s “approval”, Sam Mitr’s activities are only going to pick up pace in the months ahead.