Jade Donavanik, the Rak Chart Party’s PM candidate. Rak Chart Party

The Rak Chart Party has issued a firm warning ahead of Thailand’s Feb 8, 2026, general election: it will not join any government tainted by corruption, grey-zone dealings, or improper political bargaining. If any wrongdoing is discovered after joining a coalition, the party says it will immediately withdraw and expose the facts to the public.

In an exclusive interview with the Bangkok Post, Jade Donavanik, the Rak Chart Party’s prime ministerial candidate and former charter writer, described the party as a "political litmus test" for whether a government is clean or corrupt, transparent or compromised.

"We will be an indicator for the people," he said. "If the colour doesn’t change, we can work together. But if it turns suspicious, we walk away."

Born from Old Lessons

Rak Chart was founded by Chaiwut Thanakamanusorn, who had spent more than two decades in mainstream politics. According to Mr Jade, Mr Chaiwut spent over 20 years working within major political parties, gaining first-hand experience of how traditional party systems function.

"Over time, he learned that the old system was no longer the answer," Mr Jade said. "There were problems in the details, but we don’t want to criticise other parties. What matters is that the existing model failed to create real political renewal."

The decision to form a new party, he explained, came from frustration with entrenched practices and resistance to reform within established political organisations.

"Older parties were not interested in changing how politics is done," he said. "So eventually, the only option was to create a new political space."

Space for New Generation

Rak Chart’s core mission, Mr Jade said, is to open a political space for younger generations – not to dismantle what already exists, but to preserve and develop it responsibly.

The party seeks to nurture political awareness among young people while reinforcing respect for core institutions: the nation, religion and monarchy.

"The aim is not to tear things down," he said. "It is to help young people understand the importance of the country’s main institutions and to build on what already works."

This approach, he added, resonated with many young Thais who approached Mr Chaiwut directly, expressing concern about preserving Thai cultural identity, traditions and national institutions while still moving the country forward.

"They told us they wanted to develop the country on the foundation of what Thailand already has – its arts, culture and traditions – not destroy them," Mr Jade said.

From Adviser to Budding PM

Mr Jade said he initially became involved with Rak Chart as an adviser, offering guidance on political and legal matters to younger party members. At the time, he did not expect to be nominated as a prime ministerial candidate.

"I was simply asked to advise," he recalled. "I didn’t know they were thinking further than that."

Eventually, however, party members agreed to nominate him as one of their candidates for prime minister. Mr Chaiwut later told him that he had envisioned Mr Jade for the role from the beginning.

"I saw that the party’s direction was aligned with the constitution, which allows for an outsider prime ministerial candidate," Mr Jade said. "It represents a new kind of politics."

Why ‘Rak Chart’?

The party’s name, Rak Chart, which translates as "Love the Nation", is often misunderstood, Mr Jade said.

"It’s not about declaring that we alone love the country," he explained. "It’s about inviting everyone to love the nation together."

The slogan reflects the party’s belief that patriotism should be inclusive rather than divisive.

Asked how Rak Chart differs from traditionally conservative parties, Mr Jade pointed first to its demographics.

"In our party, there are only three or four people over the age of 50," he said. "Most members are in their 40s, 30s, or even early 20s. Our youngest member has only just become eligible to run for parliament."

He described the party as a form of "neo-conservatism" combined with elements of classical liberalism.

"This is not the old-style conservatism that shuts young people out," he said. "We want to empower them."

Rak Chart supports initiatives that allow youth to bring national culture to global platforms – from entertainment and music to arts and cuisine – without undermining core institutions.

No Military Politics

"Rak Chart does not want the military involved in politics," he said. "We want professional soldiers doing their jobs."

While recognising the necessity of a military, the party supports reform to address long-standing issues such as abuse within the ranks, questionable arms procurement, and a lack of transparency.

"These are problems that have been ignored for too long," he said. "But reform does not mean politicising the military."

Coalition Red Line

When asked under what conditions Rak Chart would join a government, Mr Jade was unequivocal.

"From the start, we agreed on three principles: no corruption, no grey areas, and no back-scratching," he said.

If a prospective coalition partner is found to engage in corruption, grey-zone business dealings, or improper exchange of personal benefits, Rak Chart will not join. If such conduct is discovered after joining, the party will withdraw immediately, he said.

"We tell the public what is acceptable and what is not."

Even if excluded from government, Rak Chart vows to act as a watchdog – inside or outside parliament.

Mr Jade insisted that any government Rak Chart supports must commit to preserving Thailand’s traditions, culture and core institutions, and must not undermine national security frameworks.

The party opposes drafting an entirely new constitution and warned that such efforts would be costly and procedurally flawed.

"The Constitutional Court has already said that specific questions must be asked in a referendum," he said. "Those questions haven’t even been put forward yet. This will only waste public money."

Legislative Priorities

Rak Chart has submitted a party-list of 25 candidates and is contesting 32 constituency seats nationwide.

If it secures enough MPs to propose legislation independently, Mr Jade said the party is prepared with several draft bills.

The first would establish a new agency dedicated to combating online scams, potentially named the Department of Digital Crime Suppression.

"This is a major national problem," he said.

A second proposal would establish a national institute to develop Thai cultural and creative talent.

"Thailand has far more to offer than beauty contests," Mr Jade said.

"We want to take our culture to the world."