Hyde Park Movement Party
Political party in Thailand / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Hyde Park Movement Party was a left-wing political party in Thailand.
Hyde Park Movement Party พรรคขบวนการไฮด์ปาร์ค | |
---|---|
Founded | 21 March 1956 |
Dissolved | 20 October 1958 |
Headquarters | Thailand |
Political position | Left-wing |
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]