Hyde Park Movement Party
Encyclopedia
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
. The experiment was well received and effectively stimulated political debate. The experiment was not appreciated by the government, however, and in February 1956 restrictions were imposed on the Phramane "Hyde Park". However, during this period the Hyde Park Movement Party had evolved, upholding the legacy of the Hyde Park experiment. The party was registered with the authorities on March 21, 1955. When it was formed, the Hyde Park Movement Party was the sole left-wing group represented with parliamentary presence.
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.
The party had a rather weak organizational structure, and several leading figures left the party to join other political parties.
In late 1956 the Hyde Park Movement Party became one of three parties to form the Socialist Front
, a coalition led by Thep Chotinuchit. The Socialist Front favoured a neutralist foreign policy, and called for Thai withdrawal from SEATO.
In the February 1957 parliamentary election
, the Hyde Park Movement Party won two seats.
Left-wing politics
In politics, Left, left-wing and leftist generally refer to support for social change to create a more egalitarian society...
political party
Political party
A political party is a political organization that typically seeks to influence government policy, usually by nominating their own candidates and trying to seat them in political office. Parties participate in electoral campaigns, educational outreach or protest actions...
in Thailand
Thailand
Thailand , officially the Kingdom of Thailand , formerly known as Siam , is a country located at the centre of the Indochina peninsula and Southeast Asia. It is bordered to the north by Burma and Laos, to the east by Laos and Cambodia, to the south by the Gulf of Thailand and Malaysia, and to the...
.
In 1955, Marshal Plaek Pibulsonggram
Plaek Pibulsonggram
Field Marshal Plaek Pibunsongkhram , often known as Phibun Songkhram or simply Phibun in English, was Prime Minister and virtual military dictator of Thailand from 1938 to 1944 and 1948 to 1957.- Early years :...
visited the United Kingdom
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandIn the United Kingdom and Dependencies, other languages have been officially recognised as legitimate autochthonous languages under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages...
as part of an international tour. He became impressed with the "Speakers' Corner
Speakers' Corner
A Speakers' Corner is an area where open-air public speaking, debate and discussion are allowed. The original and most noted is in the north-east corner of Hyde Park in London, United Kingdom. Speakers there may speak on any subject, as long as the police consider their speeches lawful, although...
" in Hyde Park
Hyde Park, London
Hyde Park is one of the largest parks in central London, United Kingdom, and one of the Royal Parks of London, famous for its Speakers' Corner.The park is divided in two by the Serpentine...
, London
London
London is the capital city of :England and the :United Kingdom, the largest metropolitan area in the United Kingdom, and the largest urban zone in the European Union by most measures. Located on the River Thames, London has been a major settlement for two millennia, its history going back to its...
. Upon his return to Thailand
Thailand
Thailand , officially the Kingdom of Thailand , formerly known as Siam , is a country located at the centre of the Indochina peninsula and Southeast Asia. It is bordered to the north by Burma and Laos, to the east by Laos and Cambodia, to the south by the Gulf of Thailand and Malaysia, and to the...
a "Hyde Park" space for free speech and assembly was instituted at the Phramane Grounds
Sanam Luang
Sanam Luang is an open field and public square in front of Wat Phra Kaew and the Grand Palace, Bangkok, Thailand. Sanam Luang is located in the Phra Nakhon district, the historic center of Bangkok....
in Bangkok
Bangkok
Bangkok is the capital and largest urban area city in Thailand. It is known in Thai as Krung Thep Maha Nakhon or simply Krung Thep , meaning "city of angels." The full name of Bangkok is Krung Thep Mahanakhon Amon Rattanakosin Mahintharayutthaya Mahadilok Phop Noppharat Ratchathani Burirom...
. The experiment was well received and effectively stimulated political debate. The experiment was not appreciated by the government, however, and in February 1956 restrictions were imposed on the Phramane "Hyde Park". However, during this period the Hyde Park Movement Party had evolved, upholding the legacy of the Hyde Park experiment. The party was registered with the authorities on March 21, 1955. When it was formed, the Hyde Park Movement Party was the sole left-wing group represented with parliamentary presence.
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.
The party had a rather weak organizational structure, and several leading figures left the party to join other political parties.
In late 1956 the Hyde Park Movement Party became one of three parties to form the Socialist Front
Socialist Front (Thailand)
The Socialist Front was a political coalition in Thailand, formed by leftwing parties in late 1956. The main group in the coalition was the Economist Party, led by Thep Chotinuchit. The other two constituents of the Socialist Front were the Free Democratic Party and the Hyde Park Movement Party....
, a coalition led by Thep Chotinuchit. The Socialist Front favoured a neutralist foreign policy, and called for Thai withdrawal from SEATO.
In the February 1957 parliamentary election
Thai general election, 1957
General elections were held in Thailand on 26 February 1957. The result was a victory for the Seri Manangkasila party, which won 86 of the 160 elected seats, with the 123 appointed members of the previous parliament continued to serve in the newly-elected one...
, the Hyde Park Movement Party won two seats.