‘Corruption = death’: Economic Party goes hardline but faces ‘orange’ jibes

As other election contenders campaign against corruption and “grey money” in Thai politics, the fledgling Economic Party has gone a step further by vowing to introduce the death penalty for bribery.

Previously known as “Zendai” (“Thread”), the party rebranded and launched last April. It now sports No 11 on the party list for the February 8 election, campaigning under the slogan “Thailand first – Thais must come first”.

Zero tolerance for corruption

The anti-graft drive anchors one of the party’s four campaign pledges:

– “Corruption equals death.”

– A high-speed rail link to China through Laos under the Belt and Road Initiative, with extensions running south to Malaysia and Singapore and east-west to Vietnam and Myanmar.

– An “Ocean Link” modelled on the Panama Canal, connecting Chumphon on the Gulf of Thailand with Ranong on the Andaman Sea.

– Reform of the country’s justice system.

Economic Party leader General Rangsee Kitiyanasap explained the pledges were aimed at tackling three national crises: corruption, a slumping economy, and national security threats.

He said the rail and maritime mega-projects are required to boost Thailand’s economy, while tougher anti-corruption legislation and judicial reform are needed to restore confidence among the public and foreign investors.

The Ocean Link would offer ships a short cut between the Pacific and Indian oceans, said Rangsee, the party’s sole candidate for prime minister.

Watertight locks would be built along the canal’s length to negotiate sloping terrain, with aqueducts constructed where necessary, he added.

Rangsee said his government would seek Chinese funding for the two mega-projects if elected.

Labelled “neoconservative”, the Economic Party has grabbed attention in recent months for its leader’s hardline views on issues ranging from online scams targeting Thais to tensions with Cambodia.

The retired general, formerly managing director of the Army-run Channel 5, has demanded tough action against any Thai politicians or businesspeople linked to scam centres in neighbouring countries, while urging a stronger military presence along the Cambodian border.

Rangsee even accused Cambodian strongman Hun Sen of attempting to buy off scam-linked Thai politicians in a bid to control Thailand’s post-election government and Parliament.

Faced with ‘mudslinging’ campaign

The Economic Party has been hit by a string of damaging allegations in recent months, which chairman Chris Potranandana has dismissed as a “mudslinging” campaign by conservative rivals.

Critics argue Rangsee is merely the “face” of the party, noting that Chris occupies the top slot on the party list while Rangsee is as far down as 10th among its 63 party-list candidates, meaning he is unlikely to be elected.

However, both Rangsee and Chris say the party aims to win at least 10 list seats – a target that would require around 3 million votes based on previous election results.

Chris has voiced confidence in attaining that number, citing the jump in public interactions with the party’s social media channels.

He forecast the Economic Party would provide an alternative for young voters who have become disillusioned with the “orange movement” – a reference to the opposition People’s Party.

The 37-year-old politician is a former stalwart of the People's Party’s previous incarnations, Future Forward and Move Forward. He co-founded Future Forward but then abandoned Move Forward to found Zendai, named after a volunteer group helping vulnerable people through the COVID-19 pandemic.

Chris accused Move Forward of being dominated by a “politburo-style” clique. A handful of Move Forward politicians joined him at Zendai, but the party failed to win a single seat in 2023, its sole election bid.

His history with the “orange party” has returned to haunt Chris, with critics claiming the Economic Party is just a branch of the People’s Party while Rangsee is being used to draw votes from conservative rivals.

Chris has rejected the claim – along with allegations that he and his party’s former “orange” politicians are anti-monarchy – as a smear campaign by unnamed conservative parties.