FULL MEMBER PARTIES Democrat Party of Thailand The Democrat Party has the longest history of all political parties in Thailand and has built a record of commitment to democracy. Founded in 1946, it spent many years after that as a major opposition party, playing a key role in building a democratic consciousness in the late ‘40s and into the ‘50s. Thailand plunged into dictatorship from 1958-68; thereafter, in the interim between dictatorships, the Democrat Party shifted between being the major opposition and being the ruling party. Throughout the 1980s, the Democrat Party grew stronger in tandem with Thai democracy. When Thailand’s most recent military coup occurred in 1992, the Democrat Party was a crucial part of the “People Power” movement. Address: 67 Setsiri Road, Samsen, Phyathai, Bangkok, 10400 Thailand Tel: +662-2700036 Fax: +662-2796086 Email: public@democrat.or.th Website: http://www.democrat.or.th Democratic Progressive Party of Taiwan On September 28th, 1986, the DPP became the first opposition party created during the period of martial law enacted by the Kuomintang (KMT). Founded mainly by family members and defense lawyers of political prisoners held by the KMT, the DPP consisted of political activists who risked their freedom and their lives to transform Taiwan’s political landscape. The arrival of the DPP initiated a new era of rapid democratic change to a nation forced to endure the one-party authoritarian state established by the KMT. The DPP has since evolved into a party dedicated to ensure social and political justice within Taiwan. The DPP has championed social welfare policies involving the rights of women, senior citizens, children, labors, indigenous peoples, farmers, and other disadvantaged sectors of society. On the political front, the DPP has won many battles for free speech, free press, the freedom of association, and respect for human rights. In 2000, Taiwan entered a new period of democracy when the DPP became the first ruling party in Taiwan other than the KMT. The eight years in government proved to be a valuable experience for the young party, with which we will continue its efforts to represent the will of the Taiwanese party as the current major opposition party. Internationally, the DPP strives for advocating the values of democracy, human rights and good governance as it continually works to establish and preserve alliances with other democratic countries. It is a member of Liberal International and a founding member of the Council of Asian Liberals and Democrats. It also represents Taiwan in the Unrepresented Nations and Peoples Organisation. Address: 10/F No. 30, Pei-ping East Road, Taipei, Taiwan Tel: +886-2-23929989 Fax: +886-2-23930342 Email: foreign@dpp.org.tw Website: http://www.dpp.org.tw
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