The relationship between national and local political groups and the expansion of Bhumjaithai Party in Sisaket : The case study of the three members of parliament from Pheu Thai Party to Bhumjaithai Party

Abstract

This research is titled ‘The relationship between national and local political groups and the expansion of Bhumjaithai Party in Sisaket: The case study of the three members of parliament from Pheu Thai Party’. The three objectives of the research are (1) To study the development of the formulation and expansion of Bhumjaithai Party’s bastions in Sisaket (2) To study the relationship of the political groups of Bhumjaitai Party and local politicians in Sisaket. The findings of this qualitative research are; 1) The development of formulation and expansion of Bhumjaithai Party’s bastions in Sisaket has three phases. The first was the stage of the party formulation in 2008 when Bhumjaithai Party sent their candidates to build up political perception, to have conversation, to introduce themselves, to provide the information of the party, and to organise political activities that helped the targeted community. It then set up the strategy for three electorates which are 3, 7, and 8.  The second phase was the National Election in Sisaket on 3 July 2011. Bhumjaithai Party had formed the team of candidates several years before the election actually took place. It won one electorate out of three. For the two electorates that they lost, the competition with Pheu Thai Party was significantly tight. It terms of politics, the gap between the winner and loser was significant. The third phase was the National Election on 24 March 2019 in Sisaket. Then, Bhumjaithai Party sent candidates to all eight electorates. Consequently, it could increase its seats of member of parliament by winning two electorates which are 1 and 7 by Siripong Angsakulkiat and Asaphon Santraiphop.  2) The relationship among politicians of Bhumjaithai Party is worth mentioning. The relationship with the national and local politicians in Sisaket can be categorised into two; (1) The kinship relations can be defined as the relations between father and son, brothers and sisters, or aunts and nieces and nephew. This type of relationship forms the political heir apparent by employing the political bastions and popularity of the local politicians who have long monopolised the political position at the provincial administrative organisation. Wichit Traisaranakun (Chief Executive of Provincial Administrative Organisation of Sisaket) at the provincial administrative level and Chatmonkhon Anskakulkiat (Mayor of Sisaket) at the town municipality level were the bases of political power for Bhumjaithai Party in Sisaket. (2) The political relations of common benefit protection and management can be witnessed when networks of important political position are appointed. The political space of town municipality and provincial administration organisation are clearly delineated. Bhumjaithai Party, therefore, employed the Traisaranakul and the Angsakulkiat who have long monopolised the local politics in the province to form its political collaboration and alliances.  The ability to mobilise political resources amidst the decline of Pheu Thai Party helps Bhumjaithai Party stabilise its political base in Sisaket.