BHUMJAITHAI PARTY
Tackling bread-and-butter issues, and its business-turned politician leader, are touted as party strengths.
Bhumjaithai deputy secretary-general Supachai Jaisamut said the party’s policies must be practical, must not hurt the country’s financial standing, and must be in line with the government’s 20-year national strategy.
The country is riddled with myriad problems which affect poor people and farmers and Bhumjaithai wants to focus on tackling breadand-butter issues closer to people’s lives and the falling prices of farm crops such as paddy and rubber, Mr Supachai said.
The party will still adhere to certain policies which it presented in the past and which help farmers such as the farm price guarantee programme, he said.
In terms of the economy, one of the party’s strengths is party leader Anutin Charnvirakul himself, Mr Supachai said.
He said Mr Anutin was a successful businessman who bounced back from failure, which should give him a good grasp of the trials and tribulations of running a business.
In light of this, the party believes that if Thailand is to make a successful comeback, then rules and regulations that obstruct business operations must be amended to promote the business sector.
This is the brainchild of Mr Anutin, and the party has done a great deal of study on these business hurdles and how to fix them.
Mr Anutin will assure the business sector that he will be able to strengthen the sector and boost competitiveness.
Citing a survey in November last year, Mr Supachai said there will be about 7.5 million first-time voters in the next election.
The party’s policy is to allow them access to free education, support a comprehensive student loans programme, and find ways to help graduates who default on their repayments.
Tourism is crucial in pulling in a substantial income, though several tourist spots and facilities are in a dire state of disrepair mainly due to a lack of funding for their upkeep. Local governing bodies should get the money they need to keep tourist attractions in good condition.
Bhumjaithai is also ready to welcome LGBT people with open arms and the party has no objections if they want to stand as MPs.
However, the party has not yet discussed whether to support marriage of same-sex couples, though it does not oppose same-sex civil partnerships allowed by law, Mr Supachai said.
He said the party intends to field candidates in all 350 constituencies and wants to recruits people from all groups.