The party was given a potential boost on 20 July, when it was announced that Chamlong was to receive the coveted Magsaysay award for government service. The Thai language press was delighted, with Matichon praising Chamlong in a front-page lead for his struggle for democracy. Thai Rath regarded the award as a big boost for PDP in the elections, and the Daily News thought that the award would be a big boost for Chamlong to become a “top candidate" for the prime ministership.