The People’s Party

This series of works by Patcharapa Inchang aims to shine a spotlight on a group of individuals who were the driving forces behind one of Thailand’s most significant political events, the ones who ushered the nation into an age of democracy in 1932. These people include:


1. Pridi Banomyong
2. Prayoon Pamornmontri  
3. Plaek Khittasangkha
4. Thatsanai Mitphakdi
5. Tua Lophanukrom  
6. Charoon Singhaseni    
7. Nab Phaholyothin

In the context of Thailand’s social and political conditions in the 1930s, the ideas put forth by these individuals can be considered ahead of their time. Specifically, their desire to steer the vessel that is Thailand out of the stymying whirlpool of the Absolute Monarchy, heading instead for the currents of freedom that is democracy. But these intellectuals were set upon by those determined to see them fail, and were ultimately lost to the depths, all without ever reaching the serene waters of their desired destination. And thus the people are swept up by malevolent currents once more, desperately grasping for air under the oppression of a different foe, one that has corrupted the democratic process through a repeated cycle of coups and constitutional desecration.

Patcharapa raises questions regarding historical equality, and the freedom of awareness. She has created a visual representation of all the stories Thai citizens are being made only vaguely aware of through misinformation. Many of Thailand’s most historic political events have been quietly eliminated, only to be clumsily replaced by information that props up the supposedly benevolent monarchy while suppressing any attempts for independence by the people.

But while their personal histories have been forcibly suppressed, the People’s Party have successfully managed to unmistakably sow the seeds of democratic ideology, as stated in their definition of the ‘People’s Party’ (Khana Rat or Khana Ratsadon).

The term ‘Ratsadon’ has been chosen as all of our collaborators are true Thai citizens, and the members of the People’s Party are willing to untiringly sacrifice themselves for the people, to achieve democracy. As many proponents of democracy are aware, President Abraham Lincoln once aptly defined ‘democracy’ as ‘a government of the people, by the people, for the people”. (Ananthanathorn, 2022)