Hyde Park Movement Party พรรคขบวนการไฮด์ปาร์ค | |
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Founded | 21 March 1956 |
Dissolved | 20 October 1958 |
Headquarters | Thailand |
Political position | Left-wing |
The Hyde Park Movement Party was a left-wing political party in Thailand.
In 1955, Marshal Plaek Pibulsonggram visited the United Kingdom as part of an international tour. He became impressed with the " Speakers' Corner" in Hyde Park, London. Upon his return to Thailand a "Hyde Park" space for free speech and assembly was instituted at the Phramane Grounds in Bangkok. [1] The experiment was well received and effectively stimulated political debate. [1] The experiment was not appreciated by the government, however, and in February 1956 restrictions were imposed on the Phramane "Hyde Park". [1] However, during this period the Hyde Park Movement Party had evolved, upholding the legacy of the Hyde Park experiment. [2] The party was registered with the authorities on March 21, 1955. [3] When it was formed, the Hyde Park Movement Party was the sole left-wing group represented with parliamentary presence. [4]
The party expressed its aims and orientation in four points; 1. For complete independence and democracy. 2. A state of the people, by the people, and for the people. 3. The people are supreme. 4. United we live, divided we die. [2]
The party had a rather weak organizational structure, and several leading figures left the party to join other political parties. [2]
In late 1956 the Hyde Park Movement Party became one of three parties to form the Socialist Front, a coalition led by Thep Chotinuchit. [4] [5] [6] The Socialist Front favoured a neutralist foreign policy, and called for Thai withdrawal from SEATO. [7]
In the February 1957 parliamentary election, the Hyde Park Movement Party won two seats. [8]