Prawit unfazed that PPRP less popular
Deputy Prime Minister and Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP) leader Prawit Wongsuwon admitted yesterday that the ruling party’s popularity is falling, but suggested it was not a major cause of concern.
Gen Prawit said the PPRP was aware its popularity was waning but it was already working on self-improvement. He expressed confidence the party would be able to make the necessary changes in time for the upcoming election.
He said secretary-general Santi Promphat, who is also the deputy finance minister, was organising a party roadshow to highlight its achievements while in government.
The roadshow would showcase the work of PPRP cabinet ministers in various provinces but was not aimed at the general election, he said, adding it was merely a part of the party’s policy.
Gen Prawit said if he did not have other pressing business, he would take part in it.
He also thought it unnecessary for the ruling party to change its image.
“There is no need to rebrand the party. I worked with the party for just two months and it still won more than 100 seats in the last general election,” Gen Prawit said.
“I have been working [for the party] for four years so far and things must have improved ... Wherever I go, I am well received by people,” he added.
Asked whether the party was concerned about Bangkok having the most electoral seats up for grabs at 33, the PPRP leader said no.
He also shrugged off a recent Nida poll in which Paetongtarn Shinawatra, the youngest daughter of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, topped a list of favourite figures for prime minister.
Gen Prawit refused to comment when asked whether the PPRP would find another candidate for premier since Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha’s popularity was also falling.
Gen Prayut on Monday also downplayed the Nida poll, in which he ranked fourth. The national poll was conducted from June 20-23 by phone and involved 2,500 people aged 18 and over.
Narumon Pinyosinwat, head of the PPRP’s policy committee, posted on Facebook that the party’s primary aim is to drive the growth of the grassroots economy and strengthen communities so they will become a key part of supporting sustainable economic growth.
“Palang Pracharath will invite all sectors to work together to empower people to get back on their feet and fight on. The agricultural sector will serve as an important foundation for the Thai economy,” she posted.
The party will find ways to offer more innovations and alternatives while boosting farmers’ income and trying to help reduce their production costs, debts and risks, she said.
Joint investments between communities and the private sector will be encouraged to give the former access to financial resources for development.
Entrepreneurs at SMEs will be supported with funding, knowledge and skills, she said.