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Bangkok Post
Bangkok Post
Politics
POST REPORTERS

'Populism' draws complaint

Nine parties face complaints over alleged populist policies that could hurt the country economically if implemented, according to Srisuwan Janya, secretary-general of the Association for the Protection of the Constitution.

Mr Srisuwan lodged the complaint with the Election Commission (EC) yesterday, accusing Pheu Thai, Palang Pracharath, the Democrats, Bhumjaithai, Chartthaipattana, Chartpattana, Future Forward, Prachachart and the Action Coalition for Thailand of trying to woo voters with cash handout manifestos.

The policies in question include promises to raise the minimum daily wage to 400-425 baht, guaranteeing a monthly salary of at least 18,000-20,000 baht for university graduates, an old-age pension of 1,800 baht a month and paying at least 18,000 baht a tonne for jasmine rice.

Mr Srisuwan said no explanation was given as to how the policies will be implemented and where the money will come from, as is required by a section in the organic law on political parties pertaining to fiscal discipline.

Mr Srisuwan insisted that if populist policies go unchecked and are put into action, they could ruin the country financially.

He urged the EC to order the parties to comply with the organic law and provide more details, or else risk bringing the credibility of the general election into question.

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