Prachachat Party Pledges Crackdown on Cannabis and Monopolies at Pattani Rally
The Prachachat Party has vowed to crack down on cannabis liberalization and economic monopolies while targeting 10-15 parliamentary seats in a high-profile Pattani rally attended by over 20,000 people
Key Points
- 1Prachachat Party held a major rally in Pattani with over 20,000 attendees
- 2Party leaders set a target of winning 10-15 seats and at least two ministerial posts
- 3Pol. Col. Tawee Sodsong vowed to reverse cannabis liberalization and restrict it to medical use only
- 4The party also pledged to dismantle economic monopolies and support small retailers and farmers
In a major rally held in Pattani on January 19, the Prachachat Party announced ambitious goals for the upcoming election, aiming to secure 10-15 parliamentary seats and at least two ministerial positions. The event, which drew over 20,000 attendees, was led by party leader Pol. Col. Tawee Sodsong and senior advisor Wan Muhamad Noor Matha. Both leaders emphasized the party's commitment to integrity and its refusal to align with political forces they described as 'grey' or contrary to local values
Addressing the crowd, Wan Muhamad Noor Matha underscored the party’s stance against external political influences and policies that conflict with religious or ethical principles. He declared, 'We will not allow the influence of grey parties or policies that go against religious tenets to take root here. The Prachachat Party is a white party, and our commitment is to the people.' Matha expressed confidence that the party would sweep all five constituencies in Pattani, amplifying the voices of Malay and Pattani residents in parliament
The rally also served as a platform for outlining key policy priorities, including tackling student debt, promoting peace in the southern border provinces, reforming education, and addressing social inequality. Prachachat leaders argued that successful governance in the region requires a balance between religious and political considerations to foster justice and sustainable development. The party highlighted its track record, noting that it previously secured nine seats and now seeks to surpass that number in the next election
A focal point of the event was Tawee Sodsong’s forceful denunciation of cannabis liberalization, which he described as a 'grave threat' that must be eradicated. 'Cannabis must return to being a controlled substance, permitted only for strict medical use,' he said, citing a 6.5-fold increase in psychiatric cases as evidence of harm. Sodsong also vowed to dismantle economic monopolies, declaring war on conglomerates expanding through convenience stores and pledging to restore market power to small retailers and agricultural producers. 'Enough of an era where the poor must submit to monopolies and vice. We will change this country’s structure to restore rights, freedom, and dignity equally to all,' Sodsong proclaimed, receiving enthusiastic support from the crowd
As the rally concluded, Prachachat leaders called on Pattani residents to unite behind the party, urging them to make history by electing a local party committed to honesty and principle. According to Wan Muhamad Noor, the party intends to prioritize urgent reforms in education and economic development for the southern provinces, areas he described as lagging and in need of rapid improvement. He also warned of the dangers posed by political corruption and external influences, urging voters to scrutinize parties and candidates closely to protect the future of the nation. From the OG Lab newsroom perspective, Prachachat’s hardline stance on cannabis and monopolies, paired with a regionally focused agenda, signals a sharpening divide in Thai political discourse over drug policy, economic justice, and the role of religion in governance. The party’s performance in the upcoming election will be closely watched as a barometer for shifting attitudes in southern Thailand and beyond
